There’s No Place Like “Hope” for the Holidays

Oh, there’s no place like

Home for the holidays,

‘Cause no matter how far away you roam

When you pine for the sunshine

Of a friendly face

For the holidays, you can’t beat

Home, sweet home

There is a saying, “A house is made of bricks and beams. A home is made of hopes and dreams.” A home is truly synonymous with “hope.” The holiday season is a time of giving thanks, eating, and celebrating – which all should be a LOT of fun! However, living with a chronic illness sometimes creates more frustration than fun. It may be a challenge for some to maintain “hope” within our spirit. When you long for yesterday, or find the days daunting, what gives you the idea that you can find and keep hope during the season? Because, spreading hope has the potential to speed healing time and recovery, reduce stress, and improve your quality of life!

If you’re stuck with holiday blues or extra holiday stress, or you need a holiday spirit “nudge,” try to improve your attitude. You may see how giving hope will give you hope too! Hope doesn’t always magically appear. Sometimes it takes effort, but once you get the ball rolling, you’ll find hope is all around you!

Here are a few suggestions to help you achieve and maintain hope during the holidays.

Have a Plan

Every year I look at my energy, obligations, and bank account and determine my plans for the holiday season. How much energy do you have? If you’re tired, you probably want to stay within your energy budget. Take the stress out of decorating by asking a friend or family member to help you put up some decorations that you stored away. And choose the ones that are easy to put up and take down. Here are some additional suggestions to have a low-stress holiday How to Make the Holidays Hassle Free – and Add a Sprinkle of Joy! – Renal Support Network (rsnhope.org)

Find and Share the Holiday Spirit

The holiday season bombards us with TV ads and merchandise sales but spending too much money just creates more stress. The first thing you might consider when sharing the holiday spirit is the cost. Sharing hope and happiness doesn’t break the bank because it can be free! Spread hope by sharing a compliment, a hug, or a smile. Creating a coupon, sharing a funny meme, listening to holiday music, watching a holiday show, or sharing a heartfelt “thank you” to those who have helped you throughout the year are all ways to get into the holiday spirit!

Interview with the Healthcare Professional – Caregivers Appreciated – Renal Support Network (rsnhope.org)

Christmas Wishes for You or for Your Friends

Don’t know what to add to your holiday “wish list”? Perhaps you are frustrated because you cannot think of gifts to show your gratitude to friends. Here are some gift ideas for people living with CKD:

Holiday Meals

Most of the holiday season involves food. I’m on a special diet. Therefore, if I’ve been invited to a holiday party, I ask my host what items will be on the menu. Offering to bring a dish is a good way to have renal friendly foods that you like at the table. It’s always smart to base your decisions on your current laboratory numbers. Here are some suggestions:

Plan for January

Have a plan for after the holidays. If you overindulged during the season, this is the time to get back on track! Being hard on yourself doesn’t accomplish much. Try to remember that “hope” isn’t just for the holiday season. It’s for every day. Spreading hope year-round is the best gift of all. Giving and receiving is always appropriate any time of the year.

 

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