Gift giving and participation in winter activities may be part of your family's favorite traditions. This season can be hectic, so remember to plan some extra time for enjoying presents and having fun with winter sports and other activities. Some of the most perfect moments happen when schedules and expectations go awry.

Are you having trouble finding the gift that you know would be perfect for your son or daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew? Try putting out a call to family in less populated parts of the country, your favorite email discussion group, or your personal internet blog.

Are you worried about your child's participation in winter sports activities when everyone wants to go out into the snow and play? Your child's medical specialist's office might have a printed list of suggestions for families, or a local parent resource you can call.

Put in a call to your local advocacy agency or parent support group, or post a message to your internet buddies asking how they accommodated their children's special needs. Sometimes you can do a search in the archives of a list serv or newsgroup to find suggestions to follow up with your child's health professionals.

Often, these are current topics in disability discussion groups. We had an early snow in our area after a long warm summer and mild autumn, and I was concerned about my son's insulin and meter being subjected to freezing temperatures. I had only to read that day's digest to be reminded how to accommodate them both during snow play.

Accommodations for children with special needs are sometimes the same as those we've developed for other family members. Other times, it's the unique planning we have made to accommodate a child with special needs that bear unexpected rewards for everyone in the family.

So many people feel the loss of loved ones so strongly during the holidays, but do not feel free to speak of those who are missed until their loss is acknowledged. All of us have special needs when we are feeling low, stressed out, or ignored in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Sometimes even the most resourceful and practical among us have difficult days. There may be family members other than a child with special needs who remind us in distressing ways that All Behavior is Communication. Other people may be thinking that both the previous sentences describe us.

Most of us appreciate simple gestures that show our loved ones are interested enough to notice that we need a break, a ride, a shared memory, or a little lift. Our children may be struggling with unrealistic expectations that are a barrier to true companionship with others in the family and our circle of friends. Wonderful gifts sometimes arrive in unexpected packages, and the best that you give or receive this year may not be wrappable at all.

You are not alone. Reach out to others to receive as well as give support and encouragement. Enjoy the time we have together and remember that some of the worst adventures you endure this season may be the funniest memories you will want to share next year.

What would you talk about later if your holidays were picture perfect?

Holiday Travel and Weekend Getaways
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Holiday Play and Crafts
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Severe Weather Events and Children with Special Needs
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Finding Computer Software and DVDs for Exceptional Children
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Gifts for Babies and Young Children Who have a Disability
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November 2007 an alert went out warning families of children who use weighted blankets of possible lead contamination.

Art and Self Expression for Children with Special Needs
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Affirmations - Expressing Affection and Acceptance
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Home Accessibility and Visitability
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Thoughts From the Middle of the Night
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Special Needs Children - AStore at Amazon.com

How Uncomfortable is Your Child?
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Moms Under Stress - Problem Behavior

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iPods

Educational Software

Preschool Toys and Games

Toddler Toys and Games

Educational Toys

Recess Games

Children Making Music

Ableplay.org provides a toy rating system and information about toys that are fun and useful for children with disabilities is a great resource for families, educators, therapists and anyone who works or plays with babies and children. Ableplay.org was developed by the National Lekotek Center
http://www.ableplay.org