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

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 

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.

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) !   :)

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!!