Surviving Christmas
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 13th November 2009
at 17:20
Hi Sara
I must say I have not had any drastic issues with Christmas or New Year; but that's maybe because mine are always quiet. As I think I have said before Tom doesnt do "parties" and in school if it is a bit disorganised he tends to help teacher's tidy their paperwork, clean blackboards/whiteboards or tidy up the staffroom rather than "running riot" like the rest of them.
At home there is usually just the three kids and myself; the extended family take the easy way out and post cards with money in them so other than them having some presents and money and the tree and "some" decorations (the last few years I have limited the decorations as they are all older now and arent fussed about them) it's pretty quiet. We set aside an evening to set up and decorate the tree. We have Christmas Dinner (where the kids tell me what they want in advance). The only stresser is Tom's desperate need to get to the shops as soon as possible and then all the indecision of what he is going to buy with his money. If I can I try to do that actually a day or so before Christmas and early in the morning when the shops are quiet so that the actual day is reasonably stress free.
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 1st December 2009
at 11:42
I just posted a link to this discussion on Facebook and Twitter - we're getting closer now so would be great to bring this discussion to the forefront. : )
Posted by
bumblebee
on 1st December 2009
at 18:25
Hi Sara,
Sounds far too much to cope with....that is enough to put anyone off christmas! I hate tinsel,anyway.... the way the lights catch it and then the bits keep falling off ..... it drives me crazy! I love christmas lights although my tree lights can go on either static or flash/pulse at different speeds....the fastest speed makes me feel ill!!(bit like being car sick!) I like the soft twinkling lights! I'd also love to get an old fashioned nativity scene.....we had one as kids growing up and I think of it as being part of christmas......Ahh memories....
Claire - Community Champion
Posted by
Leanne
on 1st December 2009
at 21:22
Thats just amazing.. I always have such rubbish luck with lights.
One year I got the tree completely dressed and when it was finally done I decided to cut a branch.. cut throught the lights - I could have cried !!
Another year I dressed the tree and then Christmas eve morning they just stopped working.. could I find tree lights christmas eve .. could I heck as like :)
Leanne - Community Champion
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 2nd December 2009
at 15:34
LOL Leanne
That's the funniest thing I have heard for ages! (the cutting through the lights I mean).
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 8th December 2009
at 12:13
I noticed this guide has been published by the NAS - "A guide to help families affected by autism deal with the Christmas period without confusion or distress has been launched."
http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=6352665
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 23rd December 2009
at 16:46
Just a quick note to let you all know that I hope everything is going ok so far and I'm wishing you a very peaceful and easy Christmas this year! : )
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Posted by
asteroids
on 12th November 2009
at 12:54
I really struggle with it. I expect lots of our children and families do too.
My first major issue when teaching was at Christmas. I was heavily criticised by my TA, who then complained to the head.....because I would not allow her to decorate my classroom. Due to sensory issues, I couldn't cope with all the stuff dangling from the ceiling. The head also criticised me for not buying chocolate advent calendars for my Year 6 pupils and not doing enough 'fun stuff' with them. I almost lost my job over that. The head continually told me that it was my classroom and I could do what I liked. Then he would lurk outside the room to see what I was doing. The last day of term was always a struggle for me and again, I was told to do what I liked but I wasn't allowed to do any lessons. I was expected to let my class run riot for the whole day. Eventually, I had a breakdown and had 4 months off work....all because of those issues.
How do you feel about Christmas?
Asteroids Sara