Holiday Events and Migraine Don't Always Mix

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I love the Christmas season, but it doesn't love me?" Well, that's how I feel at times. It's not because I don't love Christmas either...Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for me. It's because it often negatively affects my health. The holiday season is still my favorite time of the year! I am actually a turkey baby, which is why I believe I love this time of the year. It makes me sad to know that hanging out and celebrating causes migraines to flare up.

Bright, flashing lights

By my earlier statement about the issues, I mean that there are a couple of things involved, especially during Christmas/holiday celebrations, that bother my head. For one, it's all the flashing lights. Those motion-type lights, like the ones that blink with the beat of the music or the lights that you can set to blink, are horrible, in my opinion. All of these cause migraines for me. It always starts with eye disturbances and nausea. Then comes the full-blown attack. I get vertigo, nausea and/or vomiting, eye pain, one-sided head pounding and pressure, and visual disturbances. It's so hard to get them calmed down after this.

A multitude of sounds

Secondly, it's all the noise at gatherings. Most of the houses or holiday parties that I've been to have music playing, people talking, kids screaming, plus the TV going all at one time. The multiple sounds at once trigger my migraines to start. It's no fun, and I'm not able to enjoy anything anymore.

Overstimulation leads to migraine

Once I'm at a gathering with all this stimulation, I tend to leave in 30 minutes to an hour. Usually, though, it's too late. Once home, I can't get the migraine under control for about a day or so. Sometimes, we just have to say no. I must learn to start taking better care of myself.

Turning down events

I had actually, before COVID-19, started refusing invitations to gatherings on occasion. I know my friends think I'm anti-social, but I have to start thinking about myself. No one wants to go anywhere or do anything that will induce pain and suffering.

Tips for managing holiday events

Some helpful pointers that I’ve tried are to:

1. Reduce invitations to gatherings/friends’ parties.
2. Make sure to hydrate prior to engagements.
3. Always bring my rescue medications (Excedrin Tension or Extra Strength Acetaminophen and Nasal Imitrex.
4. Set a length of time to be there and stick to it.
5. Know that it’s ok to not attend and be ok with it.

I  have learned to enjoy the holidays in my own way without causing undue stress to my health and emotional well-being.

When to attend and when to decline

Knowing when to say yes and learning to say no when necessary has helped me immensely.  We must stop feeling pressured to attend everything. Also, no one says one must stay through the whole gathering. Remember, our livelihood is just as important as they believe their party is. May you all enjoy the holiday season!

For more information on answering invites during the holidays, take a look at Tonilyn's article 'Tis The Season To Say "Maybe."