Language
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
Back to Firefly Blog

It’s The Most Magical Time of the Year!

It’s The Most Magical Time of the Year!

Now that I’m a mummy, I want to start our own traditions.

I want the magic of Christmas in our own home and want to do lots of fun activities leading up to the big day.

This week we visited a garden centre, they had done it all up with beautiful displays, and delicately decorated trees, it was just so lovely.

Zachariah loved it, all the lights and tinsel was just the cheer up he needed that day.

But then I found myself getting tears in my eyes as I looked at all the props they had to create the magic I had encountered as a child.

There were stencils to spray Santa’s boot on the carpet, lots of different wish list packs for children to write to Santa with, reindeer droppings and so much more. I found myself getting upset as Zachariah would not be aware of all these things, I felt myself grieving once again over something my son would be missing out on.

It got me thinking about what I could do to give Christmas that sparkle and fantasy for Zachariah to enjoy.

Now it’s really important to me to remember the true essence of Christmas, celebrating Jesus, new life, joy and hope, but it’s also important to me to have family traditions and excitement.

I then started thinking about what Christmas meant to Zachariah, looking through his eyes made me see that Christmas was bright, it was full of flashing colours, it was about singing carols, and it was a time to play with fake snow, bells and exciting tinsel.

By looking through his eyes I could see that Christmas was already magical and I did not need all the props and letters to Santa as he had everything he needed.

All of a sudden I wasn’t feeling so upset anymore but wanting to be more appreciative of what we have.

Zachariah loves Christmas, last year he was so content just enjoying all the lights, glitter and noise.

Why do I get so caught up on the things he will not encounter but instead just focus on the fact that he is so easily pleased just to be part of the fun?

He is happy, he’s fortunate to live in a safe place, he is blessed to have lots of family and friends surrounding him who fuss over him.

He is unaware of the things I am so concerned he is missing out on.

Those emotions in the garden centre will most probably not disappear, but I can make a choice to look above them by cherishing everything Zachariah does have this Christmas which is love, and lots of it.

Focus on what matters this Christmas.

Firefly Blog

Real life stories, issues and experiences of day to day life by special needs parents and
healthcare professionals.

Rochelle Followes

Meet Our Blogger

I am parent to a gorgeous little blue eyed boy who has complex needs. I have a Facebook page, 'my daily miracle' where I share our life with others. I am an active parent who's working hard to make Zachariah's world more inclusive for him. I like to look at the positives and celebrate everything, but I'm also not afraid to show it how it really is when life gets tough.

View Rochelle’s Profile

Become a Firefly Blogger

Would you like to write for Firefly? Join our blogger network of parents, therapists and professionals.

Get In Touch

Become a subscriber today

Join over 40,000 subscribers to our weekly newsletter with insightful articles just when you need them.

Join Mailing List

By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Click here for more info.

Accept & Close

No Interest if paid in full in 4 months on

Purchases on £99+

UK Customers only. Subject to credit approval. See terms below

Paypal Credit

Pay now or pay over time with PayPal Credit. Just use PayPal Credit in PayPal checkout.

Subject to credit approval.

Purchases of £99+:

No Interest if paid in full in 4 months on purchases of £99 or more.

  • A minimum monthly payment is required and may or may not pay off the promotional purchase by the end of the 4-month period.
  • No interest will be charged on the purchase if you pay it off in full within 4 months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the purchase from the purchase date at the Purchase APR applicable to your account.
  • Any remaining balance due after the 4-month promotional period or any transactions under £99 will be charged interest at 19.9% p.a. (variable).

Purchases of £98.99 or less:

Buy now and pay over time with PayPal Credit when you spend £98.99 or less.

  • If you pay your balance in full each month by the payment due date that is on your statement, you can avoid paying interest.
  • Or, make minimum monthly payments, or any additional amount of your choosing, until you've paid off your balance according to your standard account terms. Please note, interest charges may apply.
  • We'll send you email reminders when your payments are due. You can also keep track of your account and view your statements online at any time.

About PayPal Credit

  • PayPal Credit is a reusable credit line available on purchases at thousands of stores that accept PayPal. It's also available for purchases on eBay and exclusively at thousands of other online stores. Plus, it comes with the same security and flexibility you trust from PayPal.
  • In order to maintain the 0% offer, you need to keep up monthly repayments and stay within your credit limit. Credit subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. UK residents only.

Please wait...