When navigating the holiday season while affected by breast cancer, it’s essential to create traditions that foster comfort, joy, and togetherness while accommodating your unique circumstances. I was diagnosed last December 2022 with Breast Cancer and last year was a very tough year. This year I plan on enjoying the holiday season. Here are some wonderful traditions for the holiday season that can bring warmth and positivity to those impacted by breast cancer.
Wonderful Traditions for the Holiday Season
Memory-Making Activities:
Consider engaging in memory-making activities that aren’t physically demanding. This might involve watching cherished holiday movies, looking through photo albums, creating a scrapbook filled with happy memories, or playing holiday-themed games.
Personalized Ornaments:
Make or purchase personalized ornaments that represent strength, hope, and resilience. These ornaments serve as a reminder of your Breast Cancer journey and the courage it took to overcome the challenges of surviving breast cancer treatment.
Light a Candle of Hope:
Light a special candle during the holiday season as a symbol of hope, strength, and healing. It can be part of a daily ritual or lit during a quiet moment of reflection.
Virtual Gatherings:
If large gatherings are challenging due to health concerns, consider hosting or participating in virtual celebrations with family and friends. Share stories, laughter, and the holiday spirit through video calls or online gatherings.
Play Christmas-Themed Games With Family and Friends:
It might be difficult to go out to celebrate the holidays depending on your treatment and recovery. To make the holidays memorable for your kids and family find some games that are age-appropriate for your family. There are many cute games that you can download, print, and play without ever having to leave your house.
If you search on Pinterest and Etsy there are thousands to choose from. Some of my favorites are Christmas Charades, Christmas Escape Rooms, and Christmas Scavenger Hunts. My sister created an Etsy store, here’s a link if you want to check out some Christmas Escape Rooms she made: https://funprintablesbymel.etsy.com/listing/1589093748/christmas-escape-room-kit-christmas. If you like any of the Christmas games in her shop, here is a promo code for 30% off: https://funprintablesbymel.etsy.com?coupon=CHRISTMAS30. We plan to write more posts about how to make and sell printable games on Etsy as a side hustle.
If you don’t have the money to buy Christmas games, then I recommend looking at Pinterest. There are many really fun Christmas games, activities, and crafts that you can download for free and use supplies you already have at home to make your own games and crafts.
Mindfulness and Gratitude Practice:
Incorporate mindfulness and gratitude into your holiday traditions. Start a gratitude journal, take a nature walk to appreciate the season’s beauty, or practice meditation together as a family.
Acts of Kindness:
Engage in acts of kindness that bring joy to others. This could involve volunteering virtually, making handmade cards for hospital patients, or donating to organizations that support cancer patients and research.
This year I took an ornament off an adopt-a-family tree and I will get a present for a person in need to pay it forward for all the kindness strangers have shown me during my treatment and recovery.
Holiday Baking or Cooking:
Gather loved ones for a baking or cooking session focused on preparing favorite holiday treats or meals. It’s a wonderful way to bond, create new memories, and savor the festive flavors of the season. My family and I always make Christmas cookies together and I plan to get together with my Mom and sister to bake our favorite holiday cookies.
Adopt a Giving Tradition:
Start a tradition of giving by selecting a charity or cause that holds significance to you and your family. Make donations or participate in fundraisers as a way to give back and spread hope to others in need.
Create a Symbolic Tree:
Decorate a special tree or space in your home with symbols of hope, love, and support. This could include ribbons, messages of encouragement, or ornaments representing strength and resilience.
Share Stories of Resilience:
Encourage sharing stories of resilience and strength within your family or community. It can be empowering to hear how others have overcome challenges and found hope during difficult times.
Remember, that most meaningful traditions are those that bring comfort and unity to your family and loved ones. Adapt traditions to fit your energy levels and health while focusing on moments that foster connection, gratitude, and hope during this special time of year.
