It’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year. But for many, the holiday season is packed with added activities and stress, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.

The holiday season can seem like a marathon filled with potential arthritis land mines. And, amid it all, it is far too easy to let your care plan go to the wayside.

Being aware of possible triggers can help you identify situations that make you feel worse before they get out of control. You can cope. You may even find you enjoy the holidays more than you thought possible.

Prioritize.

What really matters to you during the holiday season? Identify what makes a meaningful holiday experience for you and set goals that are realistic and practical. When you’re tempted to take on more, check the task against your identified priorities; does it meet one of them or is it peripheral?  For example, is it the extravagant home cooked meal or joining with family for dinner that matters to you more? If the first doesn’t rate, consider a potluck or ordered meal.

Delegate.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Arthritis Connect member “marydoodle” provided an awesome example of this on our discussion boards. She has cooked Thanksgiving dinner for her extended family – 25 to 30 people – for the past 25 years! After suffering intense pain from the work of last year’s festivities, she let her family know she needed help. The solution: Everyone eats Thanksgiving dinner at their own house, and then comes to marydoodle’s with a dessert to share. Plus, her 17-year-old son is going to take on cooking for his family with his mother’s help. A win-win.

Learn to say no.

It’s easy to put pressure on yourself to take on added responsibility during the holidays. You are not obligated to do everything. RSVP your regrets or, if you do take on a project, ditch unrealistic expectations or perfectionism. A store-bought dessert is just fine for that holiday party.

Get creative.

Maybe something is a priority to you, but still doesn’t seem doable. Look for creative ways around your problem. For example, you may love to cook and want to host the holiday dinner. Can you do the food prep slowly over several weeks ahead of time, freezing items that won’t keep? Or, consider buying pre-cut veggies and other items to take the day-of pressure off you. You might also shop for gifts online to avoid crowds and walking.

Take care of you.

Don’t abandon healthy habits or your existing arthritis treatment plan. It may seem tempting to blow off that yoga class because you’re busy or don’t feel up to it, but stick to what makes you feel well. This might include getting enough sleep, exercising or eating right. In fact, you might make an effort to add even more “me time” to counteract the additional stress – a massage or an extra workout or hour of sleep. And don’t let one over-indulgence or one bad choice derail you. Just start new the next day.

Share you tips for coping with holiday challenges in this discussion thread.