Home Care in Wickham Market
Relationship-led and supportive home care in Wickham Market from compassionate and experienced home care professionals.
Highest regulatory ratings
16,000+ active clients
Recommended by 95% of our clients
10,000+ carers nationwide
Home Care rating 9.6
Highest regulatory ratings
16,000+ active clients
Recommended by 95% of our clients
10,000+ carers nationwide
Home Care rating 9.6
The Home Instead home care team, here to help the Wickham Market community
Our local team provides award-winning home care in Wickham Market and the surrounding Suffolk villages, helping clients maintain their independence in familiar surroundings. Supporting someone in their own home is a genuine privilege, and we create personalised Care Plans that evolve with each client’s needs and wishes. We love taking our clients on local outings, whether it’s enjoying freshly baked treats at the Farm Cafe + Shop or sharing stories over tea at the Tea Pot Tea Rooms. As a CQC Outstanding-rated provider with excellent reviews on homecare.co.uk, our Care Professionals deliver exceptional support that feels natural and friendly, while our dementia training ensures the highest standards of specialist care.
Get in touch today to
see how we can help
What Home Care Services are available in Wickham Market
Our experienced local team provides personalised home care across Wickham Market with genuine warmth and understanding. We believe in building meaningful connections with both our clients and their families, taking time to understand individual needs and preferences. Our support extends well beyond scheduled visits – we’re always here to answer questions, adjust care arrangements or simply offer guidance when you need it most. With transparent pricing and flexible scheduling, we’ve made accessing quality care refreshingly straightforward, ensuring families have complete peace of mind while remaining firmly in control of their care journey.
A huge thank you to all the girls who have helped my mum over the last few months. The care and attention was first rate. My mum’s health has improved so much. They were always on time, chatted with her about her life and interacted with her on all sorts of subjects. Mum will miss having help with her puzzles, etc, but if going forward, my mum needs that extra help again, Home Instead will be our first call. Thank you again for everything.Clients Daughter
Thank you to all the carers and staff at Home Instead who have looked after my Dad for the last year or so. Professional and caring throughout, Home Instead enabled him to stay independent in his own home. Always patient and kind, the carers were able to cope with a man who could be difficult and stubborn. The support staff back at base were always helpful and efficient, friendly and supportive, and always available. This, combined with the useful reports available on the app, was very valuable for us as relatives.Clients Son
Home Instead provided overnight care for my mother for over 6 months. Their carers were excellent, reliable, empathetic and very supportive of all her needs. The office and support staff were also very efficient and incredibly supportive of our situation and went above and beyond to help ensure the best quality of care. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.Client's Daughter
- My family have used Homeinstead for about 2.5 years and have been more than happy with the care they have provided. The admin staff are always helpful and quickly communicate with us if there are any issues. They regularly have review meetings with us to ensure they are doing the best they can, to check if we are satisfied with their work, to check on the welfare of my parent/s and to see if anything else is required. All the carers have been very friendly, helpful and extremely efficient. They provide thorough feedback on each visit via the App. When a new carer visits, they always accompany an existing carer to be shown what to do and where things are. We have had no complaints with Home Instead, and we would thoroughly recommend them to anybody thinking of using them to care for their loved ones.
