The holiday season is one of the few times a year when homes glow with lights, kitchens hum with the warmth of family recipes, and laughter fills the air. For most of us, it’s a chance to set aside life’s downs and lows and focus on the ups and highs. But for many cancer patients, the holidays can be bittersweet.
Treatments, fatigue, and cancer’s emotional toll don’t take a holiday break. The season, which is supposed to bring comfort and joy, can instead accentuate physical limitations, financial strain, and emotional struggles. Many patients feel torn between wanting to embrace the holiday spirit and knowing their health or energy might not allow it.
Still, the season is worth celebrating. With a bit of planning, support, and creativity, it’s possible to have a happy holiday.
What Makes the Holiday Season Difficult for Cancer Patients?
Recognizing these challenges helps everyone approach the holiday season more empathetically and kindly.
1. Physical Challenges
Decorating, shopping, cooking, and eating to our hearts’ content are holiday to-dos that can be tiring for cancer patients, as existing symptoms, treatments, and any side effects leave the body drained of energy.
Fatigue and Low Energy Levels
Fatigue is a common side effect of treatment. In fact, more than 80% of patients experience it while getting chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Fatigue is not the kind of tiredness you can fix with a good night’s sleep; it is deep, bone-aching exhaustion that lingers no matter how much you rest. For a cancer patient, putting up decorations, going to the mall, or standing in the kitchen to bake cookies might feel as exhausting as running a marathon.
Example: Laura, a 60-year-old diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, had a tough time wrapping presents for her grandchildren. Her energy was gone after just a few minutes of cutting and taping. Tasks that once took an hour now stretched into days, leaving her feeling frustrated and disconnected from the holiday spirit.
Compromised Immune System
Some cancer treatments temporarily weaken the immune system, so patients must be extra careful about avoiding illness. The holidays bring a higher risk of exposure to colds, the flu, and other viruses, especially in crowded malls, holiday parties, or family gatherings.
Example: Marcus is a 38-year-old leukemia patient who loved attending his office’s holiday party every year. This year, with flu season in full swing, his doctor advised him to avoid large gatherings. Missing out made him feel isolated, but the risk wasn’t worth it.
Travel and Extended Celebrations
Traveling to visit family or attending multiple celebrations in a row is exhausting for anyone, and even more for cancer patients. Long car rides, flights, and even sitting through hours-long meals can affect their energy and comfort.
Example: Eric, 30, visited his parents’ house for Christmas every year. After his stomach cancer diagnosis, the three-hour drive felt like an insurmountable challenge. Unfortunately, his parents were in their late 60s and had health issues that made them unfit to travel, too.
2. Emotional and Mental Struggles
The holidays can bring up complex emotional and mental challenges. Instead of feeling uplifted, cancer patients may experience isolation, anxiety, or grief that make the season more distressing than joyful.
Feelings of Isolation or Being “Different”
Cancer patients may feel separated from the world around them, especially during a time of love and togetherness. Physical limitations or the need to avoid large gatherings can make them feel disconnected from family and friends. Even when they’re included, they might feel like their experience alienates from others who seem carefree and full of holiday cheer.
Example: Beth, 40, used to love her annual get-togethers with her childhood best friends. This year, she felt self-conscious about her hair loss and skipped the event. Even though her friends offered to visit her instead, she still felt like she was missing out on the fun and connection they used to share.
Anxiety Over Missed Traditions or Holiday Expectations
Many cancer patients find it difficult to keep up with their usual holiday celebrations. Missing out on activities, like hosting family dinners or traveling to see relatives, can trigger a sense of failure or guilt.
Example: Michael, 55, with liver cancer, had hosted Christmas dinner for decades. This year, his chemotherapy treatments left him too weak to cook or entertain. He felt anxious about how his family would adapt and worried that the holiday wouldn’t feel the same.
Dealing With Grief or Loss of Normalcy
Cancer changes almost everything about life, and the holidays can magnify this loss. Patients may grieve the loss of traditions, their role within the family, or even their former selves. Seeing others celebrate as usual can make this grief feel worse.
Example: Sandra, 68, spent the last ten Christmas mornings playing with her grandchildren and giving them presents. Her treatment for kidney cancer left her unable to get out of bed early, and she couldn’t help but mourn the change.
3. Financial and Logistical Concerns
Medical bills, treatment costs, and reduced income may leave little room for holiday spending, and traveling for the holidays can feel impossible with low energy levels.
Increased Financial Strain Due to Medical Expenses
Cancer treatment is expensive, even for those with insurance. Between medications, frequent doctor visits, and travel for treatment, many patients already have tight budgets. The added cost of holiday gifts, meals, and decorations can be overwhelming.
