Shopping With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Right at this moment, I am sitting in my kitchen looking out the window at the falling snow. I know its crazy, and totally unheard of. Snow in November, in Vancouver. Who would have thunk. Its happened though, and so its making me think forward to the holidays. Christmas, is not a holiday that I enjoy a whole lot. Its a lot of build-up to a day that ends way too quickly, and it always takes me a few weeks to recover.

Usually I try really hard to find the perfect present for everyone. I put a lot of pressure on myself to pick right, this is probably the cause of a lot of disappointment for me, if the recipient doesnt like it as much as I think they will….well I feel let down. I know its insane. However, last year I did things a little different and that was to remove myself from as much of the insanity as possible. Certainly I enjoyed the quietness of that holiday a lot more than normal. Also, I stopped thinking so much about finding the perfect present, and actually bought the same thing for everyone, just tailored to each one’s taste.

This year, I think I will probably be doing the same thing, just because it will make it much easier for me. Selfish it may seem, but if I don’t look after myself, no one is going to look after me.

So here are some ideas on how to make shopping for the people in your life a little bit easier.

Make a List - I always make a list of people I need to buy for, and I always include a list of things that they love to do. It just seems to help me get into their headspace, and think about what they might like. After I make and review the list, I destroy it. It makes it easier to shop for someone, without having a preconceived notion of what to purchase. Sometimes if I am actually working off the list, and I can’t find what I am looking for, I have a hard time thinking of something else that could be acceptable. This may sound counter-productive, but it really works for me.

Avoid the malls- There is nothing worse for a person who suffers from a chronic illness, to be stuck in a crowded mall before the holidays. I absolutely avoid them. I hate the mall at anytime of the year (I usually only go when I want to see a movie, or when my day spa was located there), but when everyone goes there to do their shopping, it can be particularly tiring for a PWC. Besides, how can you find a unique gift, when everyone is buying the same thing. Instead, try a shopping district. That way, you can get a little fresh air between stores. You are going to find these little districts to be much less busier than any shopping mall.

Try internet or catalogue shopping- Shopping is always best when, you can do it at home sitting in your pajamas. Maybe the person you are shopping for has a wish list….just go to the site and search for your friend’s name. There is still lots of time to get your gifts before the holidays arrive. There are sites for everyone, amazon, sephora, victoria secret, home depot. Just about any place you can imagine, has an online shopping store. You can even get to amazon.com through CFSsquared – just click on any little amazon linked picture.

Make a donation-If there is a philanthropist among your family and friends, maybe you would be interested in making a donation. Does you niece just love puppies??? Well perhaps she would love it if you donated to the SPCA. There are many many charities to choose from. Surely, there are very passionate people in your tribe, I am sure they would love a donation made in their name.

Giftwrapping- Save yourself the money, do not pay for store gift wrapping. Its very very expensive. It may save you a bit of energy, but if you pace yourself you can wrap your own. I buy the same colour tissue paper and wrap all the presents alike. As long as you tag them correctly, there should be no mix up. I just like the way it looks….to have a pile of presents all wrapped up in red tissue paper under my tree….I crave uniformity. Besides it saves me having to make a decision on what paper to use….so much easier if its all the same.

Reward yourself- This is definitely my favorite rule. It doesn’t have to be a big reward. A yummy cup of hot chocolate could be enough. Or a pair of to die for shoes…whatever you like. Its just important to treat yourself.

**more holiday themed posts to follow soon.