Surviving the Nativity Season

There is one seasonal challenge that catches out most people and that's the school Christmas production (at the time of writing, I've done 2 and still have another one).

After seven years of squeezing into primary school halls, I've learned that these magical moments come with their own unique postural challenges. So let me be honest with you from the start:

Yes, there will be tiny chairs.

Yes, you will need to sit in an uncomfortable position to see your child.

Yes, you will have to carry everything, including a halo, a carrot for the reindeer, and a packed lunch.

But fear not! With a few simple strategies, you can enjoy your child's starring moment as Third Shepherd without ending up in my treatment room the following week.

1. Strategic Seating: Claim That End Spot

Arrive early and aim for the seat on the end of the row. This isn't a get-out-of-quick plan. An aisle seat allows you to move. You can:

• Extend one leg out to the side occasionally

• Shift your weight more freely

• Adjust your position without disturbing an entire row of parents

• Stand briefly if needed without blocking views

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Think of it as giving yourself permission to move, which is exactly what your body needs during a 45-minute performance on a chair designed for a seven-year-old.

2. Pre-Production Preparation

Before you even leave the house, take five minutes for some gentle preparation. Your body will thank you later.

Neck rolls: Slowly roll your head in a circular motion, five times in each direction. This releases tension in the neck and shoulders before you even begin the inevitable head-craning to spot your little angel.

Shoulder shrugs: Lift your shoulders up towards your ears, hold for a count of three, then release with a gentle exhale. Repeat five times. This simple movement helps prevent the shoulder tension that builds when you're holding that awkward twisted position to see around someone's festive hat.

These movements literally take two minutes but can make a significant difference to how your body copes with the postural stress ahead.

3. Post-Production Recovery

Once the final rendition of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" has been sung and you've successfully retrieved your budding performer, take a moment for yourself. A cuppa and a gentle stretch, think forward folds, a gentle twist or even a banana stretch.

The school Christmas production is a rite of passage. Despite the discomfort, the dodgy acoustics, the wrong words being said and the fact you'll spend most of it trying to work out which shepherd is actually yours, these are precious moments you won't get back.

So grab that end seat, do your preparation, and enjoy watching your little one shine. Your spine can handle an hour of awkwardness with a bit of care and attention.

And if you do find yourself struggling with aches and pains in the New Year? You know where to find me.

Here's to surviving the festive season with grace, good posture, and perhaps just a little less tinsel in your hair.

Book your post-Christmas appointment now – slots fill up fast in January!