Celebrating Holidays With Special Kids

This time of year is such a happy, family-oriented one, and it can really bring people closer to each other!  

As the mom of an autistic son, Corbin, I find that it seems that many of the challenges we face during the year are either less difficult, or gone entirely.  My son looks forward to the special treats - whether large or small - and seeing his face light  up  when I get out the recipe for Pumpkin bread or get out the boxes of decorations is an incredible joy.  

During the years before Corbin started displaying signs of autism, our family celebrations were different in some ways, to be sure, but looking back over the years they are in many ways richer today than ever.  

Thanksgiving is a great time to take stock of what you have!  As small business owners we’ve been bitten by the economic pit-bull a few times in the past couple of years, but even with that we look around us and find a hundred things to be grateful for!  

One of the best ways I have found to really get my family into the Holiday Spirit is to get a craft project of some kind going.  With the kids being 17 & 22 it’s amazing to me how the easiest things are still a hit!  My son loves to make paper-chain garland that he proudly hangs up in his room, and he helps his sister decorate cookies with as much enthusiasm as he had when he was 5!  

This year I’ve decided to  make a Wreath of Thanks.  I’ll gather things that my son and daughter like, such as pine cones, leaves and flowers, to decorate the background of the circle and use familiar objects on top.  Some of my daughter’s doll accessories (not used in years) such as shoes and hats, my sons small train and car set items, with a few family photos intermingled with the mix will complete the project.  I look forward to it!  

No matter what you do with  your kids, even if you only have time to sit with them and read a bit, it’s the warmth of the moment that makes it a true “Holiday“.  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!