O Christmas Tree

We put up the Christmas tree on Sunday. It took all afternoon to assemble, fluff, and decorate. Thank goodness it is pre-lit. The kids wrapped themselves in the pearl beads I string around it, and I am not certain they would have survived if they had done that with lights.

It was exciting for them both. Ian couldn't wait to get into the ornament boxes. For the first time, I pretty much let them explore the stuff and make a mess. Remembering the significance of each ornament as it is rediscovered in its yellowed wrapping is half the fun. It is one of my favorite parts about the holidays, and I hope Ian is starting to develop the same appreciation for family traditions.

Things started to get a little crazy as the kids hung everything on the lower level of branches. Meanwhile, Steve and I attempted to hang the pearls and candied fruit by standing on ladders. Realizing we would have to distract them if the job was ever going to get done, we put in The Polar Express DVD to occupy them during the hazardous work. Then I felt it was safe to finish unpacking all the Hallmark ornaments and cherished collectibles.

When the movie was over, the kids came back to discover their treasures. Ian found a train he received from my parents a couple of years ago, and it immediately became the Christmas toy of reverence. A fight immediately ensued which resulted in screaming, hitting, name calling, wrestling, time-outs, apologies, more arguing... ah, the holidays!

Ian really lost his cool. That was when we realized just how stressful this time of year is for little kids, especially for those who need a routine. Just the act of putting up a tree in the dining room can really rock his world. Here is this 9 foot tall plant, brightly lit and decorated with shiny things that are fun to stare at and play with. It's mesmerizing, and it's in the way! AND it is a constant reminder that if he isn't PERFECT the guy in the red suit might not bring him any toys. The pressure is excruciating.

After all that emotional turmoil just to put up a Christmas tree, I decided once the stockings were hung no more ornamentation would be bestowed upon our home this year. This is all the change Ian can handle, and I am not putting him through more than that just for the sake of decking the halls. The boughs of holly will just have to wait until next year, or maybe never.

I do hope to remember to take down my hot pink flower banner from the front of the house, even if I don't find my Christmas one to replace it. The neighbors are starting to give me funny looks when they see me. I'd like to hang a banner that says, "I choose simplicity so my autistic son can enjoy the holidays too", but then I'd have to put an * at the bottom to explain why this is so. By the time I was finished, the banner would look like a shroud around the house and everyone would think we were a couple of months behind in our holidays. Some things are better left unsaid.

So tonight, after the kids went to bed, I stopped to look at our glorious tree. It truly is beautiful. Hopefully, as each Christmas comes to pass, the kids will slowly feel less stress as they begin to understand that our tree is a symbol of our family's love, not a reminder of all the stuff we get from the rotund bearded guy.