Stroke survivors on managing at Christmas: ‘The little things that can annoy you the most. For me the lights blinking on the tree triggers something – I can’t even sit in the room with them’

So many little things go into making the perfect Christmas. Wrapping presents for loved ones, decorating the tree and cooking a traditional Christmas dinner to name but sadly, for those living with the after-effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition, the festive season is not always full of cheer.