For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, traditions and family. However, if you’re living with a cancer diagnosis, you may wonder how you are going to fit it all in, or how you are going to celebrate when you have so much on your mind already.

“Try to view the holidays as a time to take care of yourself and prioritize what is most important to you,” said Dr. Laurie Chen, medical oncologist at TMC Health Cancer Center. “Give yourself permission to focus on your needs, and to say no if you need to.”

If you or a loved one is living with cancer, here are a few tips to help you thrive this holiday season.

If you are typically the one to cook the holiday meal but are worried you might not be up to it this year, that’s ok. You can start a new tradition. Host a holiday potluck, or enlist the help of kids, grandkids, friends and neighbors to cook your usual holiday fare. Remember, the point of the holidays is to spend time with loved ones and to celebrate the present moment, so it’s ok if this moment looks different than holidays of years past. On that note, since extended family often gathers for the holidays, let them know that you might be feeling and celebrating a bit differently.

Cancer and treatment can leave you feeling fatigued, so make sure to pace yourself. Reserve energy for the activities that are most meaningful to you and simplify others. Do your shopping online, use gift bags, order the holiday meal instead of cooking a full spread. 

There tends to be added pressure to act joyfully during the holidays, but if you aren’t feeling that way, it’s ok to express that. “Feel those feelings and confide in someone you trust,” Dr. Chen said. “Laughing or crying is great for stress relief.”

Eat well and make time for exercise. Allow for downtime like curling up with a book or cozying up to watch a movie on the couch.

If you have events or travel plans, loop in your care team. There may be flexible appointments to accommodate travel or other needs.