Twas the night before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas in the autismDAD house
Not a creature was stirring, not Jasper nor my spouse
The build-up was stressful, left us pulling our hair
But it will be worth it once St Nicholas is there

It starts with a letter to be sent to Saint Nick
But how to decide what presents to pick?
Whilst most wish for games and toys like their friends
For V such a decision is one that never ends

Along with the list was a promise to be good
As far as one with autism possible could
If he saw her being angry he’d be cross and frown
Does Santa understand that this is a meltdown?

The school term is over, there’s snow on the ground
The others are excited as homewards they bound
But not for Victoria, closing the school is just mean
Do you not realise that I have my routine?!

Some clubs are still running, others are not
This mixed up week leaves us losing the plot
It takes time to settle, to start with it’s hell
It takes a few days before all can be well

Now Christmas has started, we can now eat our fill
Except that so suddenly everyone is ill
Sniffles and coughs just add to the stress
What day is it today is anyone’s guess

With work that is over it’s now time for fun
But beware the times you created a tradition
Her memory is sharp, over years does it span
Don’t forget we must watch the Snowman

The same Christmas stocking at the foot of the bed
The same Christmas PJs, Snowglobe and Ted
Everything has to be just so
And even then no guarantee that to sleep she will go

As I close my own eyes, for much sleep I do strive
No chance as both children are awake at half 5
And this year a dog, chaos will ensue
But it wouldn’t be Christmas without so much to do

But on top of it all we must balance the noise
Of dogs and of music, of presents and toys
We’ll spot in the corner her holding her ears
For most this is fun but it brings her to tears

Timeouts are needed, escape to her covers
It’s not fair to stop Christmas, unfair on the others
But despite all the challenge the day will be good
Unusual for autism but she loves her food

Especially this day, a magnificent roast
My wife makes the best, I’m not too proud to boast
Then Boxing Day comes, and off out to see
Family in Kent, full on it will be

So the following day will be one of peace
Games will be played but the surprises will cease
No surprise family visits or trips to the town
We need a whole day for the usual comedown

Giving a nod, autism parents know
Of those small little things that make it all go
You’ll hear them exclaim it feels like a fight
But Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!