I simply ‘soak up the atmosphere’ to manage holiday stress with ALS

I’m looking forward to several events coming my way this holiday season. Not that my social calendar is filled up. Right now, I only have a few family get-togethers scheduled, all at restaurants with scrumptious buffets. (Yay!)

I’ve learned, however, that holiday activities mixed with my ALS can add stress to an otherwise happy season. So I prepare by making adjustments.

We all know that even the best-laid plans for the holidays can get muddled. People simply forget, the weather intervenes, or cold and flu bugs make a surprise appearance at the worst of times. These are challenges everyone faces at one time or another. I remind myself that it’s not happening just to me, nor do I blame my ALS.

But there are certain situations where my ALS symptoms frustrate me, and I have to be patient and keep my mind focused.

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Because I eat more slowly now and have swallowing issues, I’ve learned to stay at the table and accept the help of my husband or daughter, who will walk the buffet line and fill a plate for me.

With my dinner finally in front of me and my napkin adjusted, I’m ready to cut the first pieces of food. But then I look up only to see that everyone else at the table is nearly finished and ready to leave.

Or, during our meal, a family member invariably chooses to ask me a question the moment I have a mouthful of food. They forget that I’m able to either eat or talk — not both at the same time.

So when I’m at a social event involving a meal, I focus on what’s around me, rather than stressing out about trying to keep pace. I soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the people, and don’t mind carrying my meal home in a box.

I love my mobility scooter, which makes it easier for me to cover long distances, from parking lots to holiday buffet dining rooms. But when I’m in a group that’s standing and chatting, I end up eye level to their belt buckles and fancy handbags. To top it off, my neck begins to ache from constantly looking up. My solution is to look for a nearby arrangement of empty chairs and suggest everyone sit down. Not only are they happy to relax and rest their feet, but the conversation continues, and best of all, I’m included.

These are just a few of the ways I manage to blend my ALS life into the holiday events I attend. What do you do to make sure your holidays go smoothly? Please leave your tips in the comments below.

Let’s enjoy being with friends and family during the holidays and help each other live well with ALS.

Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.