Making the Best of Thanksgiving

I can remember a time when I looked forward with excitement to Thanksgiving Day. Maybe back in the days when my mother did all the work, and I just enjoyed seeing cousins. Maybe when I was newly married, and got a chance to finally use all that wedding china. Maybe when my kids were newly adopted, and we could finally do things as a completed family. Maybe. There's always been a downside of disruption to the day, all the more so when it became clear that my kids' special needs weren't going to make big busy family get-togethers easy.

Strange foods, strange clothes, strange households, strange people in familiar places -- all those things can drive kids with sensory sensitivities and dietary restrictions and rigid patterns of expectation into a tizzy. Their parents, too. What should be a relaxing day of gratitude and family warmth is often one for tantrums and tears and disappointments all around.

Wish I had a magic wand I could pass through the computer screen to make things better. Bippity boppity boo, you'd have a house full of calm kids, thoughtful relations, safe edibles, and a maid to clean up after. If only. Unfortunately, there's probably nothing for it but to prepare more, expect less, and keep a sense of humor. Though there's no secret wizard formula hidden in them, these articles can help.

• Gluten-Free Stuffing
• Dairy-Free Mashed or Scalloped Potatoes
• Less-Sweet Sweet Potatoes
• Allergy-Safe Pumpkin Pie

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
• Brownies with no sugar, no dairy, or no gluten
• Allergy-safe Fudge Sandwich Cookies or Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Dressing for Thanksgiving
• Before You Dress Your Child for the Holidays
• Warning Labels

• Family Gathering Survival Kit
• Special-Needs Children and Special Occasions
• Before You Throw a Holiday Party
• Church and the Child With Special Needs
• Reducing Child Turbulence on Plane Flights
• Dealing With Toxic People
• 101 Things to Do When There's Nothing to Do

• Start a Thanksgiving Tradition With Your Child
• Give Thanks for Your Child With Special Needs
• Share Your Bad Family Stories

Read more: Special Needs News | Site of the Day | More Holiday Tips

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