After many seasons of trial and error, I have learned that low-pressure, season-long festivities are my best bet for enjoying the holidays while managing my Crohn’s disease.
Growing up, it felt like I was sick for all the big holidays. On Thanksgiving, you’d find me curled up on the sofa with a ginger ale. At Christmas, I was likely spiking a fever. One Christmas in my early twenties ended with me in the emergency room, grappling with what I later discovered was pain from my undiagnosed Crohn’s disease. The pressure to celebrate on a specific day or at a particular event has always backfired on me. By spreading my holiday cheer throughout the last couple of months of the year, I’ve managed to relieve some of that pressure and actually enjoy the season more. Here’s a bit more about my approach in case you want to try it for yourself this year.
Stress is my biggest trigger for flare-ups, so keeping my anxiety and overall mental health in check is my top priority. Unfortunately, the holiday season comes with a lot of added stress—the events, the coordination, the expenses—it all adds up. Flexibility in my plans and realistic expectations of myself help me manage it all. I learned early on that even if I was sick on the actual holiday, we could still have a fantastic Plan B. It didn’t mean we couldn’t stick to our original plan, just on a different day. Knowing that there are other options alleviates the pressure I put on myself and allows me to confidently look forward to holiday plans. There have been countless times I’ve pivoted our celebration to something more low-key and had a great time. There have also been many instances where my family celebrated holidays in full force, just on different days when everyone was feeling up to it. I always keep both options in mind as we enter the holiday season.
Another mindset shift I’ve adopted is to focus on the entire season rather than just a single day. This belief stems from the idea that holidays can be celebrated on any day and in any way. I usually space events and celebrations throughout the month to avoid burnout. With the unpredictability of symptoms, it can be challenging to know how I’ll feel on any given day. Spreading out my plans increases the likelihood of feeling better for more of them. During the holiday season, the number of events and invitations can be overwhelming. I keep everything on my calendar but let hosts know I am always a “maybe.” Unpredictability goes both ways—sometimes I may suddenly feel unwell, but other times I may feel better than expected and can seize the opportunity to socialize if I choose. My overall approach to social situations is low-pressure. If I need to reschedule, I do. I communicate with event hosts that I’m grateful for the invitation but may not be able to attend. They appreciate my honesty, and being open about my situation makes me feel more comfortable.
When I’m at an event, I try to be mindful and confident in my choices. The holidays are meant to be a time of celebration, and the food and drinks seem endless. I used to feel pressured to consume whatever was available, but I realized that no one expects me to overindulge. Now, I confidently order mocktails instead of cocktails and plan to eat before I arrive if my symptoms are looming.
While we can do everything in our power to prevent a flare, the reality of Crohn’s disease is that we don’t always have control over our bodies. If I do end up in a flare, I try to move past shame and guilt and quickly honor what my body is telling me. If I need extra rest, need to stay home, or am dealing with challenging symptoms, I make the best of it—and of course, make it festive. I have a go-to list of holiday movies ready to binge-watch, and I keep low-impact crafts and books on hand to enjoy with my kids if we’re stuck at home. Having these festive at-home activities to look forward to softens the blow of missing a more formal celebration.
As you can see, most of my tips center around mindset. Set the framework for an enjoyable holiday season by making low-pressure plans, focusing on the entire season instead of just one day, and making mindful, confident decisions for yourself. If your symptoms do flare, it can be disappointing, but having plans for a festive at-home holiday is key to remaining positive. Prioritize, listen to your body, and take the pressure off yourself. I hope your holiday season is filled with festivities and happiness—whether that comes from your sofa or out on the town; both are wonderful options.
Michelle Pickens, a.k.a. @crohnicallyblonde on Instagram, is a content creator, patient advocate, and freelance writer passionate about supporting individuals with chronic and invisible illnesses. Diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2015, she shares her personal journey and insights on managing IBD, mental health, and motherhood. Through her work both on and off social media, Michelle offers resources, authentic stories, and community support for those navigating similar challenges.
Michelle Pickens
