The holidays can bring family, traditions, and moments of joy. They can also bring long to-do lists, travel, hosting, and pressure to keep up.

For people living with breast cancer, the season may also bring challenges related to treatment, surgery, recovery, fatigue, pain, or anxiety about what comes next. MyBCTeam members described many ways they adjust their plans to make the holidays more manageable.

In a poll of MyBCTeam members, we asked, “How do you handle holiday stress?” Members responded as follows:

Members take different approaches to holiday stress, but skipping events when needed was the most common response.

MyBCTeam members have also shared how they adjust holiday traditions, save energy, and stay connected. Here are six strategies drawn from their experiences.

Breast cancer treatment can change what someone has the energy to do from one holiday season to the next. Treatment, recovery from surgery, and the emotional strain of cancer can all contribute to fatigue, so it’s reasonable to adjust your plans as your needs change.

One MyBCTeam member shared, “Last holiday season, I was on chemo. I slept through most of it. This year, I’m hoping to join in some of the activities.”

“Last holiday season, I was on chemo. I slept through most of it. This year, I’m hoping to join in some of the activities.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Another said, “This is my first year. I’ve just completed 34 radiation sessions three weeks ago. Normally I do a lot of decorating and baking, love to do it all, so I do not know how things will go.”

If you are receiving treatment or recovering from surgery, you may need to adjust your plans this year. Letting your energy level guide your activities can make the holidays feel more manageable.

Some members said the holidays became easier when they stopped trying to keep up with every tradition.

One member scaled back the meal: “I cook holiday meals on a small scale, no longer prepare large meals. I will share what I have if guests stop by.”

Another MyBCTeam member focuses on the traditions that feel most meaningful: “We are a Chrismukkah family, so I try to lean into only the most important traditions of each holiday so that we don’t get too crazy. Chanukkah is about being together, lighting the candles, enjoying little treats, and appreciating the miracles around us. For Christmas, it’s about the smells, the lights, and the sense of wonder on the newest family members’ faces.”

“We are a Chrismukkah family, so I try to lean into only the most important traditions of each holiday so that we don’t get too crazy.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Simplifying does not have to mean giving up the holidays. It can mean choosing what matters most and letting the rest be optional.

Many members said they save energy by keeping their schedules lighter and leaving events early when needed.

One MyBCTeam member said, “I skip things I am pretty sure will be more taxing than fun, and I don’t overload my schedule to begin with.”

“I skip things I am pretty sure will be more taxing than fun, and I don’t overload my schedule to begin with.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Another takes a simple approach: “I usually just enjoy the visiting … and when I’m tired, I just leave.”

That can mean resting between events, leaving early, or deciding not to attend at all.

Holiday planning, cooking, decorating, and hosting can take a lot of energy. Some members said asking for help made the holidays easier.

One member shared, “I have delegated the holiday plans to our daughter and daughter-in-law.”

“I have delegated the holiday plans to our daughter and daughter-in-law.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Another MyBCTeam member said, “This is the first with cancer. I am more fatigued and nap more often. … I ask for help with the heavy stuff and pace myself.”

Help can look different for everyone. It might mean letting someone else host, asking relatives to bring food, or handing over part of the shopping or decorating.

For some members, one of the hardest parts of social gatherings is feeling like cancer has taken over every conversation.

One MyBCTeam member described that feeling: “It’s hard. People instinctively ask how you’re doing, but … cancer seems to take over your life, and you just need something outside of it.”

You get to decide how much you want to talk about your health. Some people may want to share updates. Others may prefer to talk about family, movies, food, travel, work, or anything else that helps the gathering feel more normal.

The holidays are not joyful for everyone. Breast cancer may add another layer to feelings of grief, isolation, or uncertainty.

One MyBCTeam member said, “Holidays are a lonely time for me. This is my first holiday with breast cancer. Love my cat, great company!”

Another shared, “I go through them alone. My family lives 600 miles away. I make a reservation at a restaurant and go eat my meal, then go home and watch TV. … I just trust in the Lord and push through.”

Those feelings do not have to be pushed aside just because it is the holiday season. Comfort may come from family, friends, faith, pets, support groups, or simply giving yourself space for a quieter day.

Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself during the holidays may mean doing things differently than you used to. Setting boundaries, asking for help, making time for rest, and adjusting plans when needed can help you manage fatigue and other breast cancer symptoms while saving energy for the people and activities that matter most.

The holidays can also be emotionally difficult, especially when breast cancer changes how you’re able to celebrate. If you’re feeling lonely, sad, or overwhelmed, consider reaching out to someone you trust or connecting with others who understand. If these feelings continue or interfere with daily life, talking with a mental health professional can offer additional support.