12 Days Over Christmas

The festive season can bring joy but also challenges, particularly for those whose lives have been affected by cancer. To support and inspire you, we have our 12 Days Over Christmas.

12 days worth of of thoughtful ideas, activities, and reflections over the Christmas period.

Please remember that we are here for you, you don’t have to do this alone. Whether you are living with cancer or caring for someone with cancer, we are here to walk that journey with you.

When life changes, our traditions often change too. If cancer has affected your life, then Christmas might feel a little different.  Consider starting a new tradition that brings joy and connection. It might be as simple as a winter walk, a cosy evening with a warm drink, or beginning a gratitude jar. New traditions don’t need to be grand; they just need to bring you comfort and happiness.

Learning how to breathe effectively can lower stress and improve your wellbeing. Simple breathing exercises can be grounding, helping your body work more efficiently. Take a moment to watch this video below and try these techniques, see if you can reclaim a sense of calm during busy or stressful times:

Stress can feel overwhelming, especially at this time of year. Today, focus  on managing stress with simple, practical techniques. Remember, rest is necessary and not indulgent. Give yourself permission to pause and recharge over the festive season. This video will help:

When life feels uncertain, revisiting an old Christmas tradition can feel comforting; maybe by reminding you of simpler times, a loved one, or a happy memory. Whether it’s hanging a meaningful ornament, baking a favourite recipe, or listening to a carol, small things can be meaningful.

Anxiety is a normal response to stress but can become overwhelming. Simple tools and techniques can help you manage it. Be gentle with yourself, take breaks, and remind yourself that it’s okay to restart as often as needed. Protecting your peace is a worthwhile priority. This short video covers simple tools and techniques that are helpful for managing anxiety:

Christmas often comes with high expectations, but it’s okay to do less and rest more. Acknowledge your feelings, especially if you’re missing someone, and take time to look after your wellbeing. Remember, there’s no “right” way to spend Christmas.

Reflecting on past Christmases can be comforting and can help loved ones feel close. Try chatting to an old friend, looking through photo albums, or enjoying a favourite festive treat. Even sitting quietly with your own thoughts and giving yourself some time to reflect on Christmases past can be a source of comfort.

Even small acts of kindness can make a difference to our wellbeing, whether it’s noticing kindness from others or doing something nice for someone else. It’s easy to underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which can make someone’s day.

Creativity matters because it’s good for us. Being creative is a distraction from our worries and can make us feel differently about ourselves. Whether it’s drawing, knitting, writing, or baking, the act of creating can be calming and fulfilling. It’s not about the end result, but about enjoying the process.

Trying something new can bring a spark to your day. It might be as simple as a new recipe, a creative activity, or exploring a new place. Doing something you’ve never done before, even something simple, can lift your spirits and remind you that you can still have new experiences.

Spending time in nature can be meditative and have a healing effect, even when the weather isn’t great. Going for a walk or simply looking outside your window will help you feel more connected to the natural world, which can benefit your mental health. Maybe you have a favourite local park that you could visit?

Visualisation is a really effective tool for relaxation, so find somewhere quiet and comfortable and give yourself 10 minutes to listen to this visualisation – recorded by our therapist Roy. We hope it leaves you with a sense of peace and calm:

Watch the video here

 

However you spend your time, know that your wellbeing matters. We wish you a peaceful festive season.