Christmas with per-sons with disabilities

By Kaelanne Jordan
mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

The holiday season, with its twinkling lights, festive decorations, and joyous gatherings, is a time when families come together to celebrate. However, for families with persons with disabilities (PwDs) the Christmas experience unfolds with unique nuances.
Candace Francis, who devotedly cared for her son Keevan, bearing the challenges of cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder and developmental delays, found the holiday season “exciting” and “tiring” as “I would have had to do everything for him along with the extra work that came with the season.”
In a conversation with The Catholic News, Francis recounted that Christmas 2022 diverged from the usual festivities due to a profound loss—Keevan passed away November 28, 2022, eight days after his 16th birthday. This sombre reality cast a poignant shadow over the holiday spirit.
“As a result, I did not change the curtains nor the sheets in his room,” she revealed. Reflecting on the contrast with previous years, Francis expressed before Keevan’s passing, she would excitedly look forward to purchasing new pyjamas and bedsheets for him and incorporating lights in decorations.
These activities, Francis said, were “the central part of what I did because I felt that he was aware of the excitement that surrounded these activities, and the excitement would have been passed on to him.”
She highlighted the importance of considering the specific needs of PwDs, particularly during the festive season. For instance, an excess of bright lights and the use of diverse fragrances in cleaning products could potentially pose challenges for individuals with certain sensitivities.
“Types of materials used for clothing and bedsheets can also be an issue…anything that was connected to the senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing) must be seriously considered. If not, the person with disability may be affected. These may trigger seizures, or the person may become irritated and annoyed,” Francis said.
She detailed additional considerations and adaptations when selecting gifts for persons with disabilities. “You have to be aware of the nature of the disability, consider the triggers of the person with disability, and also consider the ability of the person so that the gifts can be useful and functional.”
Citing her own experience, Francis shared that her son Keevan derived great joy from music and being read to. Gifts aligned with these interests would have been particularly suitable for him. Keevan also loved soft items such as stuffed toys or blankets.
Francis spoke of issues when participating in public holiday events since Keevan was immobile and non-verbal, so she found it necessary to use a pram. If not, Francis would have had to hold him in her arms throughout the event.
“Very often, he could not have participated in the event because of his immobility except of course, if there was face painting or similar activities. If the event is indoor, there would be the issue of space, if we were to use his pram or wheelchair, etc.”
She underscored any activity that would consider Keevan’s immobility was a “definite benefit” and made her comfortable.

Sensory friendly Christmas parties
Meanwhile, Lyra Hollingsworth is gearing up to celebrate the season with her three young children, two of whom are autistic. She emphasised the importance of swiftly recognising that one’s life is notably distinct from others, suggesting that embracing this reality with less fuss leads to reduced stress.
“Embrace the beauty that comes with every day, and if no-one else understands, God does,” she remarked, highlighting the significance of finding joy in the uniqueness of their family dynamic.
Questioned on whether there are any considerations regarding the sensory environment during the holiday season, Hollingsworth said there are not too many adjustments in the home decor or meal options.
Hollingsworth’s children love Christmas lights “so I put up lights at home and we go driving around looking at lights.”
She shared her family has limited the number of visits outside the home. She has had house Parang before but realised while it was enjoyable, it was also overwhelming for her son.
“Too much of an influx of strangers in the home, and for me, to both host and look after the children’s needs and safety.”
Hollingsworth expressed thanks to the Bethesda Catholic Community for offering sensory friendly Christmas parties which is “a safe space” for them to enjoy the festivities.
Interestingly, Hollings-worth’s children enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks and any event where there is a bouncy castle.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, Hollingsworth eagerly anticipates engaging in simple yet meaningful activities with her sons: opening presents on Christmas morning and spending the day playing in pyjamas.