Every year it seems impossible that it could be the holiday season already. And yet, as the Grinch said, somehow or other they come just the same! The holidays are a time of celebration and togetherness, but they are also a time of increased pressure to create special experiences for your family. If you’re celebrating the holidays partly, mostly or fully in the hospital, consider the following ideas to make beautiful memories no matter the setting:
Continue Your Traditions
Think about the traditions that are important to your family. It may not be possible to run through the yard around your house barefoot during the first snowfall this year, but instead of forgoing traditions in the hospital, ask how you can adjust them. Maybe you can bring snow into the hospital room and shiver together as you rub it on your feet? The hospital isn’t a time to put your traditions on hold. Instead, it’s a time to embrace them.
Focus on Family
No matter your religion or traditions, the holidays are a time of family. It may not be possible for everyone to visit with a huge turkey meal, but technologies like Skype let you communicate face-to-face even though you may be far away. If you’re spending time in the hospital this year, consider using technology to connect with the people you value most.
Gifts to Use Together
If gift-giving is part of your holiday tradition, try to get gifts that you can use together with your child in the hospital. Consider what card or board game you could play together, or what model or craft project you could make. This year more than ever, use your gifts as a way to create togetherness between you and your child.
Sheri Sobrato Brisson is a brain tumor survivor who discovered the importance of self-reflection during her recovery. From her personal illness experience and a dozen years supporting families and children with serious illness, her life’s philanthropic mission is to empower families and children facing serious illness. She has started and facilitated support groups for children with illness and their families for over twenty years with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, National Brain Tumor Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and Packard Children’s Hospital. She has served as Board Member for many children’s health nonprofit organizations including American Cancer Society San Jose, UCSF/Mt. Zion Auxiliary, Creighton Health Institute, and Okizu Foundation. Brisson received her master’s degree in counseling from Santa Clara University and her undergraduate degree in human biology from Stanford University.
Read more about Sheri at https://diggingdeep.org