Client's Daughter
I would highly recommend Home Instead; they were excellent with my mum. Mum needed support with her personal care and companionship. Although it was for a short time, the whole company were amazing. Everyone I spoke to was helpful, kind and supportive. The App was excellent at letting us know how Mum’s visit had gone. A special mention to one member of staff who mum really became attached to, as they sang and danced together, bringing her such joy. Thank you to the whole team.Client's Daughter
I cannot fault the care given to my mother, and I am very grateful for all that the care professionals and other members of the Home Instead team did. Staff were always patient, caring and attentive to Mum’s needs. Nothing ever seemed to be too much trouble. Similarly, support staff were always polite and helpful whenever I had cause to contact the office.Clients Son
I’ve not used the HomeInstead care team myself or for a family member, but on a recent visit to A&E, a HomeInstead carer was there with her client; I was really impressed with how kind, patient, caring and cheerful she was. I felt the carer was a great ambassador for the service and would happily use this service to care for a relative myself.Anon
I found Home Instead during the pandemic, and they have been amazing at supporting my father and helping him maintain his independence. They add a personal touch, and they really understand Dad, placing him first and foremost in all they do. They have been my eyes and ears when I have not been able to visit. This will be my fourth year of using them, and I am very happy with the service.Clients Daughter
The team update me on any care issues and the App allows me to view details of each visit. But most of all my mum is happy and enjoys great companionship and care. This matters so much as she was married for 56 years and struggled after we lost Dad. Even Mum’s neighbours are impressed and have met the care team. All of this means I can better manage my working life without added stress and worry. I highly recommend Home Instead.Clients Daughter
I live and work in London and was experiencing considerable stress trying to manage my mum’s care. Fortunately, I found Home Instead following a recommendation from my mum’s clinic in Felixstowe. The management team and caregivers are exceptional, well-organised, and very supportive.Clients Daughter
Very friendly carers. Carers are punctual at all times on visits. Carers listen to my mother-in-law and respect her wishes, always happy to take her shopping or out on other trips. The app is so nice as it’s so important to know how my mother-in-law has responded to each visit.Clients Family
I’m pleased to say my dad is being looked after very well by the Home Instead carers have got him in a settled routine and he is obviously happy and enjoying life despite his circumstances. All the staff obviously care and have experience with people with dementia. The management have been responsive too and were able to set up the service quickly in a, for us, urgent situation.Clients Son
- We cannot fault the care that is shown to our loved one. The daily visits are the highlight of her day. Due to dementia our aunt often needs reassurance about everyday things and the carers are totally understanding of her needs. Also, the office team are always on hand to discuss or advise on queries we might have.
Clients Family
My brother and I are extremely glad that we engaged Home Instead to provide care for my mother which was initially for companionship for a lonely lady a couple of times a week but with time has resulted in the necessity for twice daily visits to prepare hot meals and drinks, go shopping and pick up prescriptions. I would highly recommend Home Instead as a care provider. They are absolutely brilliant!Clients Family
- Home Instead were wonderful in providing daytime cover for my husband with severe semantic dementia while my regular private carer was on holiday. The carers were well-trained and supported. I appreciated their policy of having a new carer shadow an existing carer for part of the day to learn about my husband’s needs and foibles before they came to do a care session on their own. I will certainly turn to Homestead again in any future time of need.
Clients Wife
The whole process with the Home Instead team was excellent; thorough, clear and personable. From the initial conversation on the phone to the visits from the excellent manager to the choice of the two great carers, every stage was taken in consultation with my mum. The team guided her through her options so she felt completely in control and never pressured into anything she wasn’t sure of. They were very flexible and responded to my mum’s needs. My brother and I were extremely pleased about our mum’s visits when we couldn’t be there, and she was really reassured by their professionalism and care. I think we received excellent value for money for Mum’s care, and we would recommend Home Instead to others in the area without hesitation.Clients Family
Having Home Instead to care for me has given me a new lease of life. I am loving it.Client - Felixstowe
- Home Instead has provided a professional and caring service to our family, helping my mother stay in her own home for a long time. We wanted a couple of hours’ care mid-week in the afternoons for companionship and to ensure she was safe and looked after while I was at work. Management was organised, experienced and sensitive to our needs; and the carers appointed provided just the right level of friendliness and support. I strongly recommend them.
Son of Client - Felixstowe
Home Instead carers have been looking after me for some time. The help they provide makes it possible for me to live a near-normal life. I value their help and advice and appreciate the way they keep in touch. The individual carers are kind and always helpful. Their cheerful faces at the door always lift my spirits. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.Client - Woodbridge
- Having used Home Instead carers to help look after my father, I had no hesitation in contacting them to help care for my husband’s elderly aunt. The process was easy as the administration staff went out of their way to make you feel comfortable and deal with your questions politely and with a friendly and caring attitude. Nothing is too much trouble, and they put you at ease. The visits that are arranged before care starts put everyone’s mind at rest and give an important opportunity for everyone concerned to meet face-to-face with the people who are going to be coming into the client’s home.
Clients Niece - Woodbridge
We cannot thank Home Instead enough for their care and attention to detail as to what makes, not only our aunt’s care run smoothly, but to give peace of mind that she is not only getting a cooked meal but company as well, which is just as important to us. The carers, in only their first week, have brightened our aunt’s day with their thoughtfulness and kind interaction. Thank you all.Clients Niece - Woodbridge
- Having Home Instead gives an injection of life into the home and it is lovely to sit downstairs and hear my wife laughing with the Care Professionals.
