The holidays are a magical time! While joyful, they can also be overwhelming, filled with celebrations with family, friends and co-workers. There are gifts to buy, parties to plan, food to cook and travels to pack for.

A cancer diagnosis or any serious health issue can make the holidays feel even more overwhelming.

Here are some tips from our team and cancer survivors to help you enjoy the holiday moments.

Reimagine the Holidays

While all the events and family time are exciting, it can also be a lot to handle. Going through a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment while figuring out what cancer survivorship means for you can be mentally and physically demanding. So, consider reimagining what the holidays look like for you and your family.

One way to start looking at this is to ask yourself what is most important to you and your family. Let your loved one who's coping with cancer treatment take the lead. They should tell the family what they can handle and what they want to do.

Six-year breast cancer survivor Moe LaTour shared that the holidays have changed some for her and her family since her diagnosis. “We treasure every moment. Simple things are meaningful things,” said Moe.

One great way to make the holidays easier is to reduce holiday events. You can skip hosting, attend just one party or invite fewer people to your gathering.

Another suggestion is to celebrate a holiday on a day other than the actual holiday. You could even throw all your usual plans out the window and create a new tradition that you have been wanting to do. Now is the time!

Capturing Memories 

One of the best parts of the holidays is spending time with family and friends, creating memories and being in the moment. Experiencing a cancer diagnosis often leads patients and family members to evaluate what is most important to them. They often look back on their lives and think about what they truly want to do with their future.

A great way to celebrate the holidays is to have a few people take photos. They can share these pictures with the whole family. 

Simplifying the Holidays

If your family is facing financial stress from cancer, there are steps you can take. These steps can help reduce the financial burdens in your life. 

Think about making the holidays simpler. You can encourage small, handmade gifts instead of store-bought ones. You might even consider having no gifts at all. 

Consider planning gatherings without any gift exchanges. Spend your time by helping others.

You can drop by for a short visit. You can watch a holiday movie together. You can also offer to take the family for a drive to see the Christmas lights.

Other Things to Consider

Due to the side effects of cancer treatment, some people’s sense of smell and their body temperature becomes extremely sensitive.

Remember to be aware of this by asking them if they need the temperature in the house adjusted, offering them blankets and minimizing the smells of food or extra fragrances when possible.

In addition, keep your visits short as people may tire much easier due to the physical and mental burdens.

Do you need ideas to support a patient or family facing a cancer diagnosis during the holidays? Here are some of our favorites:

• Offer to write holiday cards for them
• Decorate their house for the holidays
• Plan a gift-wrapping party to help
• Meal prep for holiday events
• Offer to host a gathering if they are the ones that always host
• Offer to do some of their holiday shopping for them while you are out and about
• Plan an informal photo shoot for the family or take photos of the family at events
• Help them organize and display family photos and memories
• Talk about something other than their cancer diagnosis
• Just stop and listen 

Be True to Yourself

“If you are a cancer survivor or cancer caregiver, remember this: If you wish to not engage in holiday celebrations that is okay! Celebrate by taking care of yourself. However, I encourage you to not sit in a space of loneliness for too long. Take some time alone, but then make the effort to connect with the people who mean the most to you,” shares Tamara Sorrye, licensed mental health counselor and director of social services at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.

Reviewed November 26, 2024, by: Tamara Sorrye, LMHC-QS, Director of Social Services & Licensed Mental Health Counselor