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My son’s bedtime ritual is written in stone and hasn’t changed much, except that he is now a teenager. So even though he can stay up a little later at night, I always ask him if today was a good day. In spite of him having autism and also having good and bad days, he still manages to always say “yes”.

After reviewing the highlights of the day — all the elements that made it a “good day” — I ask him which was the best part. Often the answer surprises me but after some reflection I decided this fact was due to something pretty wonderful. My son has his priorities in the right order.

E’s grandparent(one in our state) and one lives out of state, so when we do get around to visiting each grandparent, there tends to be even more spoiling than might be expected from any grandparent. One visit to my dad’s house this past summer, included several small gifts presented at the beginning of the visit. , a trip to Walgreens to purchase a treat, and a trip to Wal-Mart with Grandpa to buy his favorite books(he is into lots of anime and Marvel Comics these days). He also took him on several outings to Meijer Grocery Store and Little Caesar’s Pizzeria.

However during our trip to Michigan and after we came home I asked E about the best part of the visit. He thought for a moment and said: “Spending time with Grandpa and being able to give him a hug after being away from him for so long(COVID-19 restrictions/lockdowns). “

We don’t get to visit my dad very often because he lives a state away but whenever I call him and whenever E gets a chance to speak with him on the phone he always asks how he is doing and that he misses him.

Thinking about this story it is a blessing to know that I am raising a son that doesn’t always just think of himself and what grandpa can buy for him (materialistically). Instead he is thinking about what truly matters, which is a sense of connection and giving his grandpa a hug.

Why do we spend so much money during the holidays on expensive gifts that will most likely be forgotten or tossed aside or outgrown — sometimes before the tinsel is taken down. In the end it is lavishing our time and attention on our loved ones that is the greatest gift of all.

Not only is it a wonderful gift for our loved ones but it is also a wonderful gift for ourselves. The holiday season can be frantic and filled with crazy shopping malls and unjolly traffic jams. Taking time out to spend quality time with our loved ones is really what we should give ourselves this holiday season.

Standing around the kitchen making homemade sweet potato pie with E watching as well as sometimes sampling and calling our loved ones(the far away long distance ones) means our holiday message will stand out from just sending a Christmas card. Just hearing your voice to loved ones far away, will be enough to lift their spirits any time of the year.

We are also working on holiday gifts for various family members which I know will be lovingly appreciated by grandparents and cousins alike. We are making memories that I hope he will cherish his whole life. And I hope that I am teaching him that gifts from the heart mean much more than gifts from the wallet.

But then he may already know that as he always tell me how much he loves me and beneath his pillow and cotton socks —- gifted to him by his grandfather on his 15th birthday that it is the thought that counts.

~By BeautyShopNMore