Debbie and Katy dive into the chaos, pressure, and unexpected joys of the festive season, all while managing inflammatory arthritis. From flare frustrations and frozen fingers to minimalist Christmases, Santa mishaps, school nativity seating struggles, and the great“real tree vs fake tree” debate, this episode is full of relatable laughs and honest reflections.

They explore how stress, weather, family expectations and endless December commitments can trigger symptoms and why giving yourself permission to slow down can be the best gift of all. Plus: cheese boards, mince pies, Christmas tiffins, flare-friendly cooking shortcuts, and why Debbie wants a “Be More Like Katy” t-shirt.

The hosts also share what’s coming in 2026 and invite the IA community to get involved with recipes, workplace stories, mental health tips,and New Year’s habits.

Next week: an incredible guest joins the show with a hilarious and moving story about life with RA and axial spondyloarthritis.

Topics Covered

• Managing flares during winter and holiday stress

• Christmas pressures vs. keeping it simple
• Real vs. fake Christmas trees
• Santa experiences and family traditions
• School nativity plays & accessibility challenges
• Hosting vs. being a guest at Christmas
• Flare-friendly cooking and festive food shortcuts
• Mental health during busy seasons
• Community contributions for the 2026 podcast plans

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Website: inflammatoryarthritis.org
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Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/