For many, Christmas is a time of joy, celebration and family. But when you’re living with a rare or less common cancera disease where abnormal cells split without control and spread to other nearby body tissue and/or organs – or caring for someone who is – the season can bring a mix of emotions. Alongside the gratitude and laughter, there might also be feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatiguea state of extreme tiredness or exhaustion, can be physical or mental or grief.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, recovering, or missing someone you love, it’s OK if this Christmas feels different.
Here are some gentle reminders and practical tips to help you care for yourself and navigate this season in a way that feels right for you.
Lower your expectations
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of creating an idyllic Christmas. But when you’re living with cancer, perfection isn’t worth striving for.
- focus on what feels manageable and meaningful
- let go of traditions or tasks that feel too demanding
- say “no” without guilt, and “yes” only when it feels right
- be honest with yourself and others about your energy and needs.
Remember: you don’t have to do things the way you always have. This year can look different, and that’s OK.
Protect your energy
Your health comes first. Fatigue, pain or side effects may limit what you can do, so it’s important to pace yourself:
- keep events small and low-key
- ask guests to bring food or help set up and clean up
- don’t feel obligated to attend every event – decline with kindness if you need rest
- schedule rest breaks and quiet time before or after social visits.
Protecting your energy isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your healing and wellbeing.
Make the most of online convenience
Christmas at the shops can be draining. Lean on tools that make life easier:
- shop online for gifts, groceries or vouchers
- choose delivery or gift-wrapping services to save energy
- consider less material gifts, like a handwritten card or a special coffee date or walk together.
Small gestures from the heart will mean more to those you love.
Manage worries and focus on the present
Christmas can magnify worries about your health or the future:
- try scheduling ‘worry time’ – set aside 10 minutes to think through concerns, then redirect your focus
- use mindfulness techniques to ground yourself in the moment: notice the warmth of a hug, the brightness of lights, the smell of your favourite meal
- create small, joyful rituals – lighting a candle, playing music, writing a gratitude note.
You can’t control everything, but you be present for moments that bring comfort and calm.
Listen to your body
Christmas often revolves around food, but there’s no rule that says you must eat or celebrate a certain way:
- eat what feels right – snack, graze or sip as needed
- don’t push yourself to sit through long meals
- let your family know what you need to feel comfortable.
Your comfort is what matters most.
Maintain small routines
Even small routines can bring stability during a chaotic time of year:
- prioritise rest, gentle movement and hydration.
- leep taking medications and following treatment schedules.
- if you’re immunocompromised, continue to take precautions – wash hands, avoid crowds, and ask unwell visitors to stay home.
Looking after your health allows you to make the most of your energy.
Give yourself grace
Christmas often carries an expectation of happiness – but you don’t need to pretend to be cheerful if you’re struggling:
- allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise – sadness, gratitude, frustration or hope
- share openly with people you trust
- if you’re grieving someone, honour them in your own way – light a candle, share a memory, or place some flowers on the table for them.
You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
Seek support
You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out for support if you’re finding this time of year difficult.
Support services available:
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 659 467
- Cancer Council: 13 11 20 (reduced hours over Christmas, returning to normal hours Friday 2 January)
- In an emergency: call 000
Please note:
You can reach our Specialist Cancer Navigators on 1800 257 600 or via email at [email protected]. Rare Cancers Australia will be closed from 5pm Friday 19 December 2025 until 9am Monday 5 January 2026 and will respond to your voicemail or email on our return.