Cancer is a difficult thing to cope with no matter what is going on in your life. When life speeds up a notch and there is baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, and parties to attend, the entire experience may become very stressful and  exhausting. You worry about keeping up old family traditions, when you just don't have the energy to do so. There can also be fear or anxiety about attending those holiday parties and having to visit with family and friends. Here is some advice that may help.

KEEP IT SIMPLE, ASK FOR HELP.....

Take a deep breath and remember this is supposed to be the time of year to relax and enjoy.
You may be the one who always prepared the special holiday meal so this might be the year to create a new tradition and ask family and friends to share a pot luck holiday meal with each person bringing a unique dish. Or perhaps a neighbor you feel close to may ask other neighbors to pitch in and bring a pot luck meal to your home for the holidays. If someone suggests doing this for you, accept the kind gesture.

Also, pace yourself with the holiday gatherings. You may need to decline a few events to take care of yourself, however, don't spend the entire holiday season alone. Pick those events you enjoy the most and do attend these events. It is good to spend time with friends and family, you may just not be able to do as much as you used to, but don't swing 180 degrees in the other direction. You may need to make adjustments. Instead of a day of baking cookies with friends, perhaps you could meet at your favorite restaurant and enjoy some desserts together.

Be creative in how you spend your time so that you are doing what you enjoy the most during the time of day when you have the most energy. Perhpas have a holiday brunch instead of a late dinner gathering if you have more energy in the mornings. Use decorative paper plates instead of your china which you would have to wash by hand.

If you feel you MUST shop, take advantage of shopping on line. Now is not the time to run yourself ragged driving all over town for "that special gift". Instead, give yourself a gift and relax, use the on line option and have the gifts delivered to your home. Also share your feelings with your loved ones. Sometimes this can be the greatest gift for all of you. Tears and laughter can provide great feelings of calm happiness.

For more advice visit: www.cancer.net and http://www.cancercare.org/publications/55-coping_with_cancer_during_the_holidays