I love this time of year, the build up to Christmas. Mid November and the shops aren’t too busy (yet) and there’s a chance that I’ll be able to get the presents that I need to, before the panic-buying sets in.
We always make sure we visit John Lewis too, not so much for the toy department, but for the Christmas decorations display. It’s always a visual treat, seeing all these wonderful styles of Christmas trees fully decked and T and D are each allowed to choose a new decoration for our tree. T invariably chooses something round and football-like, D will go for pink/red and if it has sequins/glitter then she’s extremely happy! We try and put the tree up on 1st December, in line with advent calendars and candles.
As far as gifts go, I’ve learnt from experience (and keeping the charity shops well stocked) that my children prefer to stick with what they know, rather than try something new. I remember one year T showed a vague interest in transformers and so I bought a much-sought after “thing” that not only transformed into six vehicles but combined together to make a huge transformer. It was taken out of the box, a couple of buttons were pressed and never played with again. Similarly, D loved the lalaloopsy dolls in adverts, but faced with an actual doll, she didn’t like it as it was “too hard”, ie plastic, she prefers soft toys that she can cuddle and carry around.
Sensory issues mean that neither T or D will eat a traditional Christmas meal, but may have a couple of the accompaniments, I’ve learned not to force them – it only causes upset – and so, I’ll cook separate meals but ensure timings fit so we all sit down together, with crackers, hats and laughter (I hope).
This year, we’re all going to be ultra snuggly too because it’s going to be a Onesie Christmas! I’ll leave anyone who reads this to decide who’s going to be the:
- Bunny,
- Panda,
- Gorilla, and the
- Angry Bird.
….but I can think of nothing nicer (after what’s been quite a challenging year) than us all snuggled up on the sofa, eating some Christmas chocolate and watching something funny on the TV. A family Christmas together, grateful for what we have.
Jeanette AM
Sometimes I feel like a brand but I'm me, a commuting career woman in a previous "life", now a stay-at-home Mumma to two wonderful children, who just happen to have autism too. One at each end of the spectrum, one diagnosed at 4.5 years old and the other, very recently at 10.5 years. I blog to raise awareness and acceptance of autism for them and everyone connected with the autistic spectrum (there's an ever-growing number of us!) Very humbled to have been shortlisted in the Brilliance In Blogging awards for my website. That would be me, @AutismMumma aka Jeannette