Every year I plan and host all the holidays at my home for my family. Even though I’m only 45, I’m the default oldest mother in the family, and I enjoy cooking and celebrating holidays with those I love.
However, having primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) means a lot of extra planning in all areas of the holidays. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to continue doing these traditions, since I take on all the planning, shopping, decorating, cooking, baking and cleaning by myself. I have a few strategies that I fall back on every year, but mostly it’s just a lot of organization, such as planning and prepping ahead of time.
Think ahead
I always keep my eyes open for deals and gifts all year long. Just this week I picked up a costume for my son for next Halloween — it was under a dollar! Last year I found wrapping paper for quarter a roll!
Shopping out of season is a great way to save money and time. It’s always a welcome surprise when I pull out items that I prepurchased. I find spending a few extra dollars after the holidays and hitting the clearance rack saves me as much as 90% off regular retail price.
Make a list
One of the other most important things I must do to make it through the holidays is to plan. Personally, I’m a list maker. Making lists is how I stay organized and on track in most areas, but especially for the holidays. Having brain fog with PBC often leaves me stumped, confused and forgetful. Lists help me ensure that everything gets done.
I generally start with the calendar, and I decide what dates I’m hosting, what dates I need to clean, what dates I need to shop and what dates I can prep and prepare foods gifts and decorating. Breaking it down like this and getting it on paper helps me achieve my goals and helps me visually see it. Having PBC means having to stretch out small tasks sometimes and breaking things down. I try to give myself a little extra space and time to get the important things done on time.
Plan around limits
I try to do what I can ahead of time, instead of waiting till the last minute. I try to buy my gifts early and have them wrapped and shipped ahead of time. When it comes to decorating, I pick and choose where I put my energy. I stopped decorating outside and hanging lights years ago. I prefer to use my energy to decorate the tree and stockings inside, since I still have children at home. I’ve learned my limits, and I can’t do it all. Most years now I just throw out a seasonal rug and hang a wreath on the front door. Decorating for the holidays can become a real physical chore, so I do what I can when I can, and I give myself a little grace in this area.
When it comes to the food and shopping, I buy and store what I can ahead of time, and I try to keep a current list of fresh ingredients that I need closer to the day of hosting. I often spend the few days beforehand prepping side dishes, chopping veggies and herbs, baking pies and desserts, washing up tableware and cleaning. I get tired just thinking about it.
As my children have gotten older, I’ve tried to encourage them to help where they can. They’re able to help carrying groceries, take out the trash, and peel potatoes. I think it’s important to include them and help delegate chores to whoever is able to help you.
Hard work that’s worth it
Maybe my family has been spoiled by the traditions we’ve come to know. Although it’s a lot of hard work, I do enjoy doing this for my loved ones on these special holidays. Most importantly I try to cherish the moments. The smiles, hugs, food and the memories being made are what it is all about. The holidays are the one thing that brings together all the people I love, so regardless of how bad PBC slows me down, I keep pushing through for this season.
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