When Christmas Isn’t Magical Yet: Hope for Parents Raising Disabled Children – Finding Cooper’s Voice

To the parents raising disabled children who feel the weight of the holidays creeping in because Christmas isn’t magical yet… hold on.

The holidays bring big feelings when your disabled child isn’t ready for the wonder.

Some children find the magic late, but it’s no less perfect when it comes. Sometimes, it’s even more. 

There was a time when Christmas passed us by almost unnoticed.

She didn’t care for the tree or the music, didn’t light up at the sight of wrapping paper or twinkling lights.

And that silence… it stung.

It felt like a season meant for joy had turned into a reminder of everything uncertain, milestones missed, dreams rewritten, moments I thought we’d never get.

But time changes things. Hope changes things.

My daughter didn’t connect with Christmas until she was 8.

Now at 10, she finally shines with it.

She loves the music, giggles at Santa calling, and shows pure joy opening gifts.

A few weeks ago, while sitting with Sephora, I asked if she wanted me to put the Christmas tree up soon.

She looked up from her iPad, did her little “yes” hand motion, and started pointing toward the living room with so much excitement.

Looks like I’ve got a girl after her mama’s heart, and we ended up putting the tree up extra early this year. 

Magic arrives on their time.

Their story is still unfolding.

Always hold on to that glimmer of hope.