Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Cathy
Remember when you were a kid and how Christmas was a magical time? And, waking up early on Christmas morning and the air buzzing with excitement. Feeling excited when you saw colorful, wrapped presents under the tree. And that flutter in your stomach wondering what’s inside those packages.
I grew up in a house with a single mother raising four kids on her own. We didn’t have a lot of money but my mom always made Christmas special. When I had my own family I made our house a cheerful Christmas wonderland for my kids. I decorated every room in our house with lights, garlands, Christmas statues, and stockings on the fireplace mantel. We live in a rural area so the lights around our porch could be seen from miles away.
Our kids couldn’t wait to open their presents and I loved watching their excitement. And when it snowed we would go outside for a snowball fight and then snuggle up inside near our warm fireplace. – Those are special memories I will always cherish.
Sometimes as adults, we forget the good feelings and focus on the negative in our current lives. Christmas season is supposed to be a cheerful time of year but it’s also a busy time of year. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may find the holiday season challenging. Common symptoms like fatigue, stress, and depression can be exacerbated during the holidays, making them more challenging for many people.
It doesn’t have to be that way, the key is to not focus on the hustle and bustle of the season. Sometimes, it’s about enjoying the simple moments that spark joy. Fill your days with special memories that make this season truly special.
Creating a Cheerful Christmas Filled with Happiness
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Living with MS is challenging and Christmas might bring its own set of challenges but it’s how you look at things. You can have a cheerful Christmas by sharing time with friends and family and enjoying music, lights, and delicious treats. To make this season special embrace the joy in the simple things.
Despite physical challenges, you can still enjoy Christmas by:
- Being Grateful. Reflect on the positive aspects of the season and what you’re grateful for.
- Crafting. Engage in simple crafts that match your abilities and interests.
- Decorate Mindfully. Decorate your space in a way that brings you joy without causing fatigue. Avoid reaching high to hang lights or decorations to prevent falls.
- Enjoying Music and Movies. Create a festive playlist or watch holiday movies to lift your spirits.
- Holiday Lights. Take a gentle stroll or drive to enjoy festive light displays in your area.
- Reading and Relaxing. Dive into holiday-themed books or take time for self-care.
- Treats. Bake or indulge in healthy festive treats that bring comfort and joy.
- Virtual Celebrations. Connect with friends and family through video calls.
Festive Christmas Dinner
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Awe, Christmas dinner, a warm and comforting embrace of tradition. It fills the air with delicious smells creating an irresistible scent. Just because you’re on a strict diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy savory vegetable dishes, roasted meats, and sweet desserts.
Here are some Christmas dinner ideas:
- Baked Acorn Squash. Slice acorn squash and bake with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory side.
- Broccoli Salad. Make a festive broccoli salad with pomegranate seeds, nuts, and a hint of olive oil and lemon juice.
- Cauliflower Mash. Instead of mashed potatoes with milk make creamy cauliflower mash with almond milk seasoned with garlic and herbs.
- Cinnamon Delicata Squash. A delicious sweet-tasting blend of cinnamon and coconut oil.
- Cranberry Sauce. The perfect blend of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and the sweetness of maple syrup.
- Creamy Green Beans. Sauté a flavorful mix of mushrooms, onions, green beans, and coconut milk.
- Fruit Salad. Create a refreshing salad with seasonal fruits, such as berries, citrus, and kiwi.
- Herb-Roasted Mushrooms. Roast mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a tasty side dish.
- Roasted Vegetable Platter. Roast root vegetables like broccoli and carrots with olive oil and herbs for a colorful dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers. Fill the bell peppers with mixed chopped vegetables, nuts, olive oil, and seasonings for a tasty dish.
Enjoying Holiday Treats
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Being on a strict diet can also lead to feeling depressed during the Christmas season. The first Christmas right after I changed my diet I was very depressed. Every day someone was bringing delicious-looking treats to work that I desperately wanted to eat.
I was still recovering from a horrible MS flare so I didn’t eat any. That was the only reason I stuck to my diet – it was due to fear of another flare. It wasn’t until years later I started making special treats for myself so I didn’t feel left out.
Here are some three easy to make Christmas treats:
1. Cranberry Cookies –
These cookies use only whole plant-based ingredients and are easy to make. Plus, they are delicious! You can find the recipe here Easy Soft Cranberry Cookies.
2. Festive Fruit Salad –
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pomegranate arils
- 3 kiwis, peeled and diced (I cut it into quarters then use a spoon to scope the flesh out)
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all fruits in a bowl.
- Toss gently and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish with mint leaves before serving.
3. No-Bake Almond Coconut Bites –
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 8-10 Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of Himalayan salt
- Additional coconut for rolling (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak almonds for 12-24 hours then rinse and drain.
- In a food processor, blend almonds until they form a coarse meal.
- Add shredded coconut, pitted dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Blend until the mixture comes together and sticks together when pressed.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. If desired, roll the balls in additional shredded coconut for a coating.
- Place the bites on a tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Seasonal Beverages
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Christmas drinks bring memories of warmth, togetherness, and festive moments with loved ones. The scent of mulled spices can trigger a flood of nostalgia. Enjoy a special drink when sitting by the fireplace, or gathering around for a festive meal.
It’s best to avoid alcohol but there are other holiday beverages you can enjoy. From hot to cold, enjoy beverages with fruit that is in season. Drink a refreshing glass of fresh squeezed orange juice or hot apple cider. Enjoy a delicious candy cane smoothie or a pumpkin pie smoothie.
Several comforting herbal teas inspire Christmas traditions. Peppermint tea has a refreshing and refreshing flavor with a hint of sweetness. It makes it a perfect choice for the holiday season. You can enjoy tea alone or add a touch of honey or a cinnamon stick for an extra seasonal twist.
Try one of these Christmas-inspired herbal tea blends:
- Christmas Eve by Stash
- Cinnamon Vanilla by Stash
- Cranberry Pomegranate by Stash
- Pumpkin Spice by Yogi – including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, pumpkin, clove, and vanilla
- Vanilla Peppermint by Yogi
- Winter Apple and Cinnamon by Clipper
- Winter Spice by Twinings – apple-flavored camomile with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove spices
A Cheerful Christmas Celebration
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Don’t you love the smells of Christmas? The fresh tree, cookies baking in the oven, cinnamon, peppermint, and vanilla. The smells of Christmas are distinctive and evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Try adding a scent you enjoy into your home to help lift your spirits. – Don’t use unhealthy air fresheners or candles.
Create a natural scent by simmering a pot of water on your stove and adding ingredients such as:
- Citrus Peels. Orange, lemon, or even grapefruit peels add a fresh and uplifting scent.
- Cinnamon Sticks. Provide a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of the holidays.
- Whole Cloves. Bring a rich, earthy scent to the mix.
- Fresh Rosemary. Adds a herbal and pine-like fragrance.
- Pine or Cedar Twigs. Contribute to a woodsy and outdoorsy aroma.
Simmer these ingredients for a delightful Christmas scent in your home.
As you gather with your family, there’s a warm, cozy feeling. The twinkling lights and festive decorations create a sense of wonder and awe. And when you hear those familiar holiday tunes, it fills you with happiness.
The best part? The joy of giving and receiving, sharing laughter, and creating special memories. Embrace the spirit of giving and make someone else’s Christmas cheerful. It’s a mix of excitement, happiness, and a touch of magic that makes Christmas so unforgettable!
Wishing you a cheerful Christmas filled with laughter, love, and joy!
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