The KFG Project — December Newsletter Edition
Two Christmas’s ago, I did something that probably wasn’t in any oncologist-approved holiday survival guide:
I went snow skiing with my kids… after chemo and right before major surgery.
Was it medically advisable? Debatable.
Was it spiritually, emotionally, and “Dad bragging rights” advisable?
Absolutely.
Sometimes, especially during the holidays, you grab the joy where you can find it—even if that joy is six inches of fresh powder and a questionable amount of lower body strength.
And that’s really the point: the holidays look different when you’re going through cancer. But with the right support, compassion, and a little humor, they can still hold moments that remind you you’re alive, loved, and still capable of questionable winter sports decisions.
So here are the Top 10 Ways to Support Someone With Cancer During the Holidays — KFG style.
1. Ask What They Truly Need
Don’t rely on holiday intuition. You’re not Santa and you don’t know what’s on the list.
Ask directly: “What would help most this week?”
Their answer may change hourly. That’s normal.
2. Lighten the Load (Preferably the Heavy Ones)
Cancer fatigue + holiday chaos = increased side effects.
Offer help with the basics: groceries, kids, decorations, gift wrapping.
If it involves ladders, glitter, or parking lots, it’s fair game.
3. Be Flexible
Plans may change. Side effects don’t RSVP.
If they cancel last minute, you earn bonus holiday kindness points for saying,
“No worries at all. Rest up.”
4. Keep Gatherings Comfortable (Think Cozy, Not Crowded)
Large gatherings can be exhausting or risky.
Offer smaller gatherings, early exits, or “drive-by cookie drops.”
Introverts everywhere approve of these options anyway.
5. Protect Their Energy Like It’s a Classified Document
Healing is the mission. Everything else is optional.
If they tap out early, fall asleep mid-conversation, or disappear for a nap, these are normal operations.
6. Preserve the Traditions That Matter
Some traditions bring joy. Others bring guilt, stress, and unnecessary baked goods.
Ask what they want to keep this year, and build the season around those.
7. Support the Caregiver (The Unsung Holiday Hero)
Caregivers are running two missions: the patient’s and their own.
Give them a break with meals, childcare, errands, or even just an hour of quiet.
Quiet is underrated.
8. Give Gifts That Comfort, Not Complicate
Soft blankets, journals, warm socks, soothing teas, easy meals.
Avoid anything that requires assembly, emotional labor, or batteries not included.
9. Check In Without Expecting a Response
A simple: “Thinking of you, no need to text back” is one of the greatest holiday gifts you can give.
Especially to Veterans and First Responders who are elite-level “I’m fine” specialists.
10. Be Present
The greatest gift is your presence, patience, and willingness to sit in the moment.
Even if that moment includes tough emotions, mismatched pajamas, or a half-finished Hallmark movie.
I Closing Thought
The holidays may look different for someone facing cancer, but with compassion, humor, and community, they can still hold real joy. Sometimes that joy looks like quiet time with loved ones… and sometimes it looks like a post-chemo dad bombing down a ski slope.
Either way, thank you for standing with the warriors and families served by The KFG Project. You make the season brighter in all the ways that truly matter.
-Bill Phillips, Founder
Your support this season offers families courage, clarity, and connection when it matters most.