How to Cope at Christmas with a Chronic Illness
Let’s get one thing out of the way: this year’s Christmas will be like no other we have ever experienced. Due to Covid, it is unlikely that there will be any sort of ‘Christmas party season’, and if the ‘rule of six’ is still in place, many of us will be forced to make alternative Christmas plans.
For some people with chronic illnesses, especially those that can cause fatigue, this alternative Christmas season might be a relief. However, Christmas may still be a stressful time when also dealing with a long-term condition. Here are some tips on how to get through Christmas when you have a chronic illness.
Get Organised Early
Chronic illnesses can be unpredictable by their very nature. Getting organised, and being prepared for every eventuality can be crucial in the lead-up to Christmas.
Getting your present buying sorted is stressful for anyone, but people with chronic illnesses especially cannot leave this to the last minute. Make a list of people and ideas for potential gifts as soon as possible and start working your way down it. If shopping in town is not possible this Christmas because of the pandemic, utilise online shopping from places like Amazon. If you’re a person that loves to support independent businesses, using Etsy, where you can buy handmade and bespoke gifts from independent sellers might be more your thing.
If Coronavirus means that you have to arrange a slightly different Christmas day than usual, make sure these plans are in place in good time. Think about what you will need if you will be hosting this Christmas, or if you need to make travel plans in advance to visit people further away.
Get Cosy on Christmas Day
Wherever you end up celebrating Christmas. Make sure that you are comfortable and cosy in whatever you wear.
If you decide that you want to over-indulge this Christmas, go ahead, but think smart and don’t wear your tightest jeans or dress! Get in your snazziest trackie bottoms, put on your fluffy socks and snuggle down! Being comfortable is also helpful if you are going to be cooking on Christmas day or engaging in any games or activities (extra tip: make sure your cosy socks have some grip on the sole if you’re on your feet during the day, slipping over and injuring yourself is not good fun, especially at Christmas!).
Eat and Drink What You Want
Emphasis on you. Some chronic illnesses can be affected by diet, so what you eat can be crucial. Remember that what you eat and how much of it is entirely your business, but at a time of year that is so focussed around food, it is so easy to end up feeling guilty about what you do or don’t consume. Saying this, if you are not the host this Christmas, it’s still a good idea to make sure that whoever is hosting you is aware of any dietary needs that you might have beforehand so that they can be prepared.
Alcohol can be a contentious subject over the festive season; some people see a drink on Christmas day as a non-negotiable part of tradition, and others might prefer to stay away from it completely. If you have a chronic illness, do always check with your GP if it is safe to consume alcohol with your medical condition or alongside your medication.
Sort Out Your Medication
It’s so important that you make sure you have enough of the medication that you need in order to get you through the Christmas period. There is nothing worse than realising that you are out of tablets on Christmas day when your local GP surgery and pharmacies are closed. If you are going to be spending Christmas away from home, it is especially important to make sure that you have packed more than enough of the medication that you will need, taking into account if plans could change and if you might have to stay away from home longer than you first anticipated.
In conclusion, being organised early for Christmas is so important for anyone with a chronic illness. Your friends and family might be surprised that you are thinking about the festive season so early, but you can explain to them that it’s crucial to reduce your anxiety about the day and will also be helpful for them in the long run.
With that in mind, get your notepad and diary ready to start preparing right away!
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Written by Hannah Leigh Vooght
