Holidays: Celebration or Challenge for Transplant Families

Transplant Recipients _I want to bring this discussion to your attention because it contains a wealth of helpful tips by transplant patients which can help you and your loved ones enjoy the Holiday celebrations -
Holiday celebrations and festivities can be a challenge for transplant patients and their families. The twinkling lights and music are everywhere enticing us to get out to shop and celebrate. Soon, we will be receiving invitations to family and social gatherings with all of the special foods and beverages. It is no wonder that some of us approach the holidays with trepidation about a season that is supposed to bring joy and cheer.

What are your plans?
Are a new transplant recipient - What questions do you have about celebrating the Holidays with family and friends?
Are an experienced transplant recipient - How will you navigate the Holidays?

Merry Christmas 🎁 during this holiday my 94 year old mother has a event at her house she has 27 grandchildren which half of them are usually sick but the parents still bring them so all together around 40 people in a small living room and my choice for my health is I stay home unfortunately, last Christmas I was in ICU for a few days and I visited my mom after Christmas and discovered she was deathly sick from her party and immediately taken to the hospital, see I was right, couldn’t watch her because I was recovering from a major surgery from a hernia repair more fun . I d say if you have a small family your good mine is very large 38 stockings on the mantle. Again Merry Christmas and stay safe

@rosemarya One advice I can offer is remember about germs and Buffets. Typically in large groups its like a buffet as bowls get passed around. I recommend asking the host to put a plate aside with the items you want ahead of time and then grab it as everyone else sits down to eat. Helps keep those little hands that ultimately get into the food as its passed around. At first it bothered me to ask but after I explained it has become the standard that I'm asked what I want first.

@pgruetz
I'm sure that was a difficult decision for you to decline the holiday event at your mother's home. For us transplant recipients, it is something that we learn to do. We learn to be selective because we understand the consequences connected with getting sick.

I'm ready to celebrate my 16th Christmas with my Liver/Kidney transplant. I remain vigilant, and like you, have declined invitations that I really would have enjoyed attending. However, I am healthy and happy to be alive, even with our smaller events!

Today I'm preparing some special recipes for Christmas with my husband one of our sons. And tomorrow we will attend Mass together. I usually have a special seat near the piano/organ and away from the congregation, however I'm taking some time off and not playing my violin. I will sit with my guys in a regular pew. I am a bit nervous because of the Christmas crowd, but I will wear my mask, choose a seat on the aisle, and be ready to move to a space in a doorway if I feel the need.

I hope that you enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

@danab
This is a great suggestion! I am so happy that you have such thoughtful friends and family that are willing to accommodate your adaptations.
I wish for you and your family to enjoy a Blessed Christmas and a Healthy New Year!

@rosemarya thank you have a Merry Christmas and stay healthy we all stick together sharing our experiences and it’s a life changing road and I love that this forum exists for future patients to learn about our journey

@rosemarya I attend church via zoom. I am nice and comfortable on my couch unmasked with no worries. I attend every weekend and for special occasions all via zoom.

@chickytina My wife and I do the same. Sometimes go to church live and see friends and sometimes live on the internet. Comfy from home. But we go on Saturday night service not Sunday. One of us , I won't say who , (ok it's me (---: ) likes to watch football on Sundays. Hope everyone on this thread has a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.

Over 7 yrs ago my spouse of over 40 yrs received his kidney transplant. Due to having so many serious problems 14 months after the transplant Covid19 arrived March 2020 and since we still live to this day like the pandemic is still active. Christmas week 2024 he was battling many nonstop UTI's that antibiotics would not resolve; so 12/26/24 he was admitted to our local hospital per his nephrologist and despite telling doctors,nurses, and more to wear a mask due to his transplant; they did not. Dec 30 he came home and hours later sick and 24 hrs later I was sick and Jan 4,25 we both had COVID-19 for the first time and his UTI's continued on top of this virus to deal with through mid March 2025. My complaint letter to the hospital and state health dept stated the medical staff did nothing incorrect in not wearing masks. I am healthy and do most of the chores inside and outside because his fatigue since transplant years ago plus other problems never resolved/improved. His 2 nephrologists know all about his decline 'with ' the donated organ which functions well 'finally'; but the negative side effects of his immunosuppressants is his primary reason for low quality of life still. They won't alter his meds due to how long it took for the donated kidney to function well, over a year. So we are home for all holidays and nothing is what we thought it would be like after his transplant. It is with huge dismay we feel strongly the need to protect his health living isolated in our 'snowglobe' at home. We used to be very outgoing and social, but the past 7 yrs not at all. In closing, I hope your holidays are enjoyable.

@dotygl Hi. I am so sorry for your difficult situation. And sorry things are not going well in a number of ways. It is unfortunate that his side effects are causing "a low quality of life". But I am glad you are healthy. It is so hard for caregivers. My wife LOVES to travel but outside one trip for a wedding (and 4 trips to Mayo AZ) there has been nothing since my liver transplant about 2 years ago. It may be just us but as we get older it is harder (and less enjoyable for me) to travel. I am on TAC and 10 other meds (down from 24 post transplant) but we do socialize with a mask when needed. And I am also very glad he is still standing to be with you for 7 years now with his new kidney. Hang in there. Wishing you happy and enjoyable hollidays and the very best in 2026.