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Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, is an oncology advanced practice nurse at the Abramson Cancer Center. She has worked in the areas of medical hematology and oncology, bone marrow transplant, clinical research, radiation therapy and staff development. She is also the nurse educator for OncoLink.

Have you thought about holiday gifts for someone with cancer?

The holidays can be very stressful- particularly when you are already dealing with a cancer diagnosis or are the caregiver for someone with cancer. Perhaps you know someone in such a situation. Whether they are a family member, good friend or just the woman down the street you always pass when walking the dog, you may be thinking about their struggles this holiday season and want to show them you care. I encourage you to think outside the box of chocolates.

In my years of caring for and talking to people with cancer, I have never heard “so-and-so gave me the nicest box of chocolates.” What they do remember is the kind – and often free – gestures from people, no matter the time of year. A card with a kind note; a meal left on the front steps while they were at treatment; leaves raked when they just couldn’t do it themselves. Be the holiday helper who shops for and wraps all the kid’s gifts or decorates the house when the person had no energy to do it - remember to come back and un-decorate too! Deliver a holiday meal or invite them to yours.

You don’t need to spend money to show someone you care. Simple gestures can be so helpful - walk their dog, taking out the trash cans on trash day, call when you are going to the store and offer to pick up some items. A “gift” of your time and energy goes a long way to making someone feel cared about and special.

Have I got you thinking? Need more ideas? The OncoLink Holiday Survival guide has many more ideas for special gifts and shares survivor’s memorable gift stories.