Example: Mark, 47, loved to splurge on gifts for his three kids every Christmas. After his lung cancer diagnosis, his family’s savings went toward medical bills, leaving little left for holiday shopping. He felt guilt and sadness about not being able to give his children the Christmas he wanted to provide.
In a recent study, 71% of participants said they faced financial struggles within a year of starting treatment. The researchers defined “major financial hardship” as borrowing money from loved ones, going into debt, selling or refinancing a home, or losing 20% or more of their income. In addition, 12% to 62% of survivors also reported being in debt because of treatment.
Difficulty Preparing Meals, Gifts, or Attending Events
Most holiday traditions require physical exertion. Examples include cooking elaborate meals, shopping for gifts, or attending multiple parties. For cancer patients, the physical and emotional energy needed for these activities can push them to their limits.
Example: Linda, 30, always cooked a big holiday dinner for her family. This year, pain and fatigue from her recent mastectomy made standing in the kitchen for more than an hour too challenging. Even wrapping presents took more energy than she had, so she leaned on her family for support.
Stress From Coordinating With Family and Friends
When someone has cancer, even simple plans with family and friends can get complicated. Scheduling treatments, managing energy levels, and balancing safety concerns can create tension when a loved one doesn’t understand the patient’s needs.
Example: Emma, 25, with skin cancer, struggled to explain to her siblings why she couldn’t travel to their parents’ house for the holidays. Coordinating a local celebration would have been easier, but her siblings’ resistance to change left her feeling stressed and unsupported.
Physical Solutions for Cancer Patients During the Holidays
While there’s a desire to participate in traditions and celebrations, the physical demands can get in the way. Finding ways to conserve energy, protect the immune system, and travel safely can make the season less wearying.
1. Prioritize What Matters
Instead of trying to do everything, focus on the traditions and activities that mean the most to you. If decorating the whole house feels overwhelming, choose one or two areas to spruce up. If cooking a big meal is too tiring, plan a smaller gathering or simplify the menu. It’s better to enjoy a few meaningful moments than to exhaust yourself trying to do it all.
2. Use Time-Saving Tools and Services
Take advantage of tools and services that save time and effort. Online shopping, meal delivery services, and pre-packaged holiday foods can reduce the physical strain of holiday preparations. Ordering a pre-cooked turkey or sending digital gift cards are other practical ways to participate without overworking yourself.
3. Delegate Tasks
Let family and friends step in where they can. Whether it’s wrapping gifts, hanging decorations, or preparing meals, loved ones are often eager to help if you let them. Sharing responsibilities makes things easier and allows for shared moments of connection.
4. Keep Gatherings Small
Opt for intimate gatherings with close family or friends instead of large parties. Smaller groups reduce the risk of exposure to germs, viruses, and illnesses, which is especially important during flu season. Let loved ones know in advance about your preference for low-key events.
5. Encourage Precautions
Ask those around you to take basic health precautions. Simple steps like frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact if they feel unwell, and sanitizing shared spaces can go a long way in keeping everyone safe. Don’t hesitate to remind others—it’s about protecting your health.
6. Use Masks or Go Virtual
If attending in-person gatherings feels risky, wear a mask for added protection or consider joining virtually. Video calls via Zoom or similar platforms keep you connected with family and friends while avoiding unnecessary exposure. Thankfully, people have embraced virtual celebrations in recent years.
7. Choose Nearby Destinations
If possible, pick locations that are easy to reach and require minimal travel time. Long car rides or flights can be physically draining, so shorter trips are a better option. If visiting relatives far away isn’t feasible, consider inviting them to come to you instead.
8. Pack Essentials
Bring all necessary medications, medical supplies, and health documents when traveling. Keep these items accessible in your carry-on bag. Having everything on hand ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
9. Coordinate With Your Doctor
Before traveling, talk to your healthcare team about your plans. They can advise you about your health needs, such as timing treatments around the trip or preparing for emergencies. Some doctors may recommend specific precautions based on your destination. For example, Kevin, 45, was planning a holiday trip to see his sister. His doctor recommended scheduling his treatment a few days earlier so he could recover before traveling. Kevin also packed a detailed list of medications and emergency contacts, which gave him peace of mind during the trip.
Taking care of your physical health during the holidays doesn’t mean sitting out completely. Conserving energy, protecting your immune system, and planning safe travel lets you enjoy the season while recognizing your limits. With a little preparation and support, even a challenging holiday season can include moments of comfort and joy.
