Content Overview 
- Summary
- Revise holiday activities to fit your current physical and emotional condition and to include people you care about. Don't over extend yourself..
- Look at past holiday stressors to see what has previously helped you cope and move forward.
- If you are in treatment, talk to your doctor about taking time off during the holidays or changing your schedule.
- Keep your expectations realistic.
- Prioritize your activities.
- If you're not physically or emotionally up to going shopping, or you are not allowed in holiday crowds, shop online or from catalogues.
- If a money crunch is causing stress, focus on the real meaning of the holiday. Reign in spending with a budget.
- Live healthy. Don't over indulge. Exercise. Get rest.
- If you are dealing with grief, use the holidays to help finish your grieving.
- Share your feelings. As Art Linkletter said, "Laughter is the best medicine." It's okay to cry.
- Build in alone time
- Practice forgiveness
- If you're lonely... get busy. Consider volunteering.
- Accept what you can't change.
- If you make resolutions, keep them doable.
- Practice coping mechanisms, including renewing spirituality.
- If seasonal decrease in sunlight causes you to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), get treatment.
- If you are going to travel, talk with your doctor about any special travel needs. Prepare.
- Use the holiday as a time to share memories and to make new ones.
- If none of the above work for you, call your doctor or other medical practitioner.
How To Cope With Holiday Stress & Depression & Colorectal Cancer
Accept what you can't change.
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Remember there are some things you simply can’t change. Don’t allow things you have no control over to ruin your holidays.
Be realistic – this holiday is going to be different. No matter what stage of cancer you are in, awaiting results, undergoing treatment, and recuperating from therapy can all impact the holiday.
Fatigue, discomfort, neuropathy, and physical limitations can hinder your traditional holiday tasks. Think about what matters most, and modify the tasks to meet your needs. There is no “right way” to celebrate the holidays.
Don’t dwell on what you can’t do this season. Make it easy on yourself. Change your expectations to fit your abilities and enjoy the season with less stress and more energy.
Accept that real life isn’t like a television holiday special….don’t expect things to be perfect. Try to laugh at the reality of imperfect moments and go with the flow.
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