How To Enjoy The Holidays When Living With Chronic Illness

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The holidays are upon us and my house looks like a UPS store. There are so many boxes! I’ve just given up shopping in stores until (or if) I get an electric wheelchair. My dizziness is worse and my surgically-repaired ankle still has pain when I walk even a little bit. Of course, my fatigue and back pain are the final nail in that coffin.

I love Christmas and the days before, where I try to make the house smell great and bake delicious foods. I cook less all the time, but made some healthy pumpkin muffins this morning. They tasted so good, but the second pan got very dark. They still taste good, but aren’t the light and fluffy. My guys will eat them and say how yummy they are.

Having our youngest here is so great! We’ve missed him as he’s been working his first job 1,000 miles away. Our oldest is also here, because he has big plumbing problems at his home. It’s super fun to have them both staying here, even if they are sleeping on bunk beds. (Full over Queen – so they’re fitting alright).

Holidays are so hard for me. My pain from arthritis, sjogren’s, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and headaches from the brain tumor are really awful. Walking hurts, but the worst thing is that when I get up from sitting I can only walk about 5 steps before the dizziness. I use my cane and often lean against the wall until I feel better.

I have 3 frozen pies and plan to make a special chicken dinner instead of the turkey and dressing. I could change my mind if the family really want all of that. They seem to be fine with just about anything. I’m thankful for that type of support. When living with chronic illnesses I have had to learn to accept my limitations. It’s such a blessing when my family accepts them, too. Support like this really helps me to avoid the guilt I naturally feel when I can’t take care of my family the way I used to do.

Some ways to save your energy when hosting Christmas dinner:

• Delegate- Don’t try to do everything yourself. First of all, it’s impossible. Even if you can finish all the tasks, you will pay for it later. When you push yourself, pain and exhaustion are usually worse. Relatives or friends can cook some of the food, clean, set up tables, decorate, etc.
• If you don’t have help from family and friends, there is always the possibility to find home cleaners or caterers. That can be very expensive, so check out all the different ways to have food prepared. Grocery stores have prepared holiday food that you can purchase.

If you want to have a cookie decorating station for kids, cookies could be purchased from a bag just use prepared-dough sliced sugar cookies. Have them cooked and then let kids decorate.them with prepared icing in a bag.

• If you plan to have appetizers, you can find budget-friendly prepared ahead at a store like Sam’s Club, Costco, etc.

The most important rule for me is to pace myself. I am not getting much accomplished each day, because I just can’t do it. When Christmas Eve day comes, I’ll announce to my family that it’s now or never. They start pitching in so that we can complete all the preparations. Christmas day is a great day to sit back and enjoy the holiday, knowing that I am tired but not severely crushed.

‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord’” (Luke 2:8-11).

I’m praying that we all will have a special Christmas day. Take care of yourself and don’t over-do it.

@2025, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical expert. This post contains my opinions and experiences and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical issue, please contact your personal physician.