Navigating Christmas, New Years and all the festivities they bring with them can be a real challenge during cancer. I thought I would give some general information along with helpful hints and tips with the hope of making your holidays brighter. Much of the information will be a review - but nonetheless information that bears repeating.
It is very important to make simple changes in how you approach the next few weeks. This year IS NOT like all the other years. Be content to accept that - and not be hard on yourself because you do not make all the goodies you usually do OR you don't manage to get the Christmas letter and cards out in time - or at all.
You can make new memories this year! Some of the things you do differently this year may become traditions. Ask your husband, children or friends what one goodie they love the most that you make and then incorporate their help in making it. You will still have the joy of baking and sharing it with those you love without the undo stress and exertion required to make many different recipes. How about sending Christmas e-cards this year? You can take a few moments and design a simple one with a personal message, if you have the software and already know the program or choose a card from one of the free e-card websites. Just type "free e-cards" into your search bar. If these things are just too much for you to handle right now - sit back and learn to delegate duties more and be willing to accept the offers family and friends make to lessen your load physically and mentally.
With all the holiday parties and festivities, be extremely cautious not to compromise your health further when you are around large crowds. The best choice is to stay away from such functions just for this year. Instead, choose a couple of friends to invite in for a cup of hot chocolate and some board games. (Make certain each guest understands they are no longer invited if they develop a cold or come down with the flu.) But, if you must attend a function, take these precautions. Instead of shaking hands simply smile genuinely and verbally tell the person how nice it is to see them - or meet them. If the function is formal - make a beautiful pair of gloves part of your wardrobe for the evening and then you can shake all the hands you want. Use the same hand every time you shake so that you can remove just that one
glove when handling food or a beverage or when touching your face in any way. If you are in a group of people you are comfortable with - and who are aware of your cancer journey - you can wear a mask to protect yourself. Have some fun with it if you like and try painting a pair of lips on it. You will find that when others perceive you are OK with your cancer journey they will be much more comfortable and willing to spend time talking with you about what you are experiencing. So, be the life of the party - all the while being cautious.
Finally, do one fun and simple thing you have never done before. That way you will always remember the year you did it, or the first year you did it - if it becomes a tradition.
Carin Hansen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40. After a long battle she emerged victorious and began a one-on-one wardrobe and beauty consulting business for other women journeying through cancer. She has been a model, actress, talent agency owner, benefit founder, certified acting/modeling instructor, writer, speaker and passionate cancer advocate. Please visit Carin's website athttp://www.bridges2beauty.net for information and encouragement that is helpful and hopeFULL. You can purchase a hard copy of her book "A Woman's Cancer Journey Primer" or upload a free PDF on the website also. Check out her other ezine articles and blog.
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