Tips to help you through the festive season - seeking our online members' wisdom!

Marianne_BCNA

Last year BCNA put together a tipsheet for getting through the festive season. This year we would like to do something a little different and put together a compilation of our online members' tips for how you have managed the ups and downs of the silly season. Funny stories/tips more than welcome. We'll then put together everyone's ideas and share it online in the hope this will provide support to those newly diagnosed.
Looking forward to your input!
Marianne

Afraser

I realise that this may not be in the spirit of the thing, but for decades (LONG before I got cancer) I have dealt with the festive season by engaging with it as little as possible. The stress it causes many people is madness. If you enjoy it all and take it in your stride, fine. But if not, your treatment/illness/recovery may be a good time to opt out or tone down. I am not a Christian (that bit seems terminally lost), don't have a large, close knit family, and can't stand the rampant commercialisation. I'll give to those in much greater need than I am, continue to be close to those near and dear (a year round thing), sing a hymn or two in solidarity with those who do believe even if I don't and try and skip the rest!! 

June1952

One tip, if you are a 'social drinker' and really enjoy the festive season think ahead and offer to be the 'designated driver' - that way you can party along with the rest, not over-indulge in the glass department and have a damn good excuse for being so good (and quietly sticking somewhat to your promise to remain as 'cancer free' as possible) !  

Romla

I agree with @Afraser I have always preferred to head down the coast with my family ASAP after school break up to get away from the Christmas crush to laze in the sun at the beach when it’s relatively quiet as everyone else is frantically  Into it.  We meet up with people we haven’t seen all year from all over the state - the living is easy , communal and fun. Christmas Day is always at home with our immediate family - the only thing I miss is early wake ups with excited tots opening presents as my lot are now too old but too young to be presenting grandchildren. Christmas tips ? Whatever makes you happy  , keeps you safe and above all brings enjoyment to your life.

[Deleted User]

I have always loved Christmas time. Three years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and then my nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumour at 2, the next year.  He is better now, but this  changed everything, including Christmas for my family and me. It became a time of loss. 

Since then we’ve mixed things up a bit,  dropped the gift giving and the shopping and we are starting to get back to a sense of celebration. We appreciate each other more, although feelings are still quite raw.

My first Christmas after being diagnosed with cancer I took all of my favourite baubles and put them on a plate to get the Christmas feeling without the hassle of a tree. It’s about doing what makes you feel good, changing things, or keeping them the same. It’s just one day of the year and I try not to stress. Fresh salad, seafood and ham help make the day low fuss. I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and holiday period this year. x 

kezmusc

I love christmas.....once the shopping is done that is.  We always have xmas at our house and have a rather large family.  So last year xmas was exactly 14 days after my first round of chemo (I had myself absolutely convinced I was going to wake up bald christmas morning even though I went to bed with a full head of hair and was using the cooling cap LOL)  
I decided to ignore cancer for christmas and pretend it wasn't happening.

I did everything exactly the way I always do.  Got up early to stuff the turkey, bake, prepare salads etc.  I love doing the table decorations and probably went way over the top with centrepieces, tinsel, lights and candles but too bad.  I put a "No cancer talk"  rule in place.  Put on a nice outfit, some sparkly stillettos and glittery santa hat.

I had a fantastic day with great food (and probably too many wines) family and friends. Laughed our asses off playing "Cards against Humanity"  and just forgot about everything else for a while.
Can't wait to do it again this year!

primek

As my babies are young men but still without girlfriends and ny parents have passed Xmas is quiet for us. Last year...after a year of treatment it was particularly special. With each son I cooked together a course for lunch.  So prawn cocktails with son 1 including making the sauce etc. And prepping tbe crayfish.  Son 2 and I made the deep fried camembert, prepped the oysters and the calamari. Son 3 and I made a special dessert. I made a simple toss salad and cut fruit. Simple and togetherness. Husband's job was to assist with the webber etc. And coordinate the drinka rtc. Tea was a basic roast dinner...hense the webber. 

The meal prepping brought back memories of me doing the same with my Mum. I was exhausted though. Had a nap...but so happy to be alive to celebrate being with my family. Kath x

SoldierCrab

@Afraser
 this one ? 

Afraser

Aha! Thank you!

iserbrown

Having cancer, in my view, teaches tolerance; the pettiness of others is dismissed!  It just doesn't matter - being alive, enjoying time with family and or friends!  Even if for some of us are a little lopsided, walk like we're well into our 90s thanks to side effects!  Season greetings to all 

wendy_h67

You could not said it better, iserbrown . Thats exactly how I feel.

Marianne_BCNA

These reflections and thoughts regarding Xmas are wonderful. They really are tips for anyone to remember at this time, not just those with breast cancer. Any more words of wisdom from our online community?

onemargie

Eat too much drink too much,  remember and celebrate the loved ones who cant be here to share it with you and be grateful to have the ones around you that can spend it with you. Simple. Xx 

JanineG

Thankyou ladies.. I must admit I have been feeling a bit blah about Xmas this year. It has felt like another chore!
 But not now. I've got the decorations down, tonight I will encourage my partner and daughter to list all their favourite Xmas eats and drinks. Then deligate! Yes why not eat drink and laugh the day away.
 Merry Xmas, happy holiday season to all who wish to endulge. 
And to those who don't I do hope some love and happiness will travel your way. Xo Janine

adean

I know longer go mad with gifts. I put so much thought when l buy something l know will be special l love watching the faces when l know l bought for the person not for the sake. On saturday l have my bc support group xmas lunch we must only spend $10 and it must come from the op shop we randomly draw a number and thats the gift we get but if you want you can steal another persons we crack up its so funny.

Brenda5

Mum has offered to do Christmas dinner this year at her place which is a blessing as she is a good cook and keeps a nice tidy house. Neither of those are talents of mine lol.