'Tis the Season

Interesting, wonderful and exciting, just a few adjectives used to describe this time of year. Christmas lights hung outside for a beautiful glow to be seen by those who venture outside after dark. Glorious reminders of the bright star that illuminated the sky over 2000 years ago. Beckoning shepherds to the manger where Jesus lay. The story is told from different angles in the New Testament of the Bible. All of the ways it is celebrated today, and the different religions which have their celebrations at this time as well. What a wonderful time of the year to celebrate with family. To hopefully focus on something other than work, other than the stresses of everyday life (at least for a little while).

                                       

The stores are busy with last minute shoppers, those who have forgotten something and those who, possibly are just beginning their shopping. The closer we get to the "big day", the more crowded, excited, anxious, frustrated, impatient, rude and angry some people become. It's like some people become so focused on themselves and what they need to get done, they forget that there are other people going though similar stress. It actually makes it twice as hard to go to any store with a person who has autism, or simply somewhere on the spectrum. For us, our boys have enough of a sensory overload on a regular shopping day, let alone when the stores are crowded. The more crowded, the less time we actually have to make it through that store.

                        

Keeping the little ones calm this holiday season is one thing that definitely helps for a better holiday - for all. Some tips for anyone with children with ASD, high anxiety or just a typical little one. Plan out your shopping in such a way that you either leave the kiddos at home, explain where you are going, use a visual schedule so they can see what is expected to happen. Have contingencies for unexpected events. Limit time spent in each store, bring a snack and a drink (or get one where you are shopping). Do things to redirect a kiddos attention when they start to show signs of agitation. For us, we avoid the toy and any other area where there are a lot of people congregating. If we have too many places we need to go and can't wait until another day, we will try to come home to eat, rest and regroup before heading to the next location. It's easy advice, not always the easiest to actually do.

 

If all else fails and you feel your blood pressure rising to the point you are about to explode. You feel like you have absolutely no patience left for anyone. You really want to do something mean to the person who just cut you off in the parking lot, or stole your spot. Stop, breath - breath - breath and from one of my favorite movies (Madagascar):

Then go home, put on something your family can enjoy, music, Christmas movie - play a game. Something to remind you of the season, and something to allow you to enjoy your family. Remember that this is the season for joy and happiness:

And in case I'm not able to write again before.....................Have a Very Merry Christmas!!!

God Bless You and Yours!