Christmas Is Here
Finding Joy and Connection While Living With Cancer
The holiday season is a time for love, connection, and cherished traditions. For families navigating the realities of living with incurable cancer, this time can feel bittersweet—filled with the joy of togetherness and the challenges of managing illness. However, with a focus on meaningful moments, the holidays can become a source of comfort, connection, and lasting memories for children and parents alike.
The Ruth Strauss Foundation is here to support families in finding hope, creating magical memories, and building strong bonds while living with cancer. Additionally, the foundation offers resources to help families navigate these challenges with resilience and love.
Why Magical Memories Matter
The holidays offer a unique opportunity for families living with an incurable cancer diagnosis to create moments that will be treasured for years to come. Indeed, these experiences provide children with a sense of love, security, and joy—memories they can carry forward as a source of strength.
At the Ruth Strauss Foundation, we believe in helping families “do death well” by fostering open communication, shared moments, and meaningful traditions. By doing so, families can focus on love and connection, finding purpose and comfort even amidst the uncertainty of illness.
Reimagining the HolidaysAdjusting Expectations Together
Involve the Whole Family
Children thrive when they feel included. Therefore, invite them to help plan Holiday activities, choose favourite meals, or come up with creative new traditions. Share with them, in an age-appropriate way, what this season means for your family. This sense of involvement creates ownership and connection.
Embrace Simplicity
When illness limits energy and time, it’s okay to simplify Holiday plans. For example, instead of large, elaborate celebrations, focus on smaller, more intimate activities that bring your family together. These moments can be just as magical as grand traditions.
Why not try?Memory-Making Ideas for Families
Personalised Decorations
Make homemade ornaments or decorations together. Include drawings, dates, or heartfelt messages that reflect your family’s love and togetherness. These keepsakes can become treasured reminders of this special time.
Family Photos
Capture joyful moments with photos or videos. Whether it’s a candid moment or a simple family portrait, these snapshots can become cherished treasures. Recording short videos of parents sharing hopes or messages for their children can offer comfort for years to come.
Cooking and Baking Together
Bake holiday treats or prepare a special meal as a family. Even decorating cookies or making a simple dessert can create sensory memories tied to love and warmth. This time in the kitchen together fosters connection and joy.
Gratitude Jar
Create a family gratitude jar by writing down what you’re thankful for each day. At the end of the season, read them together as a way to reflect on the joy and love you’ve shared.
Cozy Movie Nights
Gather for a holiday movie night with blankets, popcorn, and hot chocolate. It’s a relaxed, low-energy way to bond as a family and enjoy the comfort of togetherness.
Building a Legacy of Love
Gratitude Practices
Encourage family members to write thank-you notes or journal about their favourite memories. Ultimately, these expressions of gratitude foster a sense of closeness and emotional resilience during challenging times.
Memory Boxes
Create a memory box filled with letters, photos, and small mementos. These cherished keepsakes can serve as a lasting source of love and inspiration for the whole family.
Navigating Difficult Conversations About Cancer
The Holidays could be a good time to have meaningful conversations about illness, death and dying. With guidance from the Ruth Strauss Foundation, parents can approach these conversations with clarity and compassion.
Advice for Talking to Children:
- Be Honest: Use clear, age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening.
- Acknowledge Emotions: Validate your child’s feelings and encourage open expression.
- Create Space for Questions: Let children ask questions and provide reassuring, truthful answers.
”"Ruth said something about ‘doing death well’, and that’s what Laura did too. The Ruth Strauss Foundation has made a massive difference to us in the worst situation. I see how amazing the support has been as the boys grow up, and it is something I will always be grateful for."
JimFather of Archie & Louis
Help From the Ruth Strauss Foundation
The Ruth Strauss Foundation provides a lifeline for families navigating incurable illness. Through counselling, peer support groups, and tailored resources, we empower families to face the emotional complexities of an incurable diagnosis . Our Family Support Service offers resources and guidance, helping parents have these tough conversations and ensuring children feel informed, included, and cared for.
Services Include:
- One-on-One Counselling: Emotional support for parents and children.
- Peer Support Groups: Safe spaces for teenagers to connect and share their experiences.
- Guidance for Parents: Practical advice on talking to children about illness, death and dying.
- Online Materials: Access a variety of free resources, including podcasts, recommended books, activity workbooks, and flashcards, all designed to help families navigate conversations about grief, death and dying.
Supporting the Mission of the Ruth Strauss Foundation
The vital work of the Ruth Strauss Foundation is made possible through donations and community support. By contributing, you help families navigate incurable illness with dignity, love, and hope:
- Donate if you wish: Your support directly benefits families living with an incurable cancer diagnosis.
- Spread the word: Share the Foundation’s resources and mission to help more families find the support they need.
Finding Hope and Love This Holiday Season
The holiday season, even while living with incurable illness, can be a time of magic, connection, and cherished memories. By focusing on simple joys, meaningful traditions, and open communication, families can create a legacy of love that endures far beyond the season.
With the support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, families are empowered to embrace the holidays with resilience and hope. This holiday season, let’s celebrate the strength of togetherness and the beauty of love shared.