Clients Husband - Ipswich
From the moment I was recommended to contact Home Instead many months ago, to this present moment, both myself and my Mum have received the most wonderful service, care, courtesy and solutions possible. The team there have been fantastic all the way through. With losing Dad last year and her onset of Dementia, Mum has received fabulous companionship care and stimulation to keep her days entertaining. It’s also been a massive weight off my shoulders knowing this is all in place. The App has been brilliant, enabling me to check in after each visit to see what she has been up to.Mr. S, clients Son - Ipswich
Home Instead provided fantastic care for my mother over a period of about 5 years, until Mum, unfortunately, had to move into a home. I relied totally on them in caring for Mum at her home including providing all her food, cleaning her house and taking her to appointments. They were compassionate, dedicated, completely reliable and always went the extra mile.Anne - Clients Daughter
The Best Care Agency in the World and Universe!Clients Wife - Ipswich
- As a family, we have been very pleased with the service Home Instead (Ipswich, Woodbridge & Felixstowe) have provided to our mother who has dementia. From the initial contact, we had a very positive experience with the Management Team who tried to understand mums particular needs and how they could best match carers to them.
Clients Daughter - Woodbridge
We have now completed our first month using Home Instead’s services for my mum. We were extremely impressed with all the arrangements prior to the care package starting. All information was presented clearly and comprehensively and all our questions were answered fully. The initial assessment was thorough and sensitive, with my mum’s two carers also introducing themselves at that meeting. The resulting paperwork was clear and transparent.Clients Son - Woodbridge
- I first had cause to use Home Instead to care for my mother six years ago when they did a fabulous job looking after her. They were caring, flexible and highly professional. So when my godmother needed some help I had no hesitation in contacting the team. Right away they made her feel at ease and she very much enjoys the Care Professionals company as well as all the practical help they provide her.
Clients Godson - Ipswich
Our experience with the Home Instead agency has been wholly positive. This has been very refreshing as I have had to use a care agency in the past (for my disabled adult children and disabled brother -which alas was far from a positive experience.) We have found the Home Instead Agency to be excellent in every domain. In the management/administration/communication and in the actual care provided. We are unable to fault them in any way and have been pleased throughout our whole time with them this last year. Our thanks.Clients Daughter - Woodbridge
- Having used this company for years they are able to go above and beyond in an emergency. I have been very happy with their service but delighted at the extra help I have had this month. Cannot recommend them highly enough. Carers are all so accommodating helpful and sympathetic, excellent training and high standards.
Client - Ipswich
- After a hospital stay, both my husband and I were very weak and could not continue independent living. We had 3 lovely ladies and got used to them quickly. They were “carers” in the truest sense of the word, and did exactly what we asked. Mostly assisting with downsizing, housework, and laundry.
Client - Felixstowe
- Home Instead are a very professional company and look after their clients and staff to a very high standard.
Care Professional - Felixstowe
Brilliant company! I can’t believe how much this company has put my mind to rest. I finally know my father has decent carers who give him the full hour and do not rush. Thank you all for being so good to our elderly loved ones.Clients Daughter - Felixstowe
- My mother had carers from Home Instead for over 3 years, before she went into a care home recently. The carers are well trained and professional, who ensured they met my mother’s needs with respect and sympathy. Mum got to know the carers who visited frequently, very well, so she looked forward to their visits on a social basis as well as a practical one.
Clients Daughter - Ipswich
The training and monitoring regarding good practice are very good so that clients receive the best care and support possible.Care Professional - Ipswich
- I received care from Home Instead (Ipswich, Woodbridge & Felixstowe) during January and February this year following a stroke. Fortunately, I recovered fully very quickly and questioned whether I needed this help that my family had put in place for me. However, the three carers who came to my home were lovely people and we did lots of walking together. They were also able to help with beds and putting out bins and lighting fires and clearing out fireplaces.
Client - Ipswich
A very supportive employer and a company I am proud to say I work for. They care as much about their staff as they do their clients.Care Professional - Felixstowe
- As a new client of Home Instead, I wanted to record my thanks for the wonderful and professional service I have received to date. It was an incredibly daunting process looking for a reliable and very caring company to look after my very elderly mother. Thankfully, I found Home Instead! After sifting through multiple adverts and private carers being interviewed, I soon realised this company is well organised from the top down to their carers.
