Coping with Chronic Illness over Christmas: 9 Tips for a Stress-Free Festive Season

Coping with chronic illness over Christmas may seem easier said than done. After all, the festive season can be such a stressful time of year for anybody. Add living with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis (MS) into the mix, and you can quickly feel overwhelmed. But don't worry; Birgit Bauer brings us the ultimate Christmas gift!

Today, Birgit shares her 9 top tips for simplifying the festive season and beating the physical and emotional stress that comes with it.

I love Christmas. Every year over December, I take up the role of Santa's Little Helper. This makes for a busy month, as Christmas, while lovely, can be a stressful time of year. We all envision a pleasant and peaceful time, but there is much to be done to make it happen.

And coping with chronic illness over Christmas on top of everything else can seem like an especially big ask. Not only do you need delicious meals, festive biscuits, thoughtful gifts, and pretty decorations, but you also need to ensure your house is neat and ready for guests. And, let’s not forget, not all family members get along all the time, if at all, so it can be emotionally stressful, too.

As someone living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it isn't always easy to manage everything and to have everything well organized and in place. So, a few years ago, I stopped trying to be perfect. I have internalized that festive time is there for rest and enjoyment, not stress and worry. 

9 ways to make Christmas more chronic illness-friendly

1. Remember - to-do lists make everything easier!

I begin working on my to-do list in October to ensure I have enough time to prepare everything in good time and stay calm. I use digital notetakers, or sometimes a good old-fashioned notebook and a pen. Just make sure you don't lose it!

2. Don’t go mad with gift-giving

You don’t have to buy everyone a present. Agree with your family to present small gifts under the tree for children and close family only. Instead of spending hours in the shop, ask for a wish list to easily find something the other person wants. 

3. Shop online to minimize fatigue

Start buying your presents in good time. I make a list with gift ideas throughout the year and start thinking about possible gifts in earnest in August.

To avoid the mad rush of the shops, I buy online. It saves time and energy and ensures that I never feel overwhelmed.

4. Three doesn’t have to be a crowd when it comes to cooking

If you have a lot of people over for dinner, make sure to ask for support. I find cooking with friends and family to be fun and we follow the cozy Danish trend of hygge, a mix of friendliness, warmth, and coziness.

So, light the fire, place a few candles in different spots around the house, and get together in the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to ask your guests to bring dishes to contribute for a fun, potluck feel.

5. Do your food prep and planning early

Don't leave all your food shopping for the last minute either. Chances are it will all be sold out, and you will have the extra stress of being unable to find ingredients. Buy roasts in the weeks leading up to Christmas and store in the freezer. Soups, biscuits, and pasta sauces can also be prepared ahead of time and frozen.

This will save you time when your guests are there, allowing you to have meals ready in minutes and focus on time spent having fun.

6. Take it easy with the housework

The people who love you know your house and don’t expect hotel standards of cleanliness. Do the same tidying and cleaning as you would normally, nothing more.

7. Let your inner social butterfly hibernate

It’s okay to say no if you don’t feel up to it. You don’t have to meet everyone over the festive period. Being sociable all day long can be one of the hardest parts of coping with chronic illness over Christmas, causing emotional fatigue, resentment, and stress.

So, prioritise who is most important and who you want to spend time with. Focus on positive people and make sure you get enough rest in between.

8. Give up on “perfect”

Come as you are. Forget the rule that everything, including you, has to look perfect over the holidays. If you enjoy dressing up, fine. But if someone has a problem, remember that the problem is theirs, not yours.

9. Ask for help, even if you don’t think you’ll need it (you will!) 

As with cooking, ask for help when it comes to decorating. In countries like Germany, most people decorate their Christmas tree on the 24th. However, if you decorate it earlier, why not make it a communal experience? Have people over for food while you play carols and decorate the tree. This will save time over the busy days for rest.

Coping with chronic illness over Christmas can be tough with all the added stress and the hustle and bustle. But it can be the most wonderful time of the year when we take care of ourselves. So, relax, make yourself cozy, and get enough rest. Merry Christmas!

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01420 NOVEMBER 2024