How to have yourself a merry little Christmas

Managing stress

Cooking for large numbers of people, sourcing gifts, making travel arrangements and more… It’s completely normal to experience stress or nervousness from time to time, especially when there’s a lot going on. However, feeling this way for long periods can have an impact on your health and MS symptoms with some research even suggesting that it can increase the risk of having a relapse.

Learning to manage your stress levels is an important part of taking part of your condition, all year round. Here are some techniques which might help:

Put things into perspective. Maybe the turkey (or meat free alternative) didn’t turn out as planned but do your loved ones want to see you or a perfectly cooked dinner on Christmas Day?

Get to know yourself. Learn what your own stress signals are so you can take charge or a step back before things get too much. 

Try to keep an open mind. If your local supermarket has sold out of Christmas puddings, why not start a new tradition with a different dessert? 

Plan ahead. The more organised you are, the less pressure you will feel as the big day approaches. 

Ask for help. Christmas is a time for giving and a time for sharing. If you need someone to lend a hand, make sure you ask. 

Be kind to yourself. Above all, remember that you are only one person and that you’re doing your best.

Fatigue

As one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, fatigue can sometimes feel like a barrier, affecting things like your short-term memory, concentration or the ability to find words. 

With so many commitments over the festive period, it can be easy to overdo it. Help manage your fatigue by thinking about ways to build up your energy levels, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthily and taking time for yourself when you need to.

It’s also worth checking that you’re using what energy you do have, as efficiently as possible. Planning and prioritising key jobs, delegating things to others and pacing yourself can all be useful options. 

Talking to friends and family about MS

If you’re newly diagnosed with MS, Christmas may be the first time you’ve been around friends and family since receiving the news. Even if you’re ready to tell others, it can still feel nerve wracking. You might be worried that people will see you differently or change how they behave towards you.

Choosing exactly what and how much you share is a decision that only you can make. You might want to keep it brief or you may prefer to go into more detail, sharing information about MS in general while describing what it’s like for you. 

If you’re looking for some help on how to explain MS to others, you could speak with your MS nurse or look for resources online. Here are some other things you may wish to keep in mind:

Set some ground rules. If you would rather they didn’t tell others, voice opinions or anything else, make this clear from the start. 

Voice your own concerns. Don’t want people to treat you differently? Emphasise this. 

Prepare to listen. It’s likely that some people will have questions or want to know more. 

No right or wrong. How you tell others is your personal choice. There’s no right or wrong way to approach sharing an MS diagnosis. 

Loneliness and depression 

The festive season can also be a lonely time of year and it may not always be possible to share Christmas with loved ones. Whether you’re spending it alone through personal choice or circumstance, it’s important to try and focus on the positives where possible.

Hosting a virtual games night, doing an activity you enjoy or getting outside for some fresh air, if you can, are all great ways to lift your spirits.  It’s also good to remember that there are no obligations to celebrate Christmas. Instead, you could try thinking about it as a ‘self-care day’ and a chance to take some much-deserved time out.

However, if you do struggle with persistent low mood, during any time of year, then you should speak to your GP, MS nurse or neurologist.