If the relative or friend isn't open to understanding, you may have to limit your time around the person. Just don't take her too seriously. Humor is a great stress reliever. Watching a comical movie or laughing over your efforts to control everyone around you can restore perspective and help everyone relax. There are many ways to include children or adults in holiday events, even when neuromuscular disease prevents them from doing exactly the same things others are doing.
Children often have ideas about how they can participate.
Gifts should be appropriate to a child's ability and include some fun things the child can share with other kids, such as an indoor game, puzzle, video or collection. At a family celebration or party, a child or adult with neuromuscular disease can show off a decorated wheelchair, play Santa Claus to younger kids, direct the placement of lights, choose music, or read or tell a seasonal story. When the holidays bring melancholy, some people feel fortified by being around those they love. Focusing on the religious meaning of Hanukkah or Christmas, or the season's personal significance for you, can sometimes shift attention away from your troubles. People in general experience an increase in depression during the holidays, and this is more common when major stressful events have recently occurred.