Keelie is a chronic illness warrior, advocate, and speaker. She has been living with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder of red blood cells, since she was 13. Over the years, the challenges of this chronic condition have reshaped her approach to the holiday season. Keelie has learned to adapt her traditions, focusing on ways to celebrate while prioritizing her health and well-being.
In this blog, she shares her strategies for reducing holiday stress, protecting her health, and cherishing the joy of the season. Keelie hopes her story inspires others facing similar challenges, letting them know they are not alone.
Continue reading to learn more about how Keelie navigates the holidays with sickle cell.
Adjusting Holiday Traditions for Health
In the past, I felt obligated to be the first to arrive and the last to leave family gatherings. I vividly recall one Christmas when I was experiencing a mild sickle cell pain crisis. Despite my condition, we arrived hours before dinner, and I spent most of the day asleep in my grandmother’s guest room. Now, as an adult, I’ve learned to prioritize my well-being.
These days, I show up just before dinner is ready and stay only for a couple of hours. This shift has significantly reduced my stress. By setting boundaries, I’ve created a more sustainable way to enjoy the holidays while protecting my health.
Educating Others About Sickle Cell
Explaining sickle cell to others can be challenging, but I’ve learned to keep it simple. I avoid complicated medical terms and use relatable examples to help people understand. One key point I emphasize is that sickle cell anemia is not the same as anemia. By breaking it down into fundamental concepts, I aim to make the disease as easy to understand as widely recognized conditions like diabetes or asthma.
Reducing Holiday Stress
The holidays can be overwhelming, but I’ve found ways to minimize stress and avoid triggers. For me, this includes:
- Staying Warm: Cold weather can exacerbate Sickle Cell symptoms, so I prioritize indoor activities if I need to go out.
- Simplifying Gift-Giving: I no longer feel the need to buy gifts for everyone. I do what I can, and that’s enough.
- Prioritizing Rest: I use any time off work to rest and reset, ensuring I’m in the best possible condition to enjoy the season.
By focusing on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones—I’ve found more joy and less pressure during the holidays.
Finding Joy in Quality Time
For me, quality time is the ultimate love language. As I’ve gotten older, I see my family less often, which makes special occasions and holidays even more meaningful. These moments of connection are what I cherish most.
Final Thoughts
Holidays are an opportunity to celebrate love and togetherness, but they don’t have to come at the expense of your health. By setting boundaries, educating others, and focusing on what truly brings you joy, you can make the season more manageable and enjoyable. Remember, it’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what’s right for you.
Follow Keelie on Instagram to learn more about her journey.
Check out more stories from Keelie:
Leave a comment (all fields required)