I love Christmas. Yes, presents and gifts are wonderful, but I love the closeness of family, the yearly traditions, and of course, the food!
We have a few traditions that we follow each year. First, we watch all of The Santa Clause movies, usually after Thanksgiving. This year we started on November 1. Second, we always decorate Christmas cookies. This year we’re talking about making small gingerbread houses too with vanilla frosting and graham crackers. I have 2 teenagers and an 8-year-old in the home and we still enjoy these traditions. I’d be doing these things even if my kids weren’t here. 😉
This year I also want to begin a tradition of bringing to you a Holiday Gift Guide, geared towards families who live with the challenges of mental wellness and special needs. If you have any ideas you would add to the list feel free to do so. Leave a comment below or share on my Facebook page or in the group, Choosing JOY.
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Stocking Stuffers for Kids
Many of these items have been helpful for my kiddos with ADHD and Autism. All of my kids enjoy Mad Libs and Therapy Putty. These are both great items to have with you on a long car ride. We also stock these items in my son’s backpack for church or when we go visit family and friends.
- Color By Number for Kids
- Therapy Putty
- Frick Frack Fidget
- Spikey Sensory Balls
- Wikki Stix
- Mad Libs
- Fidget Toys for Sensory Kids Set
Gift Ideas for Kids
Our family loves playing board games and my youngest plays with play-doh, kinetic sand, and has used playfoam in his occupational therapy appointments. The Action Bible is great for kids, as it’s written in comic book form. We purchased our son his own Kindle Fire, along with the Kindle Freetime package. It’s free for the first month and then you pay a subscription price each month after that. Believe me, it’s worth it!
- Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet
- Sensory Sock
- Playfoam Combo Pack
- Hidden Pictures
- Kinetic Sand
- Emotions Putty
- The Action Bible
- Clue
- Sorry
- Uno
- Squishy Brain Fidget Splat Ball
Gift Ideas for Moms & Teen Girls
The gifts featured here are meant to help you and your family relax and de-stress. I highly recommend the 2 books – Jesus is Calling and Battlefield of the Mind. We also use essential oils in our home to help create a peaceful atmosphere. My youngest teen daughter loves her sound machine, which helps her sleep at night. Many of you know that I display positive quotes and Bible verses in my home as a way to combat my own depression. And who doesn’t like to color? My oldest teenage daughter enjoys coloring, just like my son does.
- Dream Machine “Sleep Like a Baby”
- Pure Body Naturals Himalayan Pink Salt Exfoliating Scrub
- Aromatherapy Necklace – Tree of Life Design
- ArtNaturals Bath Bombs Gift Set
- Mind & Body Neck & Shoulder Wrap
- Inspired To Grace Verses For Women: A Christian Coloring Book
- Star Wars Coloring Book
- Premium Artists Gel Pens
- Verses to Live By
- Positive Self-Care Affirmation Cards