In partnership with

Holiday gift giving can be joyful with a few autism-friendly strategies. Israel magic during Christmas time and a spelling miracle of my non-speaking friend.

The Best Gift? Better Insurance Rates

While winter brings lots of good cheer, it can also mean new risks: icy roads, unexpected storms, and increased holiday travel. That makes now the perfect time to ensure that you and your family are fully protected. Your home, your vehicles, and your peace of mind all deserve coverage that fits your current life—not outdated premiums from years past.

EverQuote lets you compare personalized quotes for bundled home and auto policies, multi-car coverage, and more—all in one simple dashboard. Whether you're prepping for long drives to see family or keeping your home secure through the colder months, our tools help ensure your protection stays strong and your money works smarter.

See your savings today!

The art of Holiday Gift Giving

Did you know that some animals give gifts? Penguins offer pebbles to impress a future mate, birds bring food to one another, and dolphins have been observed sharing sea sponges. Even in nature, gift giving is a form of connection.

Let’s talk about gift giving in our own families. Gift giving—and receiving—is a social skill that can be taught over time. Depending on a child’s age, communication style, and sensory needs, we can adapt how we teach this in ways that feel supportive rather than stressful.

Typically, a gift giver thinks about the other person, chooses or makes a gift, and presents it to a receiver. Young children may rip open wrapping paper and happily play with the box instead of the gift—and that is developmentally normal. As children grow, however, we can gently teach gift-receiving skills that help them navigate social expectations while still honoring who they are, and if possible, writing thank you notes!

Tips for Teaching Gift Receiving (Autism-Friendly)

1. Teach expectations before the moment arrives
Surprises can be overwhelming. Before birthdays or holidays, explain what will happen step-by-step: opening a gift, someone watching, saying thank you, and deciding what to do next. Visual schedules or simple scripts can reduce anxiety.

2. Separate gratitude from excitement
A child does not need to “look excited” to be grateful. Teach a simple, authentic response such as:

• “Thank you for thinking of me.”

• “Thanks for my gift.”
  Eye contact, big reactions, or immediate use of the gift are not required.

3. Practice with low-pressure role play
Use pretend gifts at home. Take turns being the giver and the receiver. Practice opening slowly, saying thank you, and placing the gift aside. This builds muscle memory without emotional pressure.

4. Allow regulation time
Some children need time to process new items, textures, or expectations. Let them know it is okay to take a break after opening gifts. Regulation comes before social performance.

5. Normalize honesty with kindness
If a gift is not preferred, teach respectful responses rather than forced enthusiasm. Gratitude is about acknowledging effort, not pretending enjoyment.

6. Reduce the abstract
Instead of “What do you think they’d like?” offer concrete choices:

• “Grandma likes candles or books. Which should we choose?”
  This removes guesswork and builds confidence.

7. Use interest-based matching
Create a simple list of family members and their interests. This makes gift selection logical rather than overwhelming.

8. Involve kids in part of the process
Children can help choose wrapping paper, place the gift in a bag, or attach a tag. Participation matters more than perfection.

9. Teach that gifts are about connection, not cost
A drawing, a photo, or helping bake something can be a meaningful gift. Emphasize thoughtfulness over price.

10. Celebrate effort, not outcomes
Praise the process: “You worked hard choosing that,” or “You remembered what they like.” This builds intrinsic motivation.

A Gentle Reminder for Families

There is no single “right” way to give or receive a gift. For autistic individuals, gift giving and receiving can look different—and that difference is not a failure. When we prioritize emotional safety, clarity, and respect, gift giving becomes what it was meant to be: a moment of connection.

Resources for gift giving practices

• Autism Speaks – Social skills, holidays, and family supports
  https://www.autismspeaks.org

• Raising Children with Autism – Practical, family-centered strategies
  https://raisingchildrenwithautism.com

• The National Autistic Society (UK) – Social expectations and communication differences
  https://www.autism.org.uk

• Understood.org – Executive function, social skills, and anxiety support
  https://www.understood.org/

This is the second part I would love to share about Jerusalem. There are other places that we visited, but these are my favorite. Stay tunned for the third part coming next week.

