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!!
