Listen now | In this episode, Matt and Angela discuss holiday expectations, how they intersect with neurodivergence, and share tips to help you prepare for the holiday season.
I always enjoyed Christmas growing up in England and New Zealand. My Mum did a great job making it special. Downunder, Xmas is very casual. Gift-giving and breakfast are typically fun, then everyone gets outside to try new toys, clothing or sports equipment, which is a welcome break from any sensory overload. You don't go mad with Xmas dinner in the middle of summer, and people don't linger at the table when a beach or park awaits. After I moved to America, Christmas evolved into more of a traditional affair. My American husband LOVED Christmas, and it's always exciting with young children and welcoming extended family visiting from afar. However, I never really cared for the fuss and fanfare of Christmas. And it didn't take long before there were way too many presents. So sometime after I stopped breastfeeding, in 2005 or 2006, I started my own "Christmas tradition", after a conversation with my husband (which I don't recall exactly). I would do a jigsaw every Christmas. That's one thing I really enjoyed, and I could linger over the puzzle more hours because everyone was at home, "playing with new toys." Also, my husband loved to cook, and liked the kitchen to himself on special occasions. (I was sous chef as needed.) So every year until we divorced in 2012, he bought me a jigsaw. He found this a particularly useful gift when my parents visited and we congregated over the dining table together. I didn't need my holiday jigsaw so much the divorce, since I gave my husband all subsequent Christmases with the kids. But this year, I finally resurrected my tradition. It felt fantastic!! And it certainly makes sense after late diagnosis of autism at 55!
I always enjoyed Christmas growing up in England and New Zealand. My Mum did a great job making it special. Downunder, Xmas is very casual. Gift-giving and breakfast are typically fun, then everyone gets outside to try new toys, clothing or sports equipment, which is a welcome break from any sensory overload. You don't go mad with Xmas dinner in the middle of summer, and people don't linger at the table when a beach or park awaits. After I moved to America, Christmas evolved into more of a traditional affair. My American husband LOVED Christmas, and it's always exciting with young children and welcoming extended family visiting from afar. However, I never really cared for the fuss and fanfare of Christmas. And it didn't take long before there were way too many presents. So sometime after I stopped breastfeeding, in 2005 or 2006, I started my own "Christmas tradition", after a conversation with my husband (which I don't recall exactly). I would do a jigsaw every Christmas. That's one thing I really enjoyed, and I could linger over the puzzle more hours because everyone was at home, "playing with new toys." Also, my husband loved to cook, and liked the kitchen to himself on special occasions. (I was sous chef as needed.) So every year until we divorced in 2012, he bought me a jigsaw. He found this a particularly useful gift when my parents visited and we congregated over the dining table together. I didn't need my holiday jigsaw so much the divorce, since I gave my husband all subsequent Christmases with the kids. But this year, I finally resurrected my tradition. It felt fantastic!! And it certainly makes sense after late diagnosis of autism at 55!