And so that was Christmas...

Today is officially The End of Christmas, the time of year we are encouraged to think about giving, peace and goodwill and all the rest. This strikes me, sometimes, as a little strange. Are these sentiments no longer appropriate two weeks into January? If Christmas is a time to focus on others less fortunate than ourselves, can we revel in spitefulness and selfishness at all other times? In short, what's so different about Christmas?

Ok, so I am being deliberately provocative but for a reason. Christmas can indeed be a time to reflect on the inherent message of goodwill and giving but it does lead me to ponder: What is different for Carers at Christmas?

Esther, 43 and from Gloucester, is registered disabled due to a pro-lapse disc, which has been operated on and left her with walking problems. Despite, her own health problems she is a Carer for her husband and two sons. They all have Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy, an inherited, progressive disease of the nerves. It didn't take a Christmas break.

Her husband has had to move to a purpose-built bungalow that meets his needs; he is in a wheelchair and is partially deaf - so Esther has to travel to look after him.

Esther is on call 24 hours a day. And again, of course, that includes Christmas Day. At any time, one of the boys or her husband can fall, which happens quite frequently as the illness can cause them to tire quickly. She has to constantly check her husband and sons for injuries as they cannot feel pain.

And on top of all that, add the associated Christmas stress that we all recognise - too many presents to get, too many relatives to invite, too many things to get into the oven at the same time. Not enough time, not enough chairs for everyone to sit on; the missing sellotape, vital ingredient for the Christmas Lunch, will to live...

And What Have We Done?

However, for most of us, the Christmas message is eat, drink and be merry - in other words, we have the green light to over indulge - and why not? Jane, from Cheltenham, has other worries. "As far as Christmas is concerned, caring for someone with mental health issues, coupled with a dual diagnosis (such as use of alcohol as a self medicating tool), has always been difficult and I, as Carer, have always dreaded Christmas and New Year.  During all these years at Christmas social events and spending Christmas with our immediate families, I have been on my guard watching for signs of over indulgence and not allowing myself to relax and enjoy the occasion.  There is also the worry that if things go out of control, you cannot contact the relevant mental health key worker over the holiday period."

So, it's not all joy-to-the-world for everyone. But look, I don't want to attract any accusations of humbug-ism or Scroogery by saying that post-Christmas time is a relief for many or that you should be ashamed of your recent revelling.  Far from it.

But I would say that Esther, Sue and thousands of Carers like them around Gloucestershire and literally millions more across the UK, lead by example in terms of putting others first - fifty two weeks a year.

So yes, hope, redemption and love for the Festive Season - long may it last. Consideration of others, their difficulties and needs, yes, please. But like Carers, let's not just do it on one day or during one festive holiday - how about the rest of the year too?