Have your doctor give you the name of a doctor in the city you plan to visit. Make sure you have a letter from him or her, telling about your condition. If you fly, it's also a good idea to carry medications on the plane and not risk their loss. The most important items to pack are a sense of humor and a pleasant disposition, so that you host and hostess won't mind any inconveniences that may ensue. Be prepared in case, but go expecting to enjoy yourself.
People tend to expect more on the holidays.
Movies, books, TV and advertising always depict the so-called perfect family gathering. Even without an illness, most people have difficulty in accepting reality. Our memories often fail us, and we only remember the good times. For some, just being with family is a cause for anxiety. In that case we're disappointed before anything happens because we feel our family doesn't measure up to the standards that we see in the media.