I love my little Christmas tree. It has a little wicker basket base (very me) and fake snow that is a nightmare to hoover up. All the decorations are individually brought; one a year, and help to make Christmas so enjoyable for me. I love routines and traditions. They make me feel grounded and Christmas is a time of year when I reminisce more; remembering Christmas as a child, remembering the people who are no longer here and being with my family.

Throughout my career, I have supported people at Christmas time; the elderly people living on their own and having no family to share a meal with so you do your best to make it special during your call time, adults with learning disabilities who are desperate to attend the disco at the Pub and kiss under the mistletoe and children with special needs who are so excited for Father Christmas. I have been part of teams that have planned special events, supported trips to the Panto and Santa’s Grotto and facilitated cooking sessions. Over the past 24 years I have learnt one thing: YOU DO YOU.

If routine is so important to you or the person you support/care for, then maintain it. That person will enjoy Christmas more whilst feeling safe in their routine and no doubt you’ll have a better time too. If routine is not important then embrace all the tinsel, mince pies and activities on offer. If you’re only interested in the food then eat and enjoy. What matters is that you do you. It’s your Christmas so enjoy it.

The challenge of parenting, caring or being a sibling to a person with special needs is recognised here. It’s your Christmas too. If you want to spend the festive season watching films in your pjs (whilst it seems that everyone on instagram is at the Panto or enjoying walks in the woods) then do it!

Please look after yourself and take from the festive season what works for you. You do you.

My closing remark is that I love all the fairy lights around this time of year. They bring me joy and make spaces feel calm (not the flashing ones - I’m not a fan).

YOU DO YOU