Embracing the holiday hustle and bustle in our own way
Our recipe for happiness in a family with chronic health conditions
While the holiday season brings excitement, it also creates unique challenges for families like ours who are managing chronic conditions. My husband, Jared, has severe hemophilia B and epilepsy, and I have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
While common advice suggests taking it slow, setting strict boundaries, and skipping some festivities for health’s sake, our approach is a bit different. Christmas comes but once a year, so we make every effort to savor the season, even if it requires a little more adjustment and planning.
One typical suggestion is to decline invitations or avoid physically demanding activities to prevent health complications. For us, though, connecting with others is a central part of the season. We rarely decline holiday invitations outright. Instead, we try to attend activities unless Jared has an immobilizing bleed. In those rare cases, we pivot and bring the festivities home, celebrating in a way that doesn’t compromise his recovery. This balance between caution and participation lets us stay close to family and friends, even on challenging days.
Holiday shopping is another activity we genuinely enjoy. Instead of staying home or delegating, we brave the infamous Christmas traffic here in Manila, in the Philippines, soak in the festive ambiance of the malls, and hunt down meaningful gifts for loved ones. Gift-giving is an essential part of Filipino culture, and we do our best to fully participate.
Last year, despite being on a budget, Jared put his love for cooking to use by preparing gourmet food gifts for our loved ones. It was a labor-intensive but rewarding experience that allowed us to celebrate the spirit of giving without overextending ourselves financially.
Allowing for spontaneity
For people like me who have ADHD, traditional advice suggests creating highly structured plans to avoid holiday chaos. This makes sense in theory, but in reality, our approach tends to be much more fluid. We might make detailed lists or try to get things done early, but most often, holiday motivation strikes at the last minute. When it does, we ride that wave, knocking out tasks in one productive burst. This approach may not align with conventional planning advice, but for us, it brings a sense of excitement and spontaneity to the season.
It’s also easier to stay flexible when managing energy and attention. Instead of strict routines, we focus on what feels manageable and fun in the moment. This freedom helps us enjoy the holidays without the pressure of sticking to rigid plans, allowing us to be fully present for the celebrations that matter.
While Jared’s epilepsy requires us to be mindful about sleep and rest, it doesn’t stop us from enjoying late-night holiday events. Contrary to the idea of leaving gatherings early, we love staying out late for festive activities like parties, dinners, and karaoke “’til the break of dawn.” These are rare, joyful experiences, and with mindful medication management, Jared can enjoy them with minimal risk.
We focus on preparation, making sure he’s well rested in the days prior and has taken his medication. When possible, we spend weekends “bed rotting” to balance our busy schedules. And if, midway through an event, a mild seizure strikes but he’s able to recover quickly, the show goes on!
Even with a busy holiday agenda, we prioritize rest when we can, recognizing that each gathering requires some planning. But knowing that Jared can join in the late-night celebrations makes the season feel complete and festive. It’s a way of living fully within the season’s spirit while balancing health with the chance to celebrate meaningfully.
Navigating the holiday season with chronic conditions means managing health and enjoyment in ways that work for us. Some traditions — like gift shopping, karaoke, and gatherings — are worth the effort and preparation they require. Instead of focusing on limitations, we focus on what brings joy, celebrating in ways that respect our health while embracing the season’s excitement. With a mix of planning and spontaneity, we’ve found a way to create holiday memories that feel joyful, safe, and uniquely ours.
Note: Hemophilia 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 another 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 Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
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