Clients Daughter - Ipswich
All the staff and carers at Home Instead have been wonderful, accommodating, thoughtful, and extremely professional. They have all been friendly and reassuring, the carers my mother-in-law had attended to her needs in a caring and respectful way. She thought they were all friendly and enjoyed their company. As a family, we would have no hesitation in recommending Home Instead to anyone needing the services of a care agency. Thank you Home Instead.Clients Daughter in law - Ipswich
- Having been Dad’s live-in carer for six months it wasn’t easy to hand over! Home Instead made it so much easier than I thought. The care he gets is amazing. It has helped me so much too. A very big thank you.
Clients Son - Ipswich
- I cannot thank all of the Care Professionals enough for the amazing care they have given my mum over the last 3.5 years. I wholeheartedly recommend this office’s group of carers who have all gone over and above to provide support and help for both Mum and myself. Thank you also to all the office staff for their patient manner and help in all the organising to help provide Mum with continuity of carers, through all these difficult times.
Clients Daughter - Ipswich
- My mother had carers from Home Instead for over 3 years, before she went into a care home recently. The carers are well trained and professional, who ensured they met my mother’s needs with respect and sympathy. Mum got to know the carers who visited frequently, very well, so she looked forward to their visits on a social basis as well as a practical one.
Clients Daughter - Ipswich
- Home Instead (Ipswich, Woodbridge & Felixstowe) have provided carers/companions for my mother over the last year since my father died. The company has been incredibly flexible and the carers are fantastic. They go above and beyond to make sure that she is happy and has everything she needs. I would thoroughly recommend them.
Clients Daughter
- Home Instead in Ipswich helped my father to look after my mother in her final years and was the obvious choice now that he in turn needs more assistance than his family can provide, in order to stay in his own home as he wishes. We knew that we would have none of the concerns that first-time users of their services might have. For example: How will my parent be with strangers? They won’t be strangers for long – he looks forward to and really enjoys carers’ visits and their cheerful positivity.
Clients Son - Ipswich
- I’m never going to forget you. Thank you for everything that you do for me!
Client - Ipswich
- All the Folk who are on the other end of the telephone in the office, are always so helpful, kind, caring, empathetic, genuine, understanding and very patient. They all have a lovely manner about them, which is so much appreciated, especially by myself.
Wife of Client - Ipswich
We had a very thorough initial consultation with the Home Instead manager to find out my mother’s needs. Then a potential Care Professional was chosen and introduced, when this first person did not especially suit my mother, a new Care professional was brought in. This new person suits my mother very well. We have just had our six-month check and we are very pleased with the personal service that Home Instead in Ipswich offer.Client's daughter - Woodbridge
- The staff who care for my mother are fantastic Care Professionals. They work closely with me and Mum to ensure her needs are met which enables her to remain healthy and safe in her own home. As well as caring for her and the home physically they go out of their way to ensure she continues to be stimulated mentally, to get exercise and take her on trips out which are lots of fun. When I cannot be there for Mum I know she is in the best hands I know who will love and care for her as I do.
Client's daughter - Ipswich
- I would not hesitate to recommend Home Instead to anyone that asks about them. I have found them excellent in all respects of the way they carry out all their duties.
Client's husband - Woodbridge
My husband has had Care Professionals since February 2015 for personal care, we find they are very kind, caring, lovely people and nothing is too much for them. They are very good. We would recommend them to anyone. Home Instead, thank you for an excellent service.Client's Wife - Ipswich
- Home Instead has provided Dad with wonderful care and support. He looks forward to visits and the warm companionship caregivers provide, with many adding a personal touch. The support provided has allowed Dad to maintain his independence and help him regain his self-confidence. Communication with the office team has been excellent.
