What's given you Christmas joy?

[christmassen]

I love reading about the small things that have given people a lot of joy over Christmas!

Mine is my autistic 6 year old has fully understood Christmas for the first time! He left out the treats for Santa, and was so excited this morning to see that they have gone.

He's been amazing so far, no meltdowns, not overwhelmed, we seem to have got the balance right for him this year. Now for an afternoon eating, playing and relaxing just the three of us!

Have a lovely Christmas everyone!

Ah that's lovely @christmassen

We enjoyed the charity tractor run through the village yesterday late afternoon (basically, local farmers decorate their tractors with lights etc and drive through the villages - people with buckets collecting for charities) - simple but really lovely.

DS (just 11) has been so happy with his presents and was so excited last night. We had a party tea and watched polar express (just the three of us) and this morning has been lovely and chilled.

Later, we will go to SiLs for Christmas Dinner 🙂

All in all, we haven't done anything extravagant but it's just been so nice.

@PumpkinPie2016 that sounds lovely! It's sometimes just the small things isn't it.
I hope you have a lovely afternoon!

My two teen boys arriving into our room this morning singing "Get Dressed Ye Merry Gentlemen" a la Arthur. Best way to start the day 😂

We invited my DH's best friend over for canapés/brunch at 12pm. He is in middle of divorce and the stbxw had the house with the kids today until tea time. He spent last night + today on his own until he picks his kids up at 4pm. So I suggested he come for brunch and he ended up staying for 4 hours.
We usually have a very quiet Xmas day as only 3 of us so it was nice to have an extra person plus I hope it made him feel more included in Xmas too.

The teens are on top form

Don't need anything else.

Gosh, so much. I feel really part of my adopted country and village. Amazing Christmas church services. All my family being with us. An amazing Christmas dinner. TWO chocolate oranges.

Went for a walk after lunch round the village and it was like a fair. Half the village had the same idea and were strolling about with party hats still on!

My ASD 5 year old happily interacted with his extended family. He was really bubbly and smiley. Not shy at all!
Same with my ASD DD 12. She has been happier lately than she has been in years. We even had a sing-along in the car!

My husband. He is the kindest person, who gives of himself to others. We didn't exchange gifts, no big fancy Christmas.

whole family being together after boy went to university this year. Kids playing music together - it was worth sitting through all their learner concerts to hear them today

My baby girl had her first Christmas today and we’ve celebrated it with family. I’ve wanted to be a mum for so long, so it all just feels extra special.

Everyone of my little lot pitching in and thinking more of others than themselves

I'm just having the loveliest time with DH and our three older teenagers. Parenting hasn't always been easy (two DCs we're diagnosed relatively late with ADHD, and we've had some really turbulent/worrying times with them). But they're all just exceptionally wonderful young adults now. Kind, funny, thoughtful, interesting... I'm so proud of them, and took a moment or two today to feel proud of DH and myself for navigating through some pretty choppy waters.

I'm actually feeling immensely lucky to be spending time with my absolute favourite people in the world.

My dad was rushed into hospital (150 miles away) on the 23rd December. They are keeping him in for a few more days so I can go home to my son's in Derbyshire . And I got a very nice turkey dinner in the hospital restaurant today.....win win

DD is recently back from her first term at uni and has spent the whole day sofa blobbing and chatting with me. It should have been Christmas day with Dad year, but she decided 2 days ago she wanted to be with me. It was worth the mad rush getting the picky bits she wanted for today.

She also made me a very decent scarf for Christmas. It's the first present she's sorted for me off her own back.

She has brought me so much joy today by just being herself. I'm so proud of her.

My DH's cousin's 18 month old son stretching his arms up to me for a hug when I was saying my goodbyes to the fam earlier. He'd been shy and hiding behind his mum's knees all night but suddenly decided he loves me. Probably reflexive as I was hugging everyone goodbye but still warmed my heart right up

These are all lovely! I hope you've all had a great day, enjoying the small moments.

This teddy which DDs got me - I had one as a child and it's just brought back so many happy memories

Our little rescue cat had his first “proper Christmas” - he’s two next month but was a stray kitten/cat this time last year. He hopped up on the side and tried to swipe turkey as DP was plating up. That sounds awful but it gives me so much joy to see him so confident and be such a happy boy after his rubbish start. He got his own plate of turkey later.

We had to have our previous lovely cat pts just before we adopted him and I think she sent him to me.

Also have an ASD 6 year old and this has been his best Christmas yet.
Seeing his face light up opening his presents, whilst this is priceless for anyone, it's been really special.

No meltdowns either, he's had some down time and chilled but we've really enjoyed playing with his new toys with him.

Previous years they've been opened and pushed to the side for his old toys.

My four year old boy saying, "Mummy, what's your Christmas wish? Is it just to be here with your family?" He'd be right 🥰

My girls opening there presents, my husband enjoying time with my family and my girls giving to others via my work. They spent time going to shops and buying gifts for children their age but who aren't as lucky as them.

Having Christmas dinner with teen DD who is recovering from eating disorder. She’s had a really tough year. Seeing her eat and smile and be genuinely happy was the best gift. So glad to be her mum.