Holiday Traditions and COPD

One thing I've learned from COPD is that almost everything that I took for granted was going to change. No matter how hard I fought against giving in to my illness, there came a point where I had to make changes and adjustments.

Some call it “the tipping point.” Whatever it is, accepting these adjustments is the key to living well with COPD.

Holiday socializing with COPD

With much fun and anticipation, the holidays are here. We get to see the family and friends from the past year, all in a few days.

But socializing is hard work, and it is up to each of us to choose how much of it we can tolerate. Ironing out the logistics of How and When socializing will happen gives us better control over the outcome.

Hosting with ease

Deciding to host the holidays can take your stress level up a notch, but with proper planning and pacing, we can minimize stress for a successful outcome. The cooking, baking, and cleaning that it takes to host family and visitors throughout the holidays can be overwhelming.

It often takes more energy than we have to give. Delegating tasks and dishes and having others pitch in helps, but it comes with its own problems.

Navigating the dilemma of holiday gatherings

Due to viruses that can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems, we have the added worry of guests being contagious and sharing with us. Some won’t even know they are sick yet. We also don't know how clean others' kitchens are or how many kids had their hands on that food.

It should not be taken lightly because not everyone believes that COVID is real, so they become lax in their food handling procedures, putting us all in danger.

So, the alternative is to be a guest. Although it sounds like a perfect and easier solution, it comes with its own problems.

Once I am a guest in somebody's home, I can no longer control the environment around me. In North America, the winters are frigid, with dry air that cuts your airways off and causes lots of gasping and sputtering. The logistics of traveling can be a nightmare.

Respiratory sensitivities

It takes a nanosecond for someone wearing perfume to sit beside me, and I gasp for air. Not being the host means I can't set the rules by asking people not to wear perfume or use air freshener plugins.

My tolerance is low, and overheated rooms or cooking smells that smoke can make an instant difference in how I breathe.

• Stop stressing. It will be what it will be.
• Make new traditions that don’t leave you financially broke.
• Don't be obligated to do things or to see people that upset you.
• It is only one day, and if it is too hard to push yourself, relax, stay at home, and be safe.

Happy Holidays to one and all!

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.