Last night Poppy and I decorated the Christmas tree in the Castle and this afternoon we had our end of year party at work – first for the kids and then for the staff. As we edge closer and closer to Christmas and the end of the year, I can’t help but reflect on the changes, challenges, and opportunities this year’s brought.

At the party this afternoon I sat by a small bonfire, setting excited children off on a festive treasure hunt. That was a real privilege, made possible only because of my support worker and the emergency bag by my side.

Earlier on I’d got frustrated when I tried to unlock a door and my hand wouldn’t co-operate because of my tics. For a moment I let the frustration overwhelm me and I hit the door with my fist. This is the sort of tiny annoyance my tics provoke, but over-reacting in the way I did happens a lot less often than it used to. I think this is because although some things have got worse, like having problems walking and the ‘ticcing fits’, other aspects of Tourettes have got better. I’m certainly getting more help than I was this time last year and I’m more confident about asking for it. I’m sleeping better, eating better and generally being more honest about the things I find hard.

I still have a few days at work left before I stop for the year. I’m really looking forward to my first Christmas in the Castle which is certainly looking very festive, thanks to Poppy’s enthusiastic work on the tree.

Festive outburst
“Tinselitis.”