Clients Daughter - Ipswich
The Best Care Agency in the World and Universe! Because you employ the best, most professional, genuine, caring, kind people. Training is the best, and you match up perfectly, the right Carer to care for each Client impeccably.Wife of Client - Ipswich
- I find Home Instead a quality care provider. I find the service and Care Professionals very efficient, reliable, flexible, understanding and motivated. The attitude and support of the Care Professionals we have been matched up with are excellent. The attitude and support of the office and management are excellent and they make a difficult life manageable, Thank you very much
Sister of Client - Ipswich
- Home Instead have cared for my parents for the last 18 months and have proven very reliable and consistent with their support. In addition, they have been very flexible with day to day tasks and on occasion, dealt with some difficult circumstances. They formed excellent trusting relationships with my parents.
Son of client - Ipswich
- Home Instead have proven themselves to be professional, compassionate and caring. I cannot fault the care and understanding from both the Care Co-Ordinators and daily carers, given to an old friend. They are always available to discuss any concerns, arrange appointments and make sure in-home care has been completed by going that extra mile to ensure an old friend is comfortable, safe and, moreover, happy to give me peace of mind. A big thank you to all the staff.
Friend of Client - Ipswich
- This company really is the best care company to work for, I wish that I had come to Home Instead years ago, but I am here now and I feel like I am part of a big caring family. I feel Home Instead always put clients and staff’s needs first. The ladies and gentlemen in the office are absolutely amazing at their jobs and when you’re matched with clients it always works out for the good of the client.
Sam - Felixstowe Care Professional
- Home Instead has always been extremely supportive and we like them very much. The office staff are also extremely helpful in rearranging visit times and general information. I like the fact that the same Care Professional comes out to see my mother-in-law every time. I would not hesitate to recommend Home Instead to other friends and family.
Client's daughter - Felixstowe
- How would we have managed without the help of Home Instead? Since their Care Professionals started visiting us in 2016, they have provided us with the care and support we so desperately need. They help with household chores such as ironing, cleaning, and cooking but above all, they are companions for my husband. They are very professional, arriving on time with a smile on their faces.
Client - Ipswich
- Mum is physically disabled and Dad has mild Alzheimer’s. For the past year, Home Instead has provided assistance to allow my parents to live in their own home with dignity and comfort. The carers were professional, reliable and lovely to them. They became a welcome part of my parent’s daily routine, bringing friendship alongside practical care. I particularly commend their efforts during the pandemic, they never once let them down; our family’s gratitude to all their care team.
Clients Daughter - Kesgrave
- I can ring up and speak to anyone, they will sort out my problem or pass me to someone who specialises in what I am asking. All the staff are wonderful and so very caring. I have two different girls who help me to look after my husband, who has dementia and is hardly able to walk, also they really care how I am managing!
Client's wife - Hadleigh
- Mum has been having Care Professionals from Home Instead coming to help her morning and evening for almost a year. We cannot fault the care and consideration given to mum and she has built up a strong relationship with her main Caregiver. We have no complaints at all and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the company to anyone else.
Client's daughter - Martlesham, Ipswich
- Home Instead provides a friendly and reliable service with a regular Care Professional. In the event of a new Care Professional coming to be with my husband, they are always introduced in advance. Care is regularly reviewed every three months. Both office staff and Care Professionals are always helpful and pleased to be adaptable when necessary.
Client's wife - Felixstowe
I have been completely satisfied with the care I have received over the past year. I feel that the management team take my care seriously and are attentive to my needs. The Care Professionals that work with me are kind and hard-working. One, in particular, has become a friend. I have recommended Home Instead to a friend and he is now happily supported each week. I would not hesitate to recommend Home Instead again.Client - Kesgrave, Ipswich
- Mum had a wonderful time with them, singing songs, going out and about, playing games, having a laugh, etc. It was lovely to see her grow under their care. I am looking to employ them again to visit Mum in her care home and give her some one-to-one care. I would thoroughly recommend the Home Instead service from their wonderful Care Professionals to the responsive, dedicated, and friendly office staff, in fact, I have already recommended them several times.
Clients Daughter
- The admin team have been very helpful and responsive as Mum’s care needs have developed and various changes needed to be made. Finally, the carers visiting Mum and performing all of the various personal and home tasks for her have been angels. The family cannot begin to express how kind and supportive they have been sometimes in the most challenging of circumstances. We want to say a huge thank you for all the work the wider team at Home Instead has provided.
Clients Daughter - Woodbridge
- The care staff are dedicated, caring and professional, and they quickly formed excellent relationships with my mum. Nothing is too much trouble for them. The care service is backed up by excellent office support and polite and professional staff. Our initial review after one month was also thorough and supportive. Home Instead really cares about those they support, and this has reassured my mum and all our family. Thank you to everyone.
