How to manage the holidays after a cancer diagnosis
December 04, 2025
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by Malory Lee and Traci Newsom on December 04, 2025
Facing the holidays can be stressful — even in the best of times. When you add a cancer diagnosis into the mix, the season may start to feel overwhelming.
So, how do you deal with all that festivity when you’re also managing fatigue, hair loss, or other side effects of cancer treatment or caring for a loved one with cancer?
Here are three pieces of advice that senior social work counselors Malory Lee and Traci Newsom shared in a recent Cancerwise podcast episode.
Release your expectations
There’s a lot of pressure during the holiday season to stay upbeat, participate in gatherings and maintain family traditions.
That pressure could be coming from inside you, from your friends and family, or even from society at large. Whatever its source, it can feel oppressive — especially when you have limited energy and might not be in the best frame of mind.
So, what should you do? Release your expectations.
“Recognize that the holidays might need to be a little different this year,” says Lee. “Remember: there’s no one ‘right’ way for a holiday to look. So, consider reframing it as an opportunity to create new traditions that work for you.”
“Be realistic about your limitations and what you can manage,” adds Newsom. “Prioritize the things that fill you with joy.”
Stay in the present time
It’s easy to get lost in your head, endlessly rehashing past events or worrying about the future. That’s likely even more true if you or a loved one is facing cancer and also dealing with appearance changes, cognitive issues or end-of-life concerns.
“But ruminating takes us away from the most important time, which is right now,” explains Lee.
So, what’s the solution? Live in the moment.
“Staying present is not always easy,” Lee adds. “It can be hard to control those thoughts. But paying attention to your breathing or doing something really physical can help take your attention off your anxiety.”
You may also want to try journaling, support groups, social work counseling or mindfulness exercises. Or, you could ask to be matched with someone who really understands what you’re going through, by contacting myCancerConnection, MD Anderson’s one-on-one cancer support community.
“Just letting someone else know how you feel can go a long way toward relieving isolation,” Lee notes.
Recognize when you need more support
Holidays are a type of milestone. They remind us all of the passage of time. This can make you more aware of your own mortality and lead you to wonder how many more holidays you might get to celebrate.
“It’s OK to have conflicting emotions,” says Newsom. “That’s totally normal. It’s only natural to feel grief about the ways that cancer has changed you or a loved one since the last holiday, mixed with gratitude that you’re all still around to celebrate this year, mixed with fear of what the future may hold.”
So, what can you do?
Recognize when you’re struggling and ask for help.
Letting people know what you need is really important when you’re facing cancer, Lee stresses. “It’s impossible to do this without support,” she says. “So, let people know which tasks it would be helpful for them to perform, and then start delegating.”
For more tips from Lee and Newsom, listen to the entire podcast.
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