Christmas season has just passed!  One of the most festive times. For me personally Christmas is often a time of mixed emotions. 15 years ago Christmas was the time in which I had my transplant. 

Each Christmas brings a range of mixed emotions. For many people, especially those who have undergone trauma, suffered the loss of a loved one or may even be struggling physically, mentally or financially. Christmas can be a difficult time. 

Christmas may even be difficult due to personal reasons. Holidays force us to spend an extended amount of time with people. This combined with close living quarters can be taxing on everyone’s mental health. 

Another not so fun side not usually spoken about during the holidays is the financial aspect. 

As a single person who has recently moved out and pays bill – Christmas is expensive. 

There is the cost of decorations, gifts, food/ drink, supplies (if hosting), outfits, travel and accomodation (if visiting relatives) 

This coupled with rapidly rising daily living costs as well as added health costs (for transplant patients) means Christmas can quickly become a strain. 

Budget tips

1. Buy gifts early, and re-gift when possible. 

If you receive something which isn’t quite right – I.e homewares or clothing in a size too small re gift this to another person. This helps not just your budget but also the environment. 

2.  Plan ahead

Plan outings early so it is early to know how many gifts will be needed and when. 

Maximise your budget by purchasing gifts in bulk, online and during sale. Buying Christmas gifts very early on and storing saves you huge amounts in the long run. 

Pro tip – Buy the following years Christmas gifts during Black Friday/boxing day sales to save $$$

3.  Share the load/divide cost 

Organise parties with potlucks and a Kris Kris alternatives for guests to reduce the cost and burden of hosting, and buying multiple gifts.

4. Scrap the wrap 

Wrap presents using simple brown paper. 

Cut down on purchasing expensive wrapping paper, bags, and cards. 

Using alternatives such as butchers paper, twine and white ribbon allows for a beautiful authentic look and saves not just your wallet but also the environment in the long run. 

Add a homemade card for a truly personalised touch. 

Wrapping presents allows for easy transportation. 

Pro tips:

1. Carry gift and fold gift bag and take together in a large duffel bag.

This stops gifts and bag from collapsing and being damaged and it easier to transport heavy or bulky items on public transport. 

2. A great hack is to cut grocery bags to recycle into free brown paper. 

3. To make cards, recycle old art diaries for card stock paper. Watercolour palettes and brushes can be purchased for a little over $10 from any grocery store. Sketch basic design and create!  

5.  Thrift Shop 

Christmas is a time of many events – with family dinners, lunches, catch-ups and more. One of the biggest issues for women is finding an outfit to wear. 

For transplant recipients it is essential choose your outfit early on as many activities can be very physically demanding. 

Factor in issues such as weather (heat/rain) 

mosquitos, seating, walking around, dancing, crowds, physical illnesses (colds/flu/cough/period pain, pregnancy) 

Choose versatile outfits which have pockets and in which you can easily sit and stand. 

Many events may require catching public transportation, choose outfits which are both stylish and also comfortable enough to climb/jog or walk briskly up and down stairs and in which you can sit for extended periods of time. 

Pro tip: accessories such as handbags are essential here as many events may require formal footwear (heels) which are not always comfortable enough to walk in

Mental Health Tips 

1. Adjustment is key, think of alternate plans if necessary

Having large families may mean travelling or staying together, and this can put a strain mentally. 

If have moved out, going back home with your partner or having family come to stay is a major adjustment. 

Children and grandchildren may have their own needs for sleeping arrangements, exercise regimes and dietary requirements which can be burdensome. 

While couples and kids may feel pressured into conforming or following the hosts rules. 

Talk to mum and dad or your host – offer alternate arrangements. 

Perhaps instead of staying together suggest going out for dinner or a family bbq together? (If logistically possible)

If family live cross country perhaps invite one or two close family members such as  parents to stay with you for a few days instead of all at once. 

This allow you to conduct the visit in a familiar environment, whilst also not feeling too overwhelmed with guests.

If travelling to visit family, an alternative is to book temporary accomodation such as an Airbnb elsewhere. While this may be expensive, it can be a great respite for both parties when things become too hectic. 

2. Communicate what you need with your family beforehand 

Communication is vital. Let parents and family know about sensitive topics and issues to have as stress free of a time as possible 

3. Take out time for yourself 

While Christmas is a time for merriment and celebration, it is also essential to chalk out quiet time for yourself/your partner. 

Even if it just a day or two or a few hours in the evening, ensuring having some time to unwind, rest and process emotions slowly and calmly is essential in achieving good mental health. 

4. Maintain a routine 

While holidays are a time for indulgence and might cause some disruption to your usual regime, it is essential to try and maintain normalcy as much as possible. 

This includes:

Rest 

Allow yourself to finish events early when possible and give yourself rest days to cope with the hectic schedule. This will help prevent your sleep cycle from reversing and transition into January easier. 

Food 

Eat healthily as much as possible. 

Christmas food is very tempting however too much is damaging and can leave you feeling bloated and unwell especially as kidney patients. 

Detox when necessary, and drink fluids to keep hydrated (if not on fluid restriction) 

Exercise 

Try and include 10-15 mins of exercise daily

Quiet Time 

If possible include 10-15 minutes of and quiet time – through prayer, yoga or meditation.

Perhaps reduce non essential Christmas events eg – visiting nightclubs, bars, late night social gatherings and try to limit alcohol consumption.

What are your top tips for Christmas?

With love and best wishes for the New Year, 

Luna x