A regular health and lifestyle column by Corinne Yeadon, of the Being Better private therapy practice based in Newmarket Street, Skipton

IT feels like Christmas has come earlier this year, but my recall is not to be relied upon - I still maintain that childhood summers were scorching and a certain little chocolate Easter egg treat is significantly smaller than it used to be.

My giddiness about Christmas knows no bounds. The moment the John Lewis Christmas Ad is released my excitement is unleashed.

My altered state of unbridled euphoria prompts a chain of events in rapid succession; a clear out of the Christmas food cupboard, arranging meet ups, rooting out the Christmas CD, poring over various festive fare brochures and writing my Christmas shopping list. There is nothing more satisfying to me than the process of Yuletide organising, planning and preparation.

People have previously cautioned against my premature state of Christmas elation warning that I will peak too soon. Let me tell you, that has never happened!

At our therapy practice we are due to facilitate four Christmas themed workshops over the next month.

Working as a therapeutic practitioner I am mindful that for many Christmas is a challenging and difficult time. Emotional wellbeing can be fragile in the lead up and over the festive period. Levels of stress can escalate due to work commitments and financial pressures.

Check in with loved ones and acquaintances, smile at everyone you see, smiles are contagious. Christmas doesn’t have to be about grand gestures and expensive presents. Small acts of kindness to let people know they matter are priceless.

There’s a lot of unrest and conflict in the world. Christmas symbolises hope for me.

Hope that things will be better and people will be kinder and more tolerant, even if it’s just for a short time.