Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Guides

Christmas Coping With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:”

We’re getting close to Christmas, and (as usual), I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I still need to do lots of wrapping, a bit of baking, and stocking-stuffer shopping. I’m tracking the packages I’ve shipping to far-off family and hoping no freak storms disrupt their delivery (like they did last year.)

I’m not doing too badly, though, considering. Why? Because I have a schedule, and I’m trying my darnedest to stick to it. I know when I’m going to wrap, when I’m going to shop, and when I’m going to bake. I’ve scheduled extra time for all of those things, in case I get slowed down. I’m also not worrying about the things I can’t control — if something prevents me from getting everything done, I know my priorities and I know what to do away with first.

I’ve gotten a bit panicky at times, but when I feel that coming on I look at my schedule. Once I see that I have time set aside for all the things I need to do, I feel better.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, sit down and make a list of the things you have left to do. Prioritize: what absolutely must get done, and what can go by the wayside? What can somebody else do, or help with? Once you have your list prioritized, look at your schedule between now and Christmas and see when you have time. If you don’t have time for everything, prioritize once again. Think about yourself and those closest to you: what’s most important to them? If some things on your list are there to please your aunt, a cousin, a neighbor, etc., they’ll just have to understand that you can’t do everything.

In the end, what your family and friends should really want from this time of year is — YOU! If you’re happy and (relatively) healthy, you can be part of the celebration. If you’re exhausted and feeling lousy (like I was 2 years ago on Christmas day), you can’t. I might not get a pecan pie and a plate of fudge made this year, but at least I won’t need a 3-hour nap again.

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