Planning for the Holidays

Holiday traditions in many families are set in stone (or maybe fruitcake). The big meal happens at the same home year after year, with a long list of guests, special foods, events to attend, and -- depending on the holiday -- presents to find, buy, wrap, and deliver.

Maybe your house has been Holiday Central for many seasons. Or you've always traveled to other peoples' homes to celebrate. Whichever is the case, this year you might feel different about the holiday hoopla. You may be concerned that you won't have enough energy to do what you've enjoyed doing in the past.

Relax -- help is at hand. Your holidays can be enjoyable and meaningful if you let these four "S" concepts guide you:

1. Simplify - Accept that you don't have to create a grand-production holiday. Choose one or two activities you enjoy most and scale them down so you can accomplish them in a short time. Instead of decorating the whole house, put a few decorations on or near the door as a welcome greeting and a few more on a table or mantle. Have friends or family do the work while you supervise. Order prewrapped gifts from catalogs and online. Buy holiday foods and baked goods already prepared.

2. Schedule - Plan to spend some time with others. Avoid isolating yourself, especially on holidays. Pick the invitations you accept carefully. Attend only a few small events that won't tire you out. If you're traveling, plan extra time for rest. At home, schedule a time when you would welcome a few visitors for an hour or two. When you invite guests, be specific about the starting and ending times for the visit.

3. Share - Have your guests each bring part of the holiday meal -- everything from the main course to dessert. Delegate set-up and clean-up chores. Forget about the fancy china and silver. Instead, ask someone to bring attractive disposable plates and plastic cutlery. Or change your tradition by sharing a meal at a restaurant. If you want to send cards or gifts, let others help you with shopping, addressing, wrapping, and mailing tasks.

4. Self-care - Pace yourself for your energy and comfort level. Remember to balance activities with rest periods. If you don't, you may heighten fatigue, pain, or other treatment side effects. Leave events early if you feel tired. Surround yourself with supportive people. Focus on enjoying this year's holiday with the friends and family members who mean the most to you.