Holidays can be a stressful for anyone but especially for those suffering from a serious illness. People tend to view the holidays as a time to celebrate, rejoice, and renew connections with friends and family. However, many people end up feeling isolated, unhappy, and abandoned when dealing with a life-threatening illness.

Here are some practical guidelines for helping you and your family to get by, during the holidays and throughout the year:

• Plan get-togethers with friends, family, and co-workers. Accept invitations from others, invite people over, or join an organized holiday celebration through your church, synagogue, or local YMCA. Don’t be alone!
• If you plan to host a party, don’t take on all the responsibility! Don’t worry about keeping up with all the traditions. Ask others to bring a dish, co-host, or plan to eat out at a restaurant.
• Too tired for shopping for gifts and cards, or standing in line to mail packages? Enlist the help of friends, or use mail order catalogues. E-mail your greetings to others, or make a phone call. You can always send a card or gift later when you are feeling up to it.
• Don’t be pushed into celebrating by well meaning friends or family if you are really nit in a cheerful mood. If you feel low emotionally or physically postpone your party pr outing. Give yourself permission not to join this years festivities. There will be other opportunities to socialize.
• If you feel sad about years gone by express yourself. It’s okay to cry. Tears bring a sense of relief as you experience the mixture of anticipation, disappointment, and apprehension about the future. Talk to a loved one, friend, or a professional counselor.

Adapted from Cancer Care’s Coping With Cancer During the Holidays; Practical Guidelines. For complete information, see their website: www.cancercare.org