It was a Merry Christmas!

This was the best Christmas since Michael was diagnosed with autism. The first year he actually cared about opening presents, and was truly thankful for the ones he got. I was so happy for him and proud of him at the same time.

I constantly hear people talking about their kids only caring about Santa and presents, and I have to admit that I was jealous. Michael has always enjoyed spending time with family, and even understands all the players in the Nativity. I am grateful for that, since those truly are the most important aspects of Christmas. But, Santa and presents are such a part of being a kid that I hated him missing out.

He still got overwhelmed quickly with all the presents (my family is very generous!) and the activity associated with a family event. But, it was so great when he volunteered to 'be Santa' and pass out the presents. I was amazed when he was able to read names on packages and undersand that to Mom from me meant Grandma, and Joan meant Aunt Joan, etc. I was so happy, and so proud!

So, we ended up binging home a few unwrapped presents because he just couldn't handle opening them in PA, but they are all opened now. He has two big boxes left from Santa that came to our house. He wants to wait to open them until he's had time to play with some of the other toys. That counts as self-regulation, right? If only I had some of that!