It’s that time again, when the days get colder, the nights grow longer, and we start looking forward to the end of the year. Winter and Christmas are often busy for many people but can also be a lonely period for some. Either way, it’s important to take care of ourselves.

Ciara Lawrence

While the holidays can be joyful, they can also bring up mixed emotions. Even though I love Christmas, and I look forward to the celebrations, I feel quite emotional because my cousin passed away just before the holidays in 2018, and I know I need to take some time to look after my mental health. I need time to myself and to do things that make me feel good.

One of my favourite traditions is going to a Christmas pantomime each year because it helps me get into the holiday spirit. I browse all the local theatres and see what pantomimes are on and which one I’d like to go to. 

I really love going to the ones that have celebrities starring in them. Last year, I went to a show that Anton Du Beke from Strictly Come Dancing was in. I also love that more theatres are now offering sensory-friendly performances, so that children with a disability can enjoy the theatre, just like everyone else. 

As we get closer to Christmas, the shops are beginning to stock festive items. I love Christmas jumpers and every year I look around the local shops trying to find the right jumper. I always want a really fun, bright one. 

Winter can feel isolating, and there’s often pressure to be festive and get out and about. During this time of year, I always remind myself that ‘It’s OK not to be OK’. It’s fine to want to stay cosy with a cup of tea and a warm jumper at home, and it’s also OK if you feel like going out and staying busy. The important thing is to look after yourself over the next few months.

If you feel a bit fed up with the cold weather and dark skies, simple things can help — like running a bubble bath, having a cup of tea, enjoying your favourite chocolate biscuit, catching up with friends, or sticking on your favourite festive movie (mine is Home Alone!).

Whether you’re excited about the holidays or just trying to get through the season, do what feels right for you.

About Ciara Lawrence
Ciara Lawrence is a well-known learning disability campaigner and a Shaw Trust Power 100 influencer. She has written for The Guardian, The Huffington Post, and The Independent. 

Search ‘Ciara’s pink sparkle podcast’ via Google.

There are currently 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability, Mencap is here to help them live life to the fullest: www.mencap.org.uk