Blog

By Doris Dahdouh, MSW, LSW, LMSW INHC

The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” And for many, they truly are—filled with lights, music, gatherings, and familiar traditions meant to bring warmth and joy. But for others, the season feels complicated. Tender. Overwhelming. Heavy.

When you’re navigating a Histiocytosis diagnosis, a rare disease, chronic symptoms, caregiving responsibilities, grief, or the ongoing uncertainty that comes with health challenges, this time of year can stir up a swirl of emotions. Joy and grief. Gratitude and exhaustion. Hope and fear. Emotions that seem like opposites yet somehow take up residence side by side within you.

If that’s where you find yourself this year, I want you to know this: you are not alone.
Your experience is real. Your feelings are valid. And while your journey may look different from someone else’s, it does not make it any less true or worthy of acknowledgment. Don’t let anyone’s thoughts or expectations overshadow the authenticity of your own reality. It belongs to you, and it’s okay to embrace it.

While the rest of the world rushes around with shopping lists, baking marathons, and festive gatherings, let’s pause together and honor your experience—whatever it may be.

Below are a few gentle invitations to help guide you through this season with compassion and intention:

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1. Let yourself feel what you’re feeling.
If you shift from joy to sadness within minutes, let it happen. Nothing is wrong with you. This is your genuine emotional response to a tender time of year—and honoring that is an act of authenticity.

2. Remember that nothing lasts forever.
Even if what you’re experiencing feels prolonged or heavier than you hoped, it will not stay this way forever. Seasons—both literal and emotional—always shift.

3. Put on the metaphorical “cast.”
Give yourself the same permission you’d give someone healing a broken leg. You may be in a state of recovery—emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Your “cast” is a reminder (to you and to others) that healing takes time, boundaries, and compassion.

4. Let yourself grieve—and then remember.
Grieve the version of yourself you loved. The holiday you wished you had. The loved one who is no longer here in the way you hoped. And when you can, follow the grief with a fond memory—a reminder of the impact, love, or joy that person or moment brought to your life.

5. Create a moment that is just yours.
Set aside time that belongs only to you. Maybe it’s a warm bath, a healing tea, a walk, a favorite snack, journaling, or watching something that makes you laugh or helps you release held-in emotions. Whatever “just being” looks like for you—honor it.

6. Nourish yourself.
A good meal, a comforting drink, or an uplifting quote, book, podcast, or TED Talk can remind you that you are still alive—even in hardship. Nourishment isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and spiritual too.

7. Allow yourself to enjoy the moments that arrive.
Don’t deny yourself the small joys when they come. A string of lights. A childhood movie. Kids playing outside. A memory that makes you smile. Let it in without guilt.

There are countless suggestions that can be offered, but the truth is this: none of it matters if deep down you don’t believe you deserve to feel, to heal, or to move forward. Our beliefs shape us. They become our identities. Identify as someone who deserves all that this season has to offer in good faith. Reach out to the Histiocytosis Association if you need support. Plan on committing to at least one group, event, or challenge that will benefit your journey.

Let’s take a moment to commit to walking into walk into the new year with self-love, realistic accommodations, and acknowledgment of every bit of progress—especially the small steps. And if all you did this year was survive it, that alone is an accomplishment worthy of honor.

You are doing the best you can with what you have.
You are not behind.
You are not failing.
You are human—and you are healing.

Blessings and happy holidays!

-Doris Dahdouh