Making Christmas Special For Everyone
I love Christmas! It’s my favorite time of year. I love the lights, the sounds and music, Christmas Cards, and all that glitters, but mostly I love the feeling. It’s the time of year when people seem to remember that we each have something to offer and be thankful for. People tend to be more kind and considerate and have even gone to the extent of providing meals and gifts for those less advantaged than themselves.
And then there is gift giving. Some people love to walk the isles of a store looking for the perfect gift. Others choose to scroll the internet, and still others will buy a gift card to avoid what they consider a ‘hassle’ to find the all important, almost non-existent ‘perfect gift!’
Some people consider gift giving, but find their funds limit them to what they can purchase. That makes sense. We live in a world where the cost of everything has increased.
But what of the person who has always been —or recently became disabled? Mobility makes it difficult to go ‘out’ and shop; but often so does the lack of funds. How can they celebrate the holidays in the manner most of us just take for granted? Or from the opposite perspective, what is the best idea for a person who is disabled? Is there protocol to follow?
Some who are disabled have commented that relatives treat them as children, even though they have long been an adult. Others will make jokes about the speed at which they can accomplish something, or even that their mind is faulty, “too slow.” We cringe when we hear others talking this way, even about people we don’t know. How can those whom we know, treat those within the confines of family, with a disability, this way?
It’s certainly true that many disabled persons don’t fit the picture postcard scenario of what Christmas looks like! They may be confined to a wheelchair making trimming a tree more difficult. Or even if they are totally capable of navigating their home, climbing a ladder to decorate their house with beautiful Christmas lights, just isn’t an option. This doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy Christmas.
Protocol suggests treating everyone the same, regardless of ability. We all deserve this. We all enjoy watching movies, listening to music and enjoying family and holiday gatherings. Those with a disability are no different. They want to be treated with respect and acceptance, even with their differences. This would make the holidays seem special, just as it would every non-disabled person.
Their festivities may look different, but it shouldn’t make them feel sad or bad about themselves. And no one wants to be sad —-especially at Christmas. This is supposed to be the most joyous time of year! We’re celebrating the Christ Child! They want to be seen for the person they are, not for the disability which inhibits the ability to execute life just as their non-disabled peers.
We all have days when we have less energy, are in pain because of an injury or have behaviors which others can’t imagine. A disabled person lives this life each day. But each person wants to celebrate the season of Christmas with the joy, peace and love we sing about (or at least listen to), or that covers our Christmas cards or shouts loudly in the front yard decorations!
Perhaps this is the year we can make Christmas a season of love, kindness and the joy which permeates the air, not only for our friends and family but for others, like those who are less fortunate, homeless and even disabled.
Merry Christmas, everyone!