The holiday season is a true feast for the senses. There’s so much to see and do: big family gatherings, wonderful meals and desserts, colorful lights and decorations, plus all the parties and special events. It’s a time of hope and joy and rejuvenation. And yes, it can be a little stressful for everyone, but none more so than those recovering from a catastrophic injury, especially traumatic brain injury (TBI).

While most welcome this sensory feast, it can have the opposite effect on those recovering and adapting to these injuries. They’re placed in a familiar place with familiar people, doing what used to be familiar things. Unfortunately, nothing is the same as the last holiday, and there lies the challenge of how to cope during this time.

Michael Strand, who has lived with a severe brain injury for 30 years, says it best. “The holidays are like a minefield for brain-injured people!” He explains that he finds himself in crowds with activity going on all around him, with names to remember, both new and old. Although everyone is in the spirit of the season and being thoughtful, it’s not always easy for him. He struggles with his “lack of occurrence,” the ability to actually be thoughtful, so he makes notes to help him remember things like special dates or gift ideas.

That notion of preparation comes up time and again for recovering people during the holidays. Natalie Griffith, a brain-injury survivor, likewise goes into the season with a plan. “When a holiday approaches, I get pulled into the excitement by my children. I love it, but I have to be careful that I don’t get too overwhelmed or frustrated. I try to plan things more in a pattern, have a schedule. I’m a planner, but who isn’t after getting a TBI?”

Although every situation is different, there are common tips to help de-stress the holidays. Here are a few to consider:

Be realistic and adapt. Obviously, this holiday won’t be like the last one. “Leave the past in the past,” says Emily Axvig, a licensed mental health counselor with the Department of Neurology at the University of Iowa’s Hospitals and Clinics. Adjust your rituals accordingly. Treatment, therapy and recovery must be prioritized, and it helps to remind you that treatment does not last forever. Some rituals and activities you can maintain, but it can also be a great opportunity to create new ones. Did you used to go out for a big, noisy New Year’s Eve celebration? This time stay in with family members or friends and ring in the New Year in a quieter, more intimate way.

Take a loved one to a support group meeting. They’ll get to hear other stories of survival and coping, get input from other caregivers, and learn to better understand how the intense nature of the holidays can affect you. Then, during all the upcoming festivities, you’ll have a good “wing man” (or woman!) by your side for help, understanding and support.

Predict and plan. Consciously predict what the holiday season will be like—the events, the shopping, the crowds and the big family gatherings you’ll encounter along with ongoing medical care, appointments and therapy. Then plan to adjust your schedule beforehand. Consider lessening the duration of each event, altering the pace of events, or even spreading them out over more time.

Insert personal breaks into the season. The “go, go, go” of your holiday season should be adjusted to be more “go, stop, go, stop.” Set aside alone time for yourself between events to gather your thoughts about what just happened and think about what’s coming up. Or take entire days or nights off from everything. Re-charge and rejuvenate. Take a break and a breath!

Keep track of what’s working and what’s not. Keep a journal of how you’re coping with different events — what’s been successful and what hasn’t. Share it with your caregivers and family. Learning from day to day is the best way to enjoy the holidays even more.

You’ve overcome many challenges as you recover from a catastrophic injury, and certainly there are more ahead. Coping with the holidays is simply another part of that. Like all of your accomplishments — big and small — enjoying the holidays can be achieved with the help of family, friends and caregivers, and some simple steps to making the season truly brighter.