Baby!!!

Congratulations to fellow NYC Sick Chick Jodi McKee and her husband on their new baby girl! Happy and healthy, mom and baby are doing well.

One Sick Chick's Top Three Tips for a Happy Holiday!

The season of merry is officially upon us!  With it comes visions of sugar plums, toys a-plenty, and, for the very lucky chronically ill, usually a flare or two.  Here on the East Coast, the weather has been surprisingly mild (knock on wood a million times over), so RA pain has been minimal - for me at least.

But the holidays can be overwhelming to any chick, not just a sick one.  And we sick ones have the added fun of possibly finding a painful flare at the bottom of our Christmas stockings!

To get through the holidays with ease and charm, try out one or all of my Sick Chick's Top Three Tips for a Happy Holiday!

1.  Don't Do It All:  Or rather, Don't Do It All Alone.  If you are anything like me, your to-do list is never ending:  gifts, cards, decorations, wrapping, baking - when will it ever stop?  Goodbye, Sanity...Hello, Fatigue!  The holidays are meant to be celebrated with your loved ones, who will surely help if you just ask.  Remember:  You are not in this alone.

2.  Shop Online:  Personally, I could never stand the malls at this time of year, even pre-RA.  Nowadays, I avoid them at all costs.  The crowds make me uncomfortable, the lines make me achy, and I'd prefer not to have to walk a mile before I even make it into the store.  Shop online:  You can compare prices, hunt for bargains (Living Rich With Coupons curates the best deals!) and coupon codes (try Retail Me Not), and click your way through your shopping list.

3.  Stay Away From Sweets:  Who am I kidding?  I am telling people to stay away from sweets and that is nearly impossible for me to do!  Here is the thing, though:  We know chocolate can be a flare-trigger for some.  Even if that is not you, consuming too many baked goods or candy makes even the non-chronically ill sluggish.  So rather than staying away from them, try to limit yourself to one or two favorites.  You will feel better, and your waistline will thank you!

So, Sick Chicks and Dudes, what tips do you have for a totally awesome and flare-free festive season?  Let us know in the comments!  Or tell me how you made out with my top three tips!

xo

Kat