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It has been a very long while since I spent my holiday season with my whole family. You see, I have had a huge family. I have lost count of the number of my relatives, who live both locally and abroad, I actually have.

But I have always known that one is louder than the other. So, as you would probably imagine how loud it could be when we’re all in the same room during the holiday season.

But, to be honest, I missed it. I missed them. I missed each of them, no matter how loud they were. The problem was – as it has always been – that their voices and other external voices would have been too much for my tinnitus.

I tried to avoid them because I didn’t want to bother them if/when I suddenly got Meniere’s attacks. Besides, it became a little bit tiring when they would ask me whether I was feeling fine and so on. Nevertheless, I missed all of those tiring questions.

Last holiday season, I decided to invite some of my relatives for a small gathering at my house. My cat didn’t like the idea but well, to me the holiday season has always been all about spending time with family.

So, I prepared a gourmet dinner for them – for us together, which was great because I didn’t have to cook. Of course, I also reminded them about my “house rules of the holiday season” that said:

If I suddenly feel worse then I’ll excuse myself but they’re free to stay and continue with the festivity.

To my delightful surprise, the dinner went fine. I had to go to the toilet several times because I had been having a little bit of sickness and nausea, but other than that everything was great.

Before the guests went home, they did the dishes and cleaned the dining room, which was very helpful, thoughtful, and attentive to them.

Suddenly I realized that getting through the holiday season with unpredictable chronic illness didn’t have to be scary, isolating, or nerve-racking. No, not at all.

Just keep it small and cozy: Invite some of your relatives and friends, tell them about “your house rules” and try to relax and most importantly, try to enjoy your holiday season with them.

Books worth reading:

• Meniere Man And The Astronaut. The Self Help Book For Meniere’s Disease: Includes the Author’s specific recovery list. 100 effective ways to help overcome Meniere’s.
• Rewiring Tinnitus: How I Finally Found Relief From the Ringing in My Ears.
• Overcoming Meniere’s: How changing your lifestyle can change your life.

How do you get through your Holiday Season with chronic illness? Share your stories with us in the comment section below. Thank you!