Christmas Time With Endometriosis

Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a really difficult time for some. Facing this busy period with chronic illness, with people to see, places to be, and money to be spent, can be both physically and mentally exhausting.

Here are a few tips that might help make Christmas time a little easier:

Get organized!

Organizing yourself saves not only time, but much needed energy! It's also more difficult to forget something if it's written down! Make lists of everything that needs to be done: from gifts and cards, to food and decorations. Try to prioritize your tasks, delegate to others if you can, and schedule things to certain days to spread the load.

The earlier you can start to prepare for Christmas, the better! That way, you'll have plenty of time to get everything done and it will also spread the cost. Christmas can be expensive, but there are usually sales on towards the end of seasons, as well as Black Friday and Cyber Week sales. Every penny counts, especially if your health is preventing you from being able to work.

It's also important to make sure you've checked that you have all your medication in as the doctors and chemists (pharmacists) may be closed over the Christmas period.

Make it simple!

Christmas doesn't have to be the same in every household or for every family. Have a think about what works for you and your family and go with that!

You don't need to cook a big roast dinner with all the trimmings. You could even get someone else to do all the hard work and eat out at a restaurant instead. Minimize decorations in areas of your house that visitors won't see. If wrapping gifts is difficult for you, try using gift bags or find somewhere that wraps your gifts for you. You can also avoid the Christmas crowds by shopping online from the comfort of your home.

Self-care is a priority!

Self-care should always be top of your list of priorities. Take moments to rest where you can. Whether that be sitting down with a cup of tea, having an afternoon nap, getting out of the house for a slow walk or running yourself a nice hot, bubbly bath. Slow down and pace yourself.

It's also important to remember that you can say "no" to things if you don't feel you can or want to do them. It's okay to take time out at family events, even if it's just sitting down in another room for a few moments. And please don't be too hard on yourself. Your best is enough.

Ask for help!

Remember that it isn't down to you to do everything! Ask for help. Let others know if you are struggling or if you don't feel well.

And, finally...

Enjoy!

Christmas is about spending time with loved ones. Don't let this horrible disease get in the way of that.

Merry Christmas, everyone!