Christmas

Christmas was relatively painless this year.  Once again, we were able to put up the tree.  In past years, Todd pulled the down the tree so much, we always gave up and just put it away.  He was like a cat, just couldn’t resist climbing up in there and timber…

This year the tree stayed up.  He was tempted by the lights a few times.  He would stare at me with his finger moving in slow motion toward the lights.  Sometimes he stared at me with his open mouth in slow motion moving toward the lights.  Electrocution would have really put quite a damper on Christmas, but my disapproving return stare was enough to deter him.

Both sides of the family have gotten good at getting Todd-proof gifts.  No small chokeable pieces, nothing with stuffing that he can rip open and eat, just sturdy heavy-duty stuff and touch screen electronic toys that light up.  Nothing that makes too much noise – not that it’s a sensory overstimulation for the kids – it’s a sensory overstimulation for Daddy. J

Todd’s class went to Orland Square Mall to see Santa.  His teacher told me Todd quietly sat on Santa’s lap, touched his cheek very gently and smiled.  Sean’s class also visited Santa and both kids were sent home with the sweetest photos of Santa with their class.  They did the same thing last year.  Last year, Todd’s class photo with Santa showed Todd freaking and turning away from the camera.  This year, he was calm and posed, smiling nicely.  Like I always say, little things mean a lot, especially with ASD kids!