It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

With Christmas Day fast approaching it’s easy to forget those who are suffering at this time of year. Through the dark days of pain and sickness it’s hard to get into the spirit in a world where pretty much everyone is joyful. I dread feeling ill on Christmas Day but intend to make the most of the time with my family and friends over the Christmas period. The thing is, many of us focus so much on our own pain that we fail to remember there are always people worse off.

The majority of us RA sufferers have a roof over our heads, food to eat and family to look after us. Many people don’t have those luxuries and at this time of year if you are feeling down, it is magnified. Just remember it is only one day. A day that is like any other with the addition of presents and food. What is important is that you spend it with people you love and who love you. If you can’t look forward to feeling well on the day, focus on how happy your family and friends are. Focus on your children’s faces as they open presents. Focus on the cosy comfort of your home. Focus on being allowed to consume ridiculous amounts of food. Other people’s happiness brings me happiness.

I watched as total strangers helped each other dig cars out of the snow yesterday and it made me feel good. You see, there are always people that can help. If you are feeling alone, call someone, even if it is a stranger on a helpline. Sharing your discomfort will only give you a sense of release which may change your perspective.

If like me your treatment has not yet got your condition fully under control maybe it’s better to focus on the fact that this time next year things may be a hell of a lot better. That should bring you some hope. Let’s face it; almost all of us have had at least one crappy Christmas that we would like to forget (for whatever reason).

My family awakes incredibly early on Christmas Day, which suits me fine as I am always up at the crack of dawn. We prepare the living room by putting on the tree lights, sticking on the Christmas CD and make tea and coffee for the grand opening of the presents. Little traditions like this make me smile and each family has their own. What is making Christmas extra special this year is that the whole family are coming to our house. This means there will be odd chairs round the table, none of the plates will match and we will squeeze into a rather small dining room but that is what makes the day so special, because it doesn’t matter as long as you are all together and you have someone to share it with.

I hope that this Christmas brings you happiness and you have at least one day without suffering. I hope you are able to share it with those closest to you. I hope that you will ask for help if you need it.

A very merry Christmas to all my readers. May you have the pain free day we all hope for.