MS and the holiday season: What's your experience?
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many people, MS or not. Living with MS doesn't make that any easier, in fact, it can create additional issues during an already stressful time. It may seem early to talk about it, but it will be here before we know it! So, how do the holidays and your MS get along? Is it a comforting time of year for you? Do you have additional challenges? Are you dreading it or looking forward to it? Do you do anything special to cope with the season?
I tend to dread the holiday season. I find the best thing for my MS is to keep a pretty regular schedule. That routine often gets interrupted during the holiday season. In addition to that, it tends to create feelings of expectation in everyone that can be hard to live up to. Speaking of hard expectations to live up to, I'm someone who often has to cancel a lot because of my symptoms. That leads to disappointment for me, my family, and my friends. That disappointment seems magnified during the holidays. While I dislike the holiday season, I understand why so many love it. One thing is for sure, I am looking forward to the cooler weather that often comes where I live during the holidays.
So how about you? What is your experience with MS and the holidays?
The holidays are definitely getting closer and I know it's ramped up my anxiety a bit!
Holiday season makes me want to curl up in bed and watch Hallmark movies. Just leave me alone. In previous years when I went to family gatherings I would be placed somewhere that my wheelchair would not be in the way. Then I felt ignored. I tried to move around and be involved in the conversation of my family members but when I paused to get words out others would talk over me. I would just stop talking. I felt left out. Just let me stay home and enjoy my own time. Then I wouldn’t get more depressed than if I had been there. 
The holiday season can be so challenging, especially when past experiences have left you feeling ignored or excluded. It's completely valid to decide how you spend your time and prioritize your emotional well-being. Curling up with Hallmark movies sounds like a warm and peaceful way to embrace the holidays on your own terms.
I can relate to your feelings. Over the years, I’ve also found myself leaning toward spending holidays alone. It takes so much energy to be social and engaged, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. For me, guilt sometimes creeps in because I have kids who expect a grand holiday experience. Even when I feel drained, I try to set aside my wants to give them the joy they deserve. Quick question for you—have you ever thought about sharing how you feel with someone in your family whom you trust? Sometimes, having even one ally can help create a more inclusive and understanding environment. But if that’s not something you feel ready for, your decision to celebrate your way sounds like the perfect gift to yourself. You deserve joy and peace, however you define them. 💜 -Latoya (Team Member)
Lori Foster I’m getting geared up to watch Christmas movies on Hallmark and Lifetime. Between football and Christmas movies my days are filled. I love this time of the year. Every year I buy at least 1 or 2 new decorations. It will be great to see my family. We are a crazy bunch.
The holidays are different now, more family and less money. I do still love watching the children. Someone has to come to take me where they all are. No more baking cookies and poppy seed and nut rolls. I am grateful my mind still works but sure wish my Jimmie was still with me. You all stay safe and enjoy the things you can. God bless
I also lost my husband in 2012, I feel he is always with me and the children. Christmas was also his favorite time of year. To us holidays have always been about family even when I was growing up. I have grown grandchildren and some smaller greatgrands, nieces and nephews. We play games watch movies together. Just love on each other and enjoy the time we have. 
, I know your comment is for , but I just had to jump in and say I love what you wrote. I am so glad you love the Christmas season and still feel the love of your husband with you and your kids. I know the holidays can be pretty bittersweet for many of us -- I am glad you choose to find the happiness and joy in the season! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team member.
I enjoyed the holidays when I was younger, my kids were little and I could still dress the tree without dropping all the ornaments. But it was always stressful. Now I depend on catering or my daughter-in-law. I always preferred thanksgiving because it wasn’t so much a “special event.” (If you’ve ever done PR, you know what that means.) Now there’s no more live tree, I can’t cook or even wrap presents. But my grandson just turned 2 and is getting to be more and more fun.
to our family Thanksgiving is our big holiday. We give thanks for coming together. Some of the younger ones get together to shop on Black Friday. I don’t indulge but like to listen to the deals they got in stores. I shop online for greatgrands. I have four. They give me hints from September on of what they like and they know I have a limit on how much I’ll pay. in our family it’s not about the gifts or money it’s more about love. My gait is very unsteady most times but I take my time and decorate. My grandson is the biggest joy I receive now. Nothing compares.
