By Victoria Reed, PNN Columnist

Christmas is my favorite holiday, as it is for many people. Once Thanksgiving is over, I start getting excited for this once a year “season” when I get to wear my favorite sweaters, sing Christmas songs and shop till I drop! My home is transformed with decorations, lights and a Christmas tree filled with ornaments, old and new.

My mood is jovial, though the pain is still there, albeit faded into the background amid the distractions of holiday preparations.

My family has always celebrated Christmas. As a child, I remember lying in bed and being excited for Santa Claus to come. Of course, as I grew older, the anticipation and excitement waned a bit, as I eventually realized there was no Santa. However, I was always grateful for what I received and loved Christmas morning with my family. I treasure those memories from my childhood.

Though it’s a happy time for many people, the holiday season can bring stress, sadness or even loneliness to people suffering from chronic pain. It can be difficult for us to do some of the things we were once able to do effortlessly. Going to crowded stores and standing in long lines can be difficult if you suffer from back or joint pain. Fatigue can increase as well.

For some, the distraction of the holiday season might make your pain seem better, because you’re simply not thinking about it as much as you spend time with friends and family, attend holiday parties, eat delicious food, and take in the sights of Christmas. All can seem well, at least temporarily.

But for many pain sufferers, pain can actually increase over the holidays, due to increased demands on the body and the stress of shopping, entertaining and preparing holiday meals. 

I spend a good deal of time choosing gifts for my family. I also like to make gifts that have a more personal touch. But that sometimes triggers rheumatoid arthritis flares in my hands and wrists, and causes my neck and shoulders to get sore from sitting in one position for too long.

My fibromyalgia also seems to get worse as soon as the weather turns cold. I live in northeast Ohio and it is definitely not easy this time of year, but I can somehow tolerate winter weather. In fact, having snow on the ground actually contributes to that magical feeling of Christmas.

Regardless of what climate you live in, here are 5 tips to prevent your pain from worsening during the busy holiday season:

1. Shop online. This will allow you to avoid stressful traffic and crowded stores. You are also less likely to catch a cold, flu or covid when you shop from the comfort of your own home.

2. Limit gatherings to smaller groups to reduce stress and pain.

3. Eat healthier. The old saying is true: You are what you eat! You may be tempted to feast on cookies, pies and fatty holiday dishes, but you will pay a price for it. Stomach aches, sluggishness and weight gain are some of the side effects of Christmas.

4. Start shopping early and wrap your presents early. If you wrap a few gifts per day vs. all of them at once, you’ll be less tired and less sore from being hunched over. 

5. Keep exercising (if you are able), even if it’s just stretching or walking. If your muscles are tight, that tension will increase pain. Staying fit will help you navigate those long lines and crowds if you choose to shop in stores.

While the holiday season can be stressful for those of us suffering from chronic pain, taking precautions and making smart choices will ensure a fun and memorable holiday season, without the added discomfort.

Victoria Reed lives in northeast Ohio. She suffers from endometriosis, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease and rheumatoid arthritis.