Sunday, December 29, 2013

Calm Christmas

I have blogged before about how Austin is affected by Christmas.  The excitement factor is exponential for him compared to any typical children I have ever met.  This year, we did things differently.  I am not sure how well it was received but Austin being the priority, peoples' reactions were something I would take in stride.  I wanted to him be happy and calm, and we succeeded.  YIPPEE!

This year, I did not decorate or put up the tree until three days before Christmas.  It helped keep Austin from being excited and anxious.  We decided we would have a very quiet Christmas, only the four of us for the day and for dinner.  Austin had asked if there was going to be a lot of people at our house for Christmas and if he could have a "safe zone" if that was the case.  I told him "no" it was just us this year.  He seemed very relieved and Christmas was calmer and quieter than ever.  Austin did have some small bouts of excitability but nothing compared to years prior.  It was nice to see him so content and not anxious.  We did go next door for a short visit to open some gifts and that seem to stimulate Austin more than opening gifts Christmas morning.

Yesterday, we went to see my parents, Austin did very well.  He is always a little more excited to see my parents since he does not get to see them as much as his other Grandparents and they have a Border Collie that Austin adores!  Austin needs to be reminded to sit and not bounce off my parents furniture but other than that, I was amazed at how calm he was and did not think that the quiet Christmas would still be working its magic.  He seems very happy and has not mentioned any kind of anxiety about Christmas.  It is very nice to see and even if it was hard for some of our family not to see us, it has been worth it to see Austin so content!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and wishing you all a Healthy and Happy New Year!

All the best! *HUGS*

2 comments:

Judy Whatilivefor said...

I'm glad your Christmas was so calm. We stayed home this year and enjoyed the day with just the 4 of us and it was amazing! I loved how slow everything was, how we didn't have to rush or worry about presents being lost, or other stresses involved in holidays at other people's houses.

I think every kid needs calm holidays where they can enjoy the moment.

Mommie that Gets It said...

Hi Judy!

Happy New Year! :) I am so glad to hear that you had a quiet Christmas too! I agree will everything you said, it was wonderful!

All the best! *HUGS*