COPD and the Holidays

The holidays are upon us. For some this brings excitement; for others, possibly sadness, loneliness, or loss. Some people don’t understand. That can bring more pain.

Remembering my childhood

I love to think back to the times when I was young. The joy of my family getting together with grandparents and cousins, opening presents, and climbing snow hills on my grandparents' farm. Always card games like gin rummy or whist.

With my other grandma, I remember frosted gingersnap cookies, pound cakes, and pumpkin pies. My uncle also brought us our yearly bag of peanuts, hard candies, popcorn balls, and a quarter. That quarter was a lot of money. And there were cousins!

Growing up, it was the holidays watching my children grow, remembering myself at their age. My brothers and I would talk about things that we remember from before and including my parents and grandparents in these conversations. Well, most of the time!

All the generations together

It was fun to have our kids chime into the discussion. I would shush my brother, telling them I don’t want them to hear that. Sometimes my kids would laugh and say they already knew about something silly that I might have done. After all, they are all in their 40's. We have lots of memories too of the younger generations.

Building memories, that’s what life, is all about. Things that we can share and cherish. I know I do. I treasure those memories. My kids do too. The grandkids remember some of their own. What a blessing that we have. Some don’t have those cherished memories. My heart breaks for them. I hope that each of you knows that we care and are here for you.

Holiday settings

If you'll be alone, is there someplace that you can order a meal to be prepared and delivered to you? I remember ordering roses for myself earlier in life and before COPD. Is there anything special that you could order for yourself? Some little gift that you always wanted? Will you be talking to a friend or a loved one? You can join us here on COPD.net. Someone will be here. There are other sites as well. This is often what others do too.

Gift suggestions

There are plenty of gifts that can be good for someone with COPD. Here are some ideas:

• Pajamas or a nightgown.
• A nice terry cloth robe which would be nice right out of the shower.
• A pretty shirt.
• Tablet. Imagine all that he/she could do on this and so nice to be online, visit his/her support sites, read a book or even watch a movie.
• Newspaper subscription.
• Gift certificate for their favorite shopping site.
• Shower chair.
• Bar to hold onto when getting in and out of the shower.
• Dehumidifier.
• Life button if needed: A button that your COPDer can push if they fall, a button for the bath/shower that can be pushed if they fall in the bathtub, and a button that can be pushed if they need help while they are away from home.
• If they have a pet, maybe you could take the furbaby in for a grooming.

Happy holidays to you and yours!

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