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!
Devin you are right holidays are on the horizon. I still love the holidays. This year is special my youngest son is hosting and my family from out of town will be with us. Last count around 60 people. We get together every other year like this. So many of my brothers and sisters are no longer with us and it’s good to get the younger crowd together in joyous times not just sad. I’ve had MS since 2017 and there have been times I did not feel well but what I do is take time outs from the crowd. I go to a quiet room and rest or take a nap to rejuvenate. My family for the most part is aware and they allow me to rest. Besides I’m the favorite auntie and bring the celebration with me. I take medication for many symptoms including for bowel and bladder incontinence and they help pretty nicely. I love the holidays and my mother in law suite is full of HoHoHo Christmas trimmings. 
That sounds like it will be a wonderful celebration,
. How awesome that your son is hosting so you don't have to stress so much and you can enjoy your family. Taking time out when you need it is critical. I am glad you practice such good self-care. I love the holidays as well. It's taking everything out of me not to string some Christmas lights around the fireplace just yet. Best wishes. - Lori (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.
Hi
. I hope the joy of celebrating with your grandson overwhelms the memories of all you can no longer do. Thinking of you and sending the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member) 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.
