* WITH Christmas IN MIND .. Start making lists (gifts, groceries and tasks) as early as possible!
* PAY attention to Sale items in the months/weeks? before December (or whenever) and buy a few things each time you're out rather than all at once.
* SHOP (in air-conditioned shopping centres) at the coolest time of day and when you are most alert.
* TAKE regular breaks and/or consider using a scooter available for loan in large shopping centres if fatigue is a significant issue.
* KEEP your fluid-intake (preferably Water) adequate!
* CONSIDER shopping online. There are a number of sites from which you can buy vouchers or gifts and they will wrap and deliver. Some charities also sell great gifts and merchandise online.
* IF you have difficulty wrapping gifts, consider purchasing from organisations that offer gift-wrapping with purchases. There are also some very affordable boxes, *OR try wrapping parcels in foil - no scissors or tape required!
* SIMPLIFY your present options by considering a Kris Kringle arrangement with family/friends, or choose a theme and buy each person a variation on the theme (e.g. different-coloured socks).
* START writing on a few cards each week for the next few weeks/months, or consider typing a newsletter to insert rather than writing individual messages.
** CONTACT MS Connect for a copy of the 'Beat the Heat' fact sheet.
* COMMUNICATE with family members and friends about what your needs are during Christmas and over the holidays (or whenever necessary). FOR example, explain how important it is to get/be organised early to avoid the repercussions of stress and invisible symptoms such as fatigue! (IF you need to attend/have more than one event on Christmas Day, arrange the times so that you can schedule in a rest-break and let others know that this is what you will be doing. This will help to avoid conflict and disappointment.)
* DON'T forget - if you don't have relatives to visit, CONSIDER spending some time in Respite for rest, relaxation and company. IT'S important to book in early. *CONTACT 'Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres' - 1800 052 222 or www.commcarelink.health.gov.au .
Programs such as FlexiRest (funded by the NSW Government) provide options to families and unpaid carers of people with MS to help meet their respite needs. To find out more about this or other respite services in Victoria and the ACT, contact MS Connect.
* ALTERNATIVELY, stay CONNECTED using the online 'Peer Support Communities' (mc2). VISIT: www.mssociety.org.au/peer-support-online.asp .
MAKING contact with a friendly voice who knows what you're going through (Peer Support Volunteer) can be very helpful.
** P.S. To borrow books or for assistance in accessing online resources, please contact the MS Library on (03) 9845 2809 or library@msaustralia.org.au . ('Intouch'.)
"Happy Holiday".
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