Special needs round-up: The many meanings of Christmas

I simply cannot believe that I am sitting here, writing the very last BritMums round-up of the year.

No, I’m not ready. No, I’m not organised. But this year I am determined to make it the very best year ever for our girls. That doesn’t mean ridiculously expensive gifts or lots of tricky to organise trips, but an abundance of slow-paced quality time together, making, baking and crafting, watching festive films, walks with the dog, and being allowed a few extra treats than I would normally allow,  (for the children as well as me!).

So here are my seasonal offerings, all tied up with a sprinkling of tinsel:

CHRISTMAS means something different for every family, and when you have a child with additional needs or a disability it’s crucial to follow their lead. Some children revel in the multi-sensory delights all around, and this can be a fabulous vehicle for learning. Have you been opening the brilliant Makaton advent calendar online each day and learning a new sign with your child as you do so, for example? It’s one of the highlights of each December day in our house. Or you could try making these fun and Cheap Christmas Dressing Up Ideas from Joy at PinkOddy.

I loved Wendy at Savette.Com‘s happy post about a Christmas party that was just right for children with a variety of needs. The happy photos speak a thousand words. Read Lark in the Park 2013.

For many of us parents, markers in time such as birthdays and Christmas are a time to reflect over our childs achievements and differences. My top post of the season is from Orange This Way. In The Night Before Advent, she looks at how her son is making her look at the family traditions differently, and create new ones, tailor made to his needs. I’m also determined to create a sense-ational hands on learning advent box like the one she describes for next year.

OTHERS FIND THE BUSTLING EXPERIENCE OF CHRISTMAS OVERWHELMING however, and can quickly become afraid and meltdown. I love these 10 Ideas for a Happy Christmas from the National Autistic Society‘s blog which includes such ideas as allowing your child some ‘Christmas-free’ time each day, or confining decorations to certain non-communal areas of the house.

For me, Natty being chosen to play Mary in the school Nativity unlocked more emotions than I was bargaining for alongside the expected pride. How does it feel when you realise your child will never be a parent, but is playing the part of the most famous mother of all time? Read Nativity Star Revelations over on Downs Side Up here.

THE FESTIVE SEASON can be a time of additional pressure and families can find themselves in more desperate need of respite care. Mencap have launched a campaign this December called #BreakingPoint to support the need for just this kind of break for full time carers. Read Mum Nicola’s Story of her fight for crucial support with her 2 children with severe learning disabilities here and read around the many poignant blog posts shared by others.

For many families too, medical treatments and hospitalisation do not stop for the festivities. Read about the journey of brave Star who is currently wearing the kind of halo she would rather cast aside this Christmas, in Raisie Bay’s Living with a Halo. If you have your child at home with you this Christmas, spare a thought for those enduring the cold comforts of a ward somewhere.

I WISH YOU ALL a safe, happy and loving Christmas, the very best it can be. Please do link your festive posts to the linky below and visit one another for a little Yuletide blog love. I wish you all much love, and look forward to seeing you again in 2014.

Hayley x

About Hayley Goleniowska

A former language teacher and voice-over artist, Hayley is now the Mum of two gorgeous girls, the youngest of whom, Natty, has Down’s Syndrome. She blogs, speaks and writes articles on the subject for all who will read or listen. Through Downs Side Up she aims to both offer support and encouragement to new families with a diagnosis, and gently change perceptions of Down’s Syndrome from within hearts through beautiful words and photos. Her daughter Natty is a clothing model and an amazing ambassador for children with disabilities everywhere. She has appeared in The Sun, Mail Online, Bella Magazine and on ITV Daybreak. You can find Hayley on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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