Traditions, especially during the winter holidays, are a significant part of our culture. For many of us, traditions bring a sense of connection and comfort. They represent consistency and hold great meaning and purpose. But how do we keep a tradition alive when things are ever-changing?
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The holidays can be a stressful time of year for anyone, but for those living with MS, it can be even more stressful. Things that may seem like a simple and even fun task, like baking, may be a daunting and time-consuming one for us with MS. When you’re dealing with a chronic illness, you must learn to take it easy on yourself. Give yourself some grace, even during the holiday season.
I’ve made some changes in my life to lessen my holiday anxiety and lighten the load a bit. For example, not putting so much pressure on myself to make dozens of homemade cookies or desserts. I use easy recipes that do not involve a lot, like this one I share with you below. It is one of my favorites and a crowd pleaser to boot! Spoiler alert: no one is going to care, or even know you made a boxed cake, I promise. š
Continue readingBy Dana Mietus
Letās start with some good news you might not know: No matter what way you choose to spell the Jewish festival of lights – you wonāt be wrong. Of course, you could also see it as you canāt be right, but as someone who regularly spell-checks the word ārestaurantā (no I did not get it right the first time writing this) I prefer to choose the never wrong option.
By Diana Cruz
Iām someone you would call an “extroverted introvert,” or as Google so kindly put it, an ambivert. Spending time with my family and friends, and even getting out of my comfort zone to meet new people, brings me excitement and a sense of fulfillment. Yet, Iāve noticed that these feelings only bring me a positive experience when there is also a balance of āme time.ā Iāve found that time alone to prepare prior to an event, as well as afterward to recharge is ideal, personally. However, as someone who comes from a big Dominican family, finding this time alone can sometimes be difficult, especially during the holidays.
Continue readingIt is the time of the year when we have all these lovely holidays just round the corner. The time of the year when we get together with friends and family to share the cheer and joy. But with the holidays comes the stress of organizing, planning and attending parties. Getting through the store aisles can be daunting with a lot of last-minute shopping taking place.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while getting ready for the fun days ahead.
Continue readingHoliday season is here! While the holiday season can be a cheerful and joyous time, it can also be very stressful and demanding. Back-to-back holiday parties, social obligations, shopping, and entertaining guests can quickly become too much to handle. Alongside this, the feeling of loneliness and isolation are also very common around the holidays. With a few helpful tips and strategies, there are several ways to cope with stress and anxiety so you can enjoy this festive time of year.
Continue readingItās hard to believe, but the holiday season is upon us once again. Weāve entered November and have already had some cooler temps across the country these days, helping to signify that special time of year. The holidays mean something different to everyone. And for some it means a period of stress and tension trying to plan and prepare for the festivities to come. But the holidays donāt have to encompass just tension and hard work. We can make things a little easier with some planning and prep ahead of time.
Make Lists
I am a huge proponent of making lists. They help keep us organized and help us to recall things that need to be done. Having lists written out gives you a better idea of what your tasks are and allows you to put things in order of priority. Itās also a great feeling being able to throw the list away once youāre done with it.
Keep it Simple
Sometimes less is more. During the holidays thereās already a lot going on, so why not simplify things where you can. Cooking for the holiday? Maybe focus on less side dishes or the abundance of dessert varieties. If gathering with others, go potluck for the meal. Have others prepare their favorite dish to bring to the occasion. And maybe even swap recipes with one another to make it more fun. If youāre able to, why not have a holiday meal or party catered? Or perhaps order your favorite takeout and gather with friends and family. Keeping it simple helps free up time to do other things you enjoy during the season.
Ask for Help
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help, and at the holidays is no exception. Asking others to help plan and prepare meals, purchase goods, or clean and organize, can help you conserve energy and helps to maintain sanity during what can be a hectic time of year. Others may be very willing and eager to help, especially if they donāt have their own share of endless tasks to conquer. You can also pick and choose who you ask for support. You donāt have to take on everything alone.
This time of year can be truly wonderful and magical. It doesnāt have to look a certain way or cost lots of money. Itās about enjoying the spirit of the season, the joy, the lights, the hope. Be sure to carve out time to appreciate the special moments of the season. Nothing is or must be perfect. It can just be whatever it means to you.
Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season!
The year was an unexpected one,
to say the very least,
it was unlike any weāve had,
letās just say 2020 was a beast.
I donāt know about you, but I canāt believe weāre already stepping into the holiday season. Itās bizarre to think that this year is almost over. I think many will be glad to see its end, as 2020 has for sure brought so many changes and ups and downs. In what has become a most unconventional year, the holidays may rightfully look a little different too. But thatās not to say that they will have any less meaning or celebration. This holiday season may just have a uniqueness unlike years before.
In this context, different doesnāt have to mean non-existent or absent. Maybe it means just having to tweak or modify the way the holidays are celebrated. It may not be the same nature of holidays past, especially with large gatherings and mingling. But you can still connect, still rejoice, and reflect. I always believed this time of year held special beliefs and a bit of magic. That does not have to change.
So instead of large family gatherings with everyone being in the same place at once, maybe celebrations are broken down into smaller groups at a timeāmuch smaller groups. Weather permitting, maybe dinners and activities are held outdoors this year. And heaters and fire pits can be used in chillier climates, unless MS heat sensitivity is an issue, then the colder temps may be welcome. Thereās also the possibility to find community traditions and events still being held in your area this season too. Again, with some changes, but still bringing a sense of festivity and merriment for this time of year.
Virtual connection remains a strong, ongoing theme of 2020, and throughout the holidays it will be more important than ever for many. Still being able to talk to and see one another, even if miles apart, will help keep holiday spirits alive. Whether itās having virtual game nights and mealtimes, watching holiday movies or reading/telling stories to one another. The holidays can still create happiness and cheer. Especially after what this year has brought. Not celebrating the season would be an added sting that we donāt deserve. Staying connected through the holiday season is whatās going to keep beliefs strong, and joy possible.
Guys, itās November. Um, what?!
I canāt believe we are already in the month of November. It seems like just yesterday we were in the month of March, and the entire country was quarantining. Now here we are in November with the country opened up a little bit more, and we have officially entered into the holiday season. So, now that most of us will be home for the holidays, letās talk about Continue reading