Tips for making the most of the festive season if you're a parent with arthritis

A busy mum's tips for making the most of the festive season

Mums, dads and carers always try to make Christmas magical for their children but the festive season can be a stressful time. Having so much to do and being so busy can affect your immune system and impact your arthritis.

Here are one busy mum's top tips for a stress-free festive season when living with arthritis.

Tip 1: Always have a plan B

Having arthritis means I can’t always face the queue for Santa which is difficult to accept. I’ve had to learn to know my limits rather than pushing myself one day only to set myself back for a week.

Arthritis is so changeable that it’s difficult to predict whether it’s going to be a good day or a bad day when booking things so, my advice, always have a plan B. If you can’t face the hustle and bustle of a Christmas market, bring that magic home by decorating baubles, baking cookies or just sitting and watching a festive film with a hot chocolate. Be adaptable, be creative and just be together.

Tip 2: Share the load

Christmas is a very social time of year which can be tough but I refuse to miss out on catching up with family and friends because that would be letting arthritis win. It’s all about not putting too much pressure on yourself and enlisting support. I’m lucky my husband is massively supportive but, if you’re on Christmas dinner duty, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring dessert, they will be happy to help. 

And don’t feel like you have to make your own Christmas cake, mince pies or even parsnips and sprouts for lunch – there’s plenty of delicious food that’s ready-made. I use frozen veg year-round because arthritis means I’m not always able to peel and chop. At the end of the day, it’s not about making the food, it’s about getting together and eating the food.

Tip 3: Take a break

Fatigue can feel especially challenging if you’re not at home so, if you’re a guest this Christmas, make sure you are prepared and pack whatever you need, whether that’s an electric blanket or slippers.
Don’t overdo it and if you are feeling tired, go have a little nap because people will understand. And remember, everyone falls asleep at Christmas after all that food and drink.

Tip 4: Easy Christmas gifts and cards

Online shopping is a true friend to anyone with arthritis, if you’re having a flare the last thing you need is walking around a shopping centre in the cold. If you really don’t want to miss out on the Christmas retail vibe, get the fire on, play festive tunes and have a Bailey’s while you shop.

Wrapping can be a struggle if arthritis affects your hands so, DON’T! Lots of stores offer a wrapping service or just grab a giftbag and tissue paper. People won’t care, they’ll just appreciate the fact you’ve thought about them.

Same goes for cards, so order them ready-written online or make a donation to a charity rather than sending any at all. I find most people would prefer a catch up on the phone than a card, there’s so many ways to show people you’re thinking of them at this time of year. Plus, you’ll save a fortune in stamps.

With thanks to Lynsey Knight from Essex who has had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) for 40 years. Her daughter Mia, seven, was diagnosed with polyarticular JIA in 2019.