The holidays bring light, joy and togetherness. But for people facing cancer, this season can also bring stress, fatigue and mixed emotions. Balancing treatment schedules, social gatherings and physical changes can feel overwhelming.
During this time, emotions can feel close to the surface — gratitude, worry, hope and exhaustion often blend together. Recognizing those feelings, rather than pushing them aside, can help you find steadier footing. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, care goes beyond medicine. It includes helping you care for your mind and spirit, too.
The St. Elizabeth Cancer Care team shares ways to help you manage stress, nurture your wellbeing and rediscover meaning during the holidays.
Q: Why Can the Holidays Feel So Emotionally Complex During Cancer Treatment?
A: The holidays often carry expectations — the meals, the gatherings, the traditions. But for those navigating a cancer diagnosis, energy levels and emotions shift. Grief for “how things used to be,” fatigue from appointments and pressure to keep up are real feelings that can weigh heavily. Giving yourself permission to slow down and simplify helps you focus on what matters most — your health, comfort, connection and moments of peace.
Loved ones often feel that same shift. It’s normal for families to grieve what feels lost while still wanting to celebrate. Talking openly about what each person needs — more rest, fewer plans or simply time together — can help everyone feel supported and understood.
Q: What Are Ways to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season?
A: Start with mindfulness. A few minutes of deep breathing, prayer or quiet reflection can steady your emotions and calm your body. Stress doesn’t always disappear, but you can learn to meet it differently. Many patients find that small shifts — like breathing exercises, journaling or listening to relaxing music — help calm racing thoughts. These moments of mindfulness can make space for rest, clarity and even hope.
Small choices can help you protect your energy and peace:
- Simplify plans and traditions. Focus on one or two that feel meaningful and let go of the rest.
- Set boundaries. Say “no” when plans or get togethers feel overwhelming.
- Ask for help. It might be hard to ask, but people want to help. Allow friends or family to cook, clean or drive you to an appointment.
- Rest when needed. Give your body and mind permission to slow down and pause.
Managing stress is part of caring for your health. It’s a vital piece of healing that deserves as much care as any treatment or medication. Taking time to rest, reflect or simply breathe isn’t selfish, it’s part of getting well.
Q: How Can Caregivers Find Balance and Strength Through the Holidays?
A: Supporting someone through cancer takes courage and compassion. Many caregivers describe the holidays as both beautiful and exhausting — a time when emotions run high and energy runs low. Taking even small breaks can protect your strength. Sharing responsibilities, eating nourishing meals and connecting with support groups can ease stress and build resilience.
When caregivers care for themselves, they model healthy coping for their loved ones as well. It reminds everyone that compassion and rest matter for both sides of the journey. Many families discover that healing feels stronger when it’s shared — when both caregiver and patient find ways to rest, laugh and lean on others.
Caring for yourself helps you stay strong and continue showing up with the love and calm that mean the most.
Q: How Can Patients and Families Balance Treatment Schedules with Holiday Events?
A: The holidays can still hold moments of comfort and joy, even while navigating treatment. With a bit of planning and care, you can protect your energy and focus on what truly matters most.
Try these tips to make the season a little lighter:
- Plan ahead. Schedule celebrations on days when you feel your strongest.
- Keep it short. Choose smaller gatherings or set time limits to avoid getting overly tired.
- Simplify meals. A nourishing soup, smoothie or prepared dish can bring warmth without extra work.
- Rest freely. Build in recovery time before and after events.
- Stay flexible. Traditions can adapt. Connect virtually or celebrate in quieter ways when needed.
If treatment or medication schedules make it hard to attend gatherings, talk with your care team. They can often help you plan timing around important moments. Even a small change, like shifting an appointment, can make space for connection without interrupting your care.
Remember, your team wants to help you live fully, not just get through treatment. The St Elizabeth Center for Integrative Oncology provides an extensive array of supportive services including classes in the Demonstration Kitchen teaching how healthy eating supports healing, as well as massage, meditation and mind-body therapies that ease stress and help restore balance.
Q: What Helps Patients Find Meaning When Traditions Must Change?
A: Meaning often comes from connection rather than perfection. Focus on gratitude and presence, even a few quiet minutes with loved ones or a shared laugh can renew hope. Some families create new traditions, such as writing letters of thanks or listening to their favorite music together. These moments remind us that joy still has a place, even in difficult seasons.
Many people find comfort in small acts of kindness, such as writing a note to another patient, donating a blanket or volunteering when able. Others find renewal in meditation or time in nature. However you define it, meaning often comes from noticing the present moment and honoring what’s still good.
Q: How Does Integrative Oncology Support Patients Through the Holidays?
A: The Center for Integrative Oncology at St. Elizabeth provides holistic care in a calming space. Patients can access acupuncture, art and music therapy, massage, meditation, nutrition counseling and mind-body therapies to reduce pain, improve sleep and ease anxiety.
These integrative services reflect our belief that healing should support the whole person. That’s why they complement medical treatment and nurture your body, mind and spirit.
Patients who incorporate relaxation, movement and creative therapies often say they experience less fatigue, greater emotional balance and a stronger sense of control over their recovery. It’s care that meets you where you are — helping you face the holidays, and every day, with comfort, confidence and hope.
Find Peace and Support This Season.
To learn more about Integrative Oncology and holistic cancer care, visit Cancer Care at St. Elizabeth or call (859) 301-4000.
Clinically reviewed by Dwinelva Z. Zackery, LCSW, LISW-S, Director, Integrative Oncology on 12/2/2025.
