When Chronic Health Conditions Meet the Christmas Season

Exodus 18:17-18 - Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone."

​When Christmas comes upon us, all of the shopping and cooking can feel like a giant wave catching up with us, and washing us into a storm of activities. This can be challenging even if you are healthy, but if you battle a chronic health condition it can quickly exhaust you. So you set a magic hat in front of you and reach inside to find reasons why you can’t do these things even though other people think you’re just making excuses. Your, “No,” is unacceptable to them. After all, Christmas only happens once a year. So you change your clothes, put on a happy face and head out the door to go shopping or attend a party. But what’s the result? Your chronic illness takes stage front and everyone sees you sinking into a couch with pain written across your face. There has to be a better way. How do you enjoy Christmas when you aren’t well? During the Christmas season we can all find ourselves swept up into the waves of all the things that “need” to be done. But that’s not healthy for anyone, especially for those with chronic health conditions. Don’t be afraid to say no to the many activities available and don’t be afraid to ask for help, like Moses’ father-in-law suggested in the Bible verse above. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the season instead of dreading it.