Aaah, the holidays. If you’re like me, this time of year has definitely been made more challenging by your infertility diagnosis. Years ago, before I had any idea that I’d one day be traveling around the country with an infertility art exhibit, collecting oral histories, and running art and writing workshops, I compiled this list of tips for coping with infertility during the holidays.

Some of the ideas are mine, some are of those of people I’ve met along the way, some are from online blogs, or resources like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. I wish now that I had kept track of where I’d found them so I could give credit where credit is due. However, it’s been too helpful to me, and those in my infertility support groups, over the years to keep it to myself. So, I’m sharing it with all of you this week. I’m particularly fond of #s 12, 17, 42, 52, 68, and 69. What are your favorites? Do you have any you’d like to add?

Hang in There!

Elizabeth

Tips for Surviving the Holidays

1. Treat yourself.
2. On a good day, make a list of things you’re grateful for and read it when you’re feeling down.
3. Give yourself an enjoyable challenge.
4. Shop Therapy!
5. Enjoy one on one time with your partner.
6. Take good care of yourself.
7. Tell parents and other family members how you are feeling using “I” statements.
8. Limit time spent with family if you find it too stressful.
9. Change the way you celebrate.
10. Create new traditions.
    

    An image from s/m/othering, by Marissa McClure. Part of the ART of IF permanent collection.

11. Volunteer.
12. Plan at least one day during the holiday that you are really looking forward to.
13. Make a date to see your siblings and/or parents away from children so you can really catch up.
14. If you think you may act badly under stress, decide ahead of time how to behave.
15. Be sure to incorporate the usual events that are meaningful and joyful for you into your plans. Don’t let infertility rob you of your joys.
16. Don’t go to holiday events.
17. If you do go to holiday events, have an escape plan.
18. Instead of attending an entire event, go to only the portion of the event that you find enjoyable or tolerable.
19. Don’t feel like you have to hold babies.
20. Alternatively, hold every baby available to get your “fix.”
21. Be prepared for the “When are you having kids?” question.
22. Decide ahead of time whether or not to tell your family about your infertility.
23. Don’t be afraid to cut off uncomfortable conversations.
24. Be ready to cope with pregnancy announcements.
25. Be forgiving of yourself.
26. Hide in the bathroom for a few minutes (or more) when necessary.
27. Put yourself first.
28. Be interesting! Adjust the focus from your inability to have a baby to something positive about you.
29. Shop online instead of in the stores to control what you see and when.
30. Ban the baby department if you must go into stores.
31. Create mantras.
32. Cry.
33. Focus on the lighter side of infertility by joking with your partner or friends who understand.
34. Don’t open holiday cards. It’s okay to throw them away or put them aside to open on a good day.
35. Get exercise.
36. Avoid television to avoid the holiday commercials.
37. Party with adults only!
38. Rely on your support person/people.
39. Have an emergency to-do list of enjoyable activities. Write it when you’re having a good day and then pick an item from the list when you’re having a bad one.
40. Take a break from Facebook.
41. Be honest with others about your feelings.
42. Dress up!
43. Think positive! Let yourself dream about future holidays as a parent.
44. Remember the reason for the season, whatever it is to you.
45. Plan a January “get away” or other reward.
46. Ask for/tell others what you need from them.
47. If it’s too hard to shop for baby and kid items, buy a gift card instead.
48. Try to avoid sitting next to new/expectant moms at dinner.
49. Slow down.
50. Start each day with intention.
51. Do what you need to do for yourself with no apology.
52. Remember that “No.” is a complete sentence. You don’t need an excuse.
53. Do what’s right for you.
54. Find a way to honor your lost baby or babies.
55. Schedule time to grieve.
56. Don’t expect to live up to others expectations.
57. Practice empathy.
58. Make your own holiday cards and avoid the card aisle.
59. Decorate for the holidays or don’t. Either way, do what feels right to you.
60. Write an uplifting note to yourself on a good day. Keep it in your purse or a pocket to read when you are feeling down.
61. Journal your feelings.
62. Create memories with a special child in your life.
63. Write down your favorite childhood memories.
64. Avoid talking about Infertility at holiday parties. If someone brings it up, say you’d rather enjoy the holidays instead.
65. Watch a holiday classic.
66. Make a list of resolutions, sticking to things you can control.
67. Give yourself an infertility break by not trying to get pregnant over the holidays.
68. Educate others by being ready with infertility statistics when the topic comes up.
69. Find a creative outlet like coloring, painting, or another kind of crafting.
70. Remember that it won’t feel like this forever.