Emotional Support and Coping Strategies for Cancer Patients During the Holidays
The holidays can be emotionally challenging for cancer patients. Still, with the right mindset and support, it’s possible to manage expectations, find joy in the small things, and lean on resources that make the season feel more manageable.
1. Manage Expectations
The holidays can pressure patients to keep up with traditions. These expectations can overwhelm anyone, especially someone fighting for their life. Focusing on what’s manageable this season can help ease the stress.
2. Embrace New Traditions
It’s okay if this year is different. Let go of the pressure to recreate every past tradition and focus on what feels meaningful and doable now. Maybe it’s hosting a smaller gathering, decorating just one corner of the house, or ordering takeout instead of cooking a big meal. What’s important is to create moments that feel special without overextending the mind and body.
3. Communicate Openly About Limitations
Family and friends want to help, but they can’t read minds. Let them know if you want to skip an event or adjust plans. Most people will appreciate your openness and want to support you in whatever way they can.
4. Bring in the Holiday Spirit
Focus on the present and find comfort in the season’s simple pleasures. Something as simple as sitting by a lit Christmas tree or sipping hot cocoa with a loved one can bring warmth and peace, even during difficult times. Decorating a smaller tree, playing holiday music, or watching Christmas movies can also make the season feel more comforting and familiar.
5. Reflect on Gratitude and Small Wins
Notice the good in life. Maybe it’s the support of loved ones, a moment of peace as carolers sing Silent Night, news of treatment going well, or perhaps the beauty of a sunny morning. Acknowledging these moments can make the days feel a little lighter.
6. Try Relaxation Techniques
Stress and the holiday season can go hand in hand, especially when dealing with cancer. Deep breathing exercises, meditation apps, or even a short walk can help lower stress levels. Looking for moments of peace instead of chasing perfection can make the season less stressful and more enjoyable.
Further reading: Breathing Exercises for Gynecologic Cancer Patients
7. Join a Support Group
Sometimes, emotional support needs to come from outside the immediate family. Community resources can be a valuable outlet during the holidays and throughout the healing journey. Support groups are a safe space to share feelings and hear from others who have found ways to enjoy the holidays while living with cancer. Related: How to Find the Right Cancer Support Group for You
Online forums and social media groups for cancer patients can also be great sources of advice, encouragement, and holiday tips.
8. Work With Therapists
Therapists can help address holiday-related concerns, from managing anxiety about gatherings to working through feelings of grief or isolation. Having a professional to talk to can make the emotional load feel lighter.
Financial Solutions and Simplified Holiday Planning for Cancer Patients
Holiday expenses can pile up quickly, but there are plenty of ways to make the season merry without spending a fortune.
1. Create Homemade Gifts or Crafts
Handmade gifts are thoughtful, personal, and, in most cases, more cost-effective than store-bought items. Simple projects like baking cookies, making photo albums, creating handmade ornaments, or making small jars of homemade hot cocoa mix can show how much you care without stretching your budget.
2. Host Potluck Meals Instead of Big Feasts
Cooking a holiday feast can be taxing and expensive. A potluck lets everyone contribute, taking some of the pressure off the host. Guests can bring dishes that have special meaning for them—family recipes, seasonal favorites, or something tied to their traditions.
3. Shop Smart
Planning ahead can help save money and energy. Look for sales, use coupons, or shop online to avoid crowded stores. Digital shopping also makes it easier to compare prices and find the best deals without leaving home.
4. Seek Assistance From Charitable Groups
Charities and nonprofits offer holiday help for families in need. Programs like toy drives, free meal services, or financial assistance for utilities can reduce the stress tied to the season. Local churches, food banks, and cancer support organizations are good places to start looking for help.
5. Plan Low-Key Gatherings
Big holiday parties can be too much to handle for anyone. Instead, consider small gatherings with close friends or family. Keep the planning simple, like ordering pizza and chicken, playing a board game, or watching a movie together. These moments can be just as special as elaborate celebrations.
Wrapping Up: How to Make the Holidays Work for Cancer Patients
It’s important to remember that the holidays don’t have to be “perfect.” Adapting plans, embracing new traditions, and cherishing small victories are all ways to find light in the season, even during hard times. For cancer patients, self-compassion and prioritizing what matters most can bring a sense of peace amid the busyness.
If you or someone you love is navigating cancer this holiday season, it’s also a good time to explore the latest advancements in treatment options. From precision oncology to other innovative alternative approaches, new possibilities are available and could improve prognosis. Speak with us to learn more about these options and how they might fit into your cancer care plan.
