It’s that time of year again – doesn’t it come round quickly? Mince pies have been in the shops since September, the perfume ads are even dafter than last year, and we’ve taken out bank loans to buy stamps for the Christmas cards.   

But all that aside, it’s the season of goodwill and happiness, so let’s cheer ourselves up with a few Christmassy things to keep us going while the Centre’s closed.  

A bit of Christmas Telly 

Ho, Ho, Ho! 

Have a bit of a laugh with some classic Christmas television. 

One of my favourite Morecambe and Wise Christmas sketches - the one with Andre Previn.

This Irn Bru Christmas ad from a few years ago always makes me laugh.

If you're stuck for something to watch, there's lots of variety on these pages

I like to settle down with a film when there's time to spare - The Muppet Christmas Carol, Love Actually, It’s A Wonderful Life and Elf are among our favourite Christmas films – which film makes you feel festive?   

Lots of people love Carols from Kings - a really lovely traditional service from King's College, Cambridge.   This year, it's on BBC Two at 6:40pm on Christmas Eve, or you can listen to it live on the radio at 3pm.  

Jingle, Jingle! 

A bit of Christmas music might help us get into the Christmas spirit.  Here’s a selection of the most popular songs played in Café Neuro this December.  

Slade – Merry Christmas

Walking in the Air - with Aled Jones wandering round the Welsh countryside

Bing Crosby – White Christmas - well, they say the old ones are the best ones...

Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney

Driving home for Christmas - Chris Rea

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee - I always want to get up and dance to this one...

Wham – Last Christmas  (I left this until last in case you're still playing Whamageddon!)

Work off the turkey… 

It’s likely we’re all going to feel a bit sluggish at times – too many mince pies, that extra turkey sandwich on Boxing Day, half a tub of Quality Street in one go (or is that just me?) – so a bit of exercise to stretch the muscles might be a good idea. Here are a few exercise videos to keep you fit and flexible over the holiday period.  

Strength and Flexibility

Seated exercises

Balance exercises

A selection of recorded sessions from the Neuro Therapy Centre team:







Talk to someone from our physiotherapy team if you need advice on the best exercise for you. Please know your own health and body and don’t follow any exercise that you can’t manage. If you have any concerns about completing these exercises please telephone your GP surgery to consult your doctor.

Feeling a bit low? 

We know that Christmas might not be happy for everyone, and you might need someone to talk to.  Here are some organisations that offer support over the Christmas period.    

What’s left? 

On Boxing Day when the fridge is full of bits and bobs, there are some delicious things you can do with the leftovers. Not just turkey sandwiches or the usual curry…

https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/occasions/christmas/christmas-whats-left

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/christmas-leftovers-recipes

 

Last but definitely not least...  

Whatever you’re doing and wherever you’re spending Christmas, we wish you all the best for a happy and safe festive season and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.