The holidays can bring family, traditions, and time together. They can also bring packed schedules, late nights, crowds, travel, and changes to familiar routines.

For people living with epilepsy, late nights, stress, and changes in medication routines can be especially challenging. Stress and lack of sleep are common seizure triggers for some people, although triggers vary from person to person.

Members’ comments show that reducing stress can mean simplifying plans, protecting routines, knowing when to leave, and making sure trusted people know how to help.

Beyond the poll, MyEpilepsyTeam members have shared ways they manage holiday stress, protect their routines, and prepare for unexpected seizures. Here are six strategies drawn from their experiences.

Some members said the holidays became easier when they stopped trying to create a “perfect” celebration. Sharing responsibilities and simplifying preparations may help reduce stress and avoid exhaustion.

One MyEpilepsyTeam member shared, “I used to push through no matter what. So everyone had a perfect holiday BUT ME! I was having seizures while everyone else stuffed their faces.”

“I used to push through no matter what. So everyone had a perfect holiday BUT ME! I was having seizures while everyone else stuffed their faces.”

 

— A MyEpilepsyTeam member

They went on to offer this advice: “Start earlier, find shortcut recipes, make other people help, and notice … everyone still has a good time, including you 🥰. Rest works not after you collapse — to prevent you from collapsing!”

Another member found a simple way to reduce meal preparation: “I have also preordered my big meal for the day. Already feel less stress.”

Ordering food, sharing cooking, using shortcuts, or asking someone else to host can all reduce the amount you have to manage yourself.

Holiday schedules can make ordinary routines harder to maintain. Some members said staying close to their usual habits helps them feel more grounded.

One member put it simply: “I stick to my routine.”

Others deliberately make room to rest: “I take naps or go sit in a calm, stress-free room.”

“I take naps or go sit in a calm, stress-free room.”

 

— A MyEpilepsyTeam member

Getting enough sleep and taking anti-seizure medications as prescribed are important parts of managing epilepsy. Sleep loss and missed medication doses are recognized seizure triggers.

If holiday travel or late-night celebrations could disrupt your routine, talk with your healthcare team about how to plan ahead.

Members described different experiences with stress, excitement, crowds, noise, and other situations.

One MyEpilepsyTeam member said, “I tend to do my own thing. I learned a long time ago that stress of any kind will trigger a seizure in me, unfortunately.”

Another described a different pattern: “When I used to live by myself, I never had any issues with holidays. It was when celebrating big holidays with a good size group of family and friends, when I might have a seizure. But it’s not due to stress. It’s the over-excitement.”

Seizure triggers vary from person to person. Stress and lack of sleep are common triggers, but not everyone experiences them the same way. Flashing holiday lights can also trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy, although this affects only a small percentage of people with epilepsy.

Paying attention to your own patterns can help you decide which holiday activities feel manageable and when to take a break.

Some members feel less stressed when they know they can leave a gathering if they need to.

One MyEpilepsyTeam member described several ways they protect that flexibility: “If I can’t control the number of people, lateness, noise, missing a meal, or other stressors, I say no or at least take my own vehicle. My spouse knows they’re welcome to go without me, most friends know I have a health condition, and opinions of others I just let go of.”

“If I can’t control the number of people, lateness, noise, missing a meal, or other stressors, I say no or at least take my own vehicle.”

 

— A MyEpilepsyTeam member

An exit plan could mean arranging your own transportation, limiting how long you stay, or deciding ahead of time that skipping an event is an option. If seizures affect your ability to drive, consider arranging a ride with someone who understands that you may need to leave early.

For some members, gatherings feel easier when relatives or friends understand their epilepsy and know what to do if a seizure happens.

One member said, “I enjoy the big holidays with my family and relatives. They all know what I look like when I have a seizure and are supportive. I mainly hope for the best that my seizures don’t show their ugly heads.”

“I enjoy the big holidays with my family and relatives. They all know what I look like when I seizure and are supportive.”

 

— A MyEpilepsyTeam member

Another shared, “I never know when a seizure is going to happen, so I enjoy the holidays and don’t worry about it. At least I have lots of friends and family to take care of me.”

If you have a seizure action plan, make sure trusted friends or family members know where to find it. It can also help if they understand basic seizure first aid, including when to call for emergency help.

Not every holiday needs to be a large gathering.

One MyEpilepsyTeam member described how their Thanksgiving changed over time: “I get stressed, but not too much. We used to have large Thanksgivings, 25 to 40 people. We fixed turkey and dressing, and a few others. Now, it is just three of us.”

Another takes an even simpler view: “I just get on and go with the flow. Keep it simple. After all, it’s just another day on the calendar. If you don’t get it right this year, you get to do a rerun next, and who knows, you just might get it right then.”

A quiet meal, a smaller gathering, or a different tradition can still be meaningful. Choosing celebrations that fit your needs can help you protect your routine and enjoy the parts of the season that matter most to you.

Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays

Protecting your well-being during the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you enjoy. Getting enough sleep, taking medications as prescribed, and adjusting plans when needed can help you manage the season in ways that work for you.

The holidays can also be emotionally challenging, especially when concerns about seizures, disrupted routines, or other people’s reactions affect how you participate. Epilepsy can also affect emotional well-being. If you’re feeling lonely, anxious, or overwhelmed, consider reaching out to friends, family, or others in your support community.

If these feelings continue or interfere with daily life, a mental health professional can offer additional support.