Clients Son
- For me personally, the team are a great support as I am not nearby and I can rely on them to keep me updated in between my visits and it is so valuable to get all the value of their experience in discussing and applying care options. In particular, their proactivity is impressive, alongside my godmother they assess her needs continuously and as those needs alter, their flexibility to implement changes is excellent (working what seems like miracles sometimes!).
Clients Godson - Ipswich
- As well as their professionalism, the team, both carers and the office team are all thoroughly nice people.
Clients Son - Ipswich
- There were occasions when the carers stayed beyond their time limit if they were waiting for a paramedic and Mum was distressed. The office team is efficient. Communication by phone or email was easy, with a quick response to queries or requests. My mother and I are grateful for the professionalism and kindness of the Home Instead team.
Clients Daughter - Martlesham
- Nothing was too much trouble and I was happy to have them in my house. I felt quite sad to say goodbye and one has really become a friend whom I hope I shall see again as we are both committed to voluntary work. Thank you.
Client - Ipswich
I am always kept up to date and have IT access to read their carer’s notes following their daily visits, this has provided our family with the reassurance we desperately needed. This care package was put into place quickly and efficiently during the pandemic and also the Christmas holidays, following discharge from a residential nursing home.Clients Daughter - Ipswich
- You have all made a very positive difference in Mum’s life enabling her to have a very happy time whilst she was able to stay in her own bungalow. Thank you all.
Clients Daughter - Woodbridge
- There were occasions when the carers stayed beyond their time limit if they were waiting for a paramedic and Mum was distressed. The office team is efficient. Communication by phone or email was easy, with a quick response to queries or requests. My mother and I are grateful for the professionalism and kindness of the Home Instead team.
Clients Daughter - Ipswich
- What exactly will they do? They are really flexible and provide whatever support is requested or most appropriate on the day. Do they really care or are they just doing their jobs? They certainly do care. They are lovely people who do this job because they want to do it, although there are many easier alternatives. Are they value for money? Yes – definitely. They are hard-working, multi-skilled and provide good companionship, at a reasonable rate. (Son of) A happy client.
Clients Son - Ipswich
- Home Instead has matched me with some wonderful clients and I absolutely love going to visit them as they are always happy to see me. The training this company provides is amazing as well and the online training is good too. So if you are looking for a job in care please come work for Home Instead they really are the best.
Care Professional - Felixstowe
- The management team is first class with the telephone being answered promptly and requests for a change in our schedule being dealt with.
Client - Felixstowe
Tailored Home Care in Wickham Market
We love receiving lovely feedback from clients and their loved ones on homecare.co.uk. One client’s daughter said, “I would highly recommend Home Instead they were excellent with my mum…Everyone I spoke to was helpful, kind and supportive…Thank you to the whole team.” Similarly, Juliet, another client’s daughter, shared, “The management team and care givers are exceptional, well organised and very supportive…The team update me on any care issues…But most of all my mum is happy and enjoys great companionship and care…I highly recommend Home Instead.” It’s wonderful to hear how we’ve made a difference to their lives through the quality of care we provide.
Get in touch today to
see how we can help
Trusted Home Care support from experienced care professionals in Wickham Market
Our local leadership team, with decades of healthcare experience, supports clients in Wickham Market and nearby areas. We invest in our Care Professionals through comprehensive training at our well-equipped facility with specialist equipment like profiling beds and hoists. Our expertise includes dementia care, Parkinson’s support, and medication management, with ongoing professional development via City & Guilds assured dementia courses. Collaborating with local healthcare partners, we’re proud that many of our Care Professionals have established lasting relationships with Wickham Market clients, bringing experience and familiar faces to the homes we support.
Additional support and activities in Wickham Market for aging adults
We’re active throughout Wickham Market and the surrounding areas, running regular activities that bring our community together. Our compassionate garden group provides meaningful outdoor activities for our clients, whilst our Memory Cafes create valuable social connections for people living with dementia and their families. We deliver free dementia workshops and scam awareness talks across Ipswich, Felixstowe and Woodbridge, and our annual ‘Be a Santa’ initiative brings festive cheer to older people who might otherwise feel isolated during the Christmas period.
