How to Survive the Holidays with Multiple Sclerosis
The holiday season can be something to look forward to with excitement or dread, or for many of us, some combination of the two. Having multiple sclerosis means you may face additional challenges during the festive season. Keeping a healthy balance between participating in seasonal activities and looking after yourself can help you avoid becoming stressed and aggravating MS symptoms such as fatigue.
Keep it simple
From wrapping gifts to making sure the turkey doesn’t overcook, there can be a long list of things to do over the holidays. The key is to keep it simple and make holiday preparations easier.
- Give the mall a miss. Instead, shop online or by phone.
- Ask for help from family: make Christmas dinner a family affair – ask everyone to bring a dish and decide on who will help out in the kitchen before during and after the meal. Better yet, accept your sister-in-law’s invitation to host this year!
- Prioritize activities: to be done today; over the next few days; later this week; or put off indefinitely.
- Remember you can say, “No thanks” if friends and family make requests that you feel would be too much to handle. They will understand.
Keep it regular
It isn’t always easy, but try to maintain a regular routine when it comes to eating and sleeping. Enjoy festive food and drink in moderation. Avoid constipation, which can be a problem when you have MS. Make sure to keep up on your fibre and water consumption during the holidays, when you may be inclined to eat a little more than usual.
Getting together during the holidays
Whether your holiday fun is happening in your home or elsewhere, you may find yourself dealing with large gatherings. A noisy room full of people can be jarring and distracting, especially if you have cognitive changes related to MS. If you attend a big party, finding a quiet corner that allows more intimate conversation may be the ideal way to enjoy yourself. When it comes to socializing, as with everything else during the holidays, it’s all about pacing yourself.
Be prepared for fatigue
Make your holiday plans with a built-in escape route, in case MS fatigue causes an unexpected energy burn-out. It might be a babysitter who’s on call, or a friend who’s ready to give you an early ride home from the Christmas party.
Beware of depression
Feelings of sadness can touch many people during this season of family and celebration, and when you have MS, you are at increased risk for depression. Don’t let a low mood persist without doing something to turn it around. Try to get out in the sunshine (sunlight helps your body naturally generate feel-good chemicals like serotonin). Or engage in some physical activity, which also helps combat stress and depressive symptoms.
Go for a walk
Get your sunshine and some exercise at the same time – take a walk. During the winter, proper footwear helps to ensure safety on slippery sidewalks. Ensure your boots are lightweight yet have a thick, non-slip tread. Plus, try to find boots with a wide, low heel to provide stability. Consider ice gripping attachments for your footwear or for your cane.
Express yourself
Family gatherings can be emotional at times. Reach out instead of keeping your feelings in. If your family is likely to be confronting emotional issues (such as a recent death or illness) over the holidays, talk about it rather than trying to ignore your feelings, and make plans that feel right for you and your family.
To share your feelings with others who have MS, check out the MS Society of Canada’s website MS Discuss: an online message board connecting people around the globe with common concerns. There is a variety of topics at MS Discuss.
Give back
You are likely grateful for the support you receive from your friends and family. Consider giving that special person a special gift. Arrange to have another family member, friend, or professional personal support worker step in, so that your regular caregiver can take a real break. Whether it’s a few days for a getaway, or an afternoon off every week, they will benefit and so will you.
Take in a show
You might consider taking your caregiver out for a night at the movies, on you! The Access 2 EntertainmentTM Card can help. With it, individuals with a disability can receive either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at member movie theatres across Canada. Just show your card when you buy your ticket (at the regular price), and your escort gets in free or at a significant discount. Visit Access 2 Entertainment to find out more, and apply for your card.
Or help the person who helps you to get some support for themselves. Encourage your caregiver to join the MS Society Caregiver Network, so they can benefit from regular newsletters and updates on What’s New in MS Caregiving.
Gift ideas for the person with MS
If you're wondering what to get that special someone that not only will they love but can also help them better manage their MS, here are a few ideas:
- Body cooling clothing (e.g. cooling vests, neck kerchief, wrist bands)
- Recipe book with one-dish microwave meals - look for those in large print with clear instructions.
- Easy to grip kitchen utensils with large, flexible handles make those household tasks like peeling vegetables much easier for a person who is affected by spasticity or weakness.
- Motion detector night light
- Hip protectors (discreet, padded shells to wear under clothes, for those at risk of falls)
- Bath aids. Long handled bath brushes and sponges are great in the tub or shower to help with those hard to reach places such as one's back and feet. Properly installed grab rails on the shower wall will make it easier to get in and out of the bath safely and prevent falls.
- Gift certificate: offer to do errands or perform some demanding household task