Christmas and dysautonomia

Christmas is supposed to be this time of good cheer and happiness and fun.  There are thousands of songs devoted to "the most wonderful time of the year" and whether you celebrate it for religious reasons, as a time of giving, or a massive extravaganza of gift exchanging, it's supposed to be a joyous experience. 

When you have POTS however, the holidays become a test of strength, endurance, mental and physical stamina, and extra management of symptoms.  Shopping for gifts (online of course since walking is out!) and wrapping them, sending cards, getting dressed to go out, cooking food, and visiting or being visited are all activities that are challenging for people with dysautonomia. 

Simultaneously, I feel blue and depressed at not being able to fully participate and having to sit home while knowing that other are celebrating.  It's hard to turn down invitations and to watch how much fun others are having and how many activities everyone has packed into their lives. It's depressing to say once again, "maybe next year" I can do this or that or whatever the activity or party is.

So how to get out of this frame of mind and enjoy the holidays?

I decided to make a list!  Here are my five top reasons that I'm glad I have hPOTS for the holidays:

    5. The inevitable flair up of IBS will ensure that I won't gain any weight.  Heck, I'll probably lose weight!
    4. I will have all the symptoms of being drunk without having to drink anything alcoholic!
    3. Nobody will expect me to help do the dishes after dinner!
    2. Since I will have a little extra time off work, I can catch up on multiple Law & Order SVU all day marathons!
    1. I get to see my newest nephew William!  :-) 

Oddly, I do feel better after making that list!  And there is an SVU marathon tonight so let the fun begin...

I wish everyone reading a very merry Christmas and GOOD HEALTH, happiness, peace, comfort, and prosperity in 2013!