It's that holiday time of year, and I hope that all readers are planning a happy time, despite the many chal­lenges multiple myeloma can create.

Since I am now a little paranoid after my recent experiences with health issues cropping up un­expectedly and need­ing treat­ment, I am trying to get organized in ad­vance of the holidays this year. I am also trying to keep it simple by not over­doing it, and by not being a perfectionist about every­thing.

Here are a few ideas and tips that may make your holiday season simpler as well.

In an effort to not get caught up in a lot of shopping and wrapping gifts, I am sending a few cards out early, with bookmarks and gift cards in them, to our nearest and dearest. Another way to make things simpler would be to send some cards by email.

We will try not to take on so much this year to ensure that I will not be too tired to exercise or to get outdoors for walking. The winter nature scene is pretty, and it provides me with a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. My husband and I also feel that if we can stay healthy and fit in the next few weeks, it will allow us to have a nice holiday season with the rest of the family and our friends. Time is such a precious commodity, and we try not to waste it on tiring and useless activities, such as trying to find parking in a crowded shopping mall.

I was tired after my recent surgeries, and that reminded me of the recovery time after my stem cell transplant, almost seven years ago. Then and now, working at quiet craft activities helps me to get my mind off of dis­comfort and exhaustion. It also provides me with the opportunity to make simple, personal gifts. I am working on cross-stitched stockings for our grandchildren right now, and laminated bookmarks from card stock and cancelled postage stamps for friends.

I also pay even more attention during the busy holiday season to taking care of myself. I make sure to leave some time for rest and recovery in my schedule. During that time, I may read a good book or watch a holiday special on TV. Music helps me to relax and float through the winter months as well. For that reason – and to spread the joy of music – I sing in a choir that performs at retirement residences, and gives seasonal concerts in the winter and spring. However, given my recent procedures, I’m a little less involved than in previous years, since I need to take care of myself first.

Simplicity is also the mantra for our meals this season. I have not cooked much when I was not feeling well. Instead, we rely on takeout food, or my husband, who is an excellent cook, prepares nutritious and healthy – yet simple – meals, such as Indian dishes, salads, and vegetables. We also eat fresh fruit every day, and sometimes drink a cup of hot milk or chocolate. Oatmeal and coffee for breakfast is our norm on weekdays.

We also have made some adjustments to our holiday decorations. Not only do I have weight lifting re­stric­tions due to my multiple myeloma, but also this fall could not lift much due to recovery from surgeries. So any decorations have to be kept light­weight. We got a new artificial tree that has its own lights and is smaller than our previous tree, which we had had for about 20 years. We are empty nesters now, so a smaller tree seemed more appropriate anyway.

We have a tendency to try to get caught up with all of our social obligations during the holiday season. This year, we are trying to be mindful not to overschedule ourselves. Hopefully our friends will want to visit well into the New Year, if time runs short now.

To me, the most important aspects of this festive time are to enjoy the friendship of others, the twinkling lights, decorations, and the music. The short period of daylight each day lends itself to socializing and reflecting back on the year.

What are you doing to keep it simple and ensure you have time to enjoy the season?

Best wishes for the month ahead, and I hope that wherever you are, and however well you are feeling now, you will have a happy holiday season.

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The quotation for this month is from Leonard Cohen (1934 - 2016), Canadian singer, songwriter, poet, and novelist, who said: "There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in."