As the song goes ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year’. Christmas often means; quality time with family and friends, magnificent lights, decorations and displays, indulging in Christmas food and making memories.

Plus if you have children there’s santa visits and that troublesome elf on the shelf.

We often find ourselves present buying, organising events and cooking way too much food all on top of our normal duties such as work, children and maintaining a house.

Balancing the pressures of Christmas and our normal duties all whilst wearing a Christmas jumper or being head to toe in sequins is A LOT.

But what is this time of year like if your chronically ill or disabled?

Being ill or disabled means daily life can be a struggle and with the additional pressures that comes with the festive season its OVERWHELMING!!

The internal pressure of not letting others down by attending festive gatherings. Hoping brain fog hasn’t caused you to forget to write a Christmas card to your Great Aunty’s neighbour that you haven’t seen in 20 years. Trying to figure out which bill not to pay just so you can provide your child with a present. Or the insane jealousy watching others gorge on festive food that if you ate would make you even poorlier.
The extra stress associated with Christmas can lead to flare ups in health conditions, all nicely wrapped up with additional fatigue and stress.

How can you ease that pressure for the poorly person in your life at Christmas?

Employers:
• Where possible offer flexible working options at this time of year.
• When prioritising who gets holiday leave around Christmas don’t just consider who has children or who is travelling further afield, consider the physical and mental needs of your employees.
• Remove the pressure around attending  works Christmas parties and FOMO. Whether that’s the unconscious expectation that attendance is compulsory, or a sense of exclusion from the team if not in attendance.
• Additionally, where companies pay for the Christmas party in recognition of the hard work of their employees. An alternative way of recognising an employees hard work should be offered for those who suffer from illness or disability and therefore cannot attend.

Friends & Family:
The person in your life with health problems may not want to ask for help, so make suggestions of ways you would like to help, such as;
• If it’s tradition of having parties/gatherings, ask your them where and when would be best to have the gathering, or even suggest its held at their place, where everyone contributes by bringing some food, drink or entertainment. 
• Ask if they need help with wrapping presents, delivering presents or even going food shopping for them.
• Reassure them that there is no pressure for them to provide a spotless house, gifts, food etc. If they need to cancel events last minute due to health, that isn’t an issue and they can be rearranged for a later date.

Fellow Spoonies:
Remember, some animals hibernate during winter and they aren’t judged. So like a squirrel, bat or bear, grab some food, a blanket and ‘hibernate’ the festive season away.