Sea of Galilee Region and Northern Sites

Sea of Galilee

A peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills and small fishing towns. Many travelers come here to experience the quiet shoreline where much of Christ’s ministry took place. The area offers calm mornings, gentle breezes, and stunning sunrises. A boat ride here brought so much into perspective.

Magdala Center

A modern spiritual and archaeological complex built around the remains of a first-century synagogue. Visitors often describe it as a place that blends history and reflection, especially with its chapel dedicated to women in the scriptures. This was one of my most favorite places, as one of the paintings impacted me greatly.

Capernaum

A well-preserved ancient fishing village that includes the remains of synagogues, homes, and a modern church built over what is believed to be Peter’s house. The site offers a clear sense of daily life in Jesus’s time.

Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea Region

Jordan River

A symbolic and peaceful stretch of water where pilgrims come for reflection and renewal. Traditionally associated with the baptism of Jesus, many groups gather here for devotionals and quiet moments.

Masada

A dramatic desert fortress perched on a mountaintop. Known for its ancient palaces, impressive engineering, and the story of Jewish resistance against Rome, Masada offers sweeping views over the Dead Sea.

Qumran

A desert site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in nearby caves. Visitors see ancient ruins of a communal settlement and learn about the people who preserved sacred texts two thousand years ago.

The Dead Sea

The lowest point on earth, known for its mineral-rich water that lets you float effortlessly. The quiet desert landscape and soft lighting create a surreal, peaceful experience. This is where we spent New Year! floating on the Dead Sea!

A starkly beautiful region of cliffs, canyons, and open sky. The desert has long been a place of retreat, prayer, and solitude, offering a unique sense of silence and space.

Jerusalem: Southern and Western Sites

Mount of Olives Overlook

A panoramic viewpoint that captures the Old City walls, Temple Mount, and surrounding valleys. It is one of the most iconic views in Jerusalem.

Room of the Last Supper

A vaulted medieval room traditionally associated with the location of the Last Supper. Its simple stone architecture offers a quiet place for reflection.

Israel Museum

A modern national museum with extensive archaeological, cultural, and historical exhibits. It is known for its precise outdoor model of ancient Jerusalem and its display of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Western Wall

A sacred site of prayer and reflection. Visitors often leave written notes in the cracks between the stones. This was one of the most powerful places where you can feel the deep faith of those praying here.

Bethlehem

A short distance from Jerusalem, traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus. The town blends ancient sites with a lively local community. To be here during Christmas time was magical! This is where Christmas came alive.

Church of the Nativity

One of the oldest continuously used churches in the world, built over the traditional site of Christ’s birth. The interior includes ancient mosaics and a grotto chapel.

What is your Christmas Miracle?

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of addressing a church congregation about my “calling” — my volunteer role as a disability specialist. I was also blessed to invite a companion speaker to join me, someone many of you already know from previous Autism Passport stories: Ashton.

Ashton is a young man whose journey has touched my heart deeply. About a year and a half ago, at 25 years old, his life changed forever when he learned how to communicate. Though he cannot speak, he can now spell — and this skill opened a door that had been closed.

He stood in front of the congregation, spelling out words that carried incredible weight:
“I am happy for the first time in my life.”

He shared about patience, about feeling God’s light with him, and about trusting Heavenly Father even in the moments when it feels like help isn’t coming. He testified, with such clarity and conviction, that God loves His children — and that miracles are real.

And then came something truly remarkable.
The congregation Ashton and I spoke at was a Spanish-speaking congregation. Ashton prepared for this day by spelling out his entire message ahead of time, all in Spanish — every sentence, every thought. With the help of his mom and his practitioner, his words were entered into a device that “spoke” for him during the meeting. For about 12 minutes, the congregation heard his heartfelt message delivered in Spanish, a language he had never been formally taught.

I’ve known his mom since my college years. For so long, people assumed Ashton had the mind of a toddler, even saying those things in front of him. But now, through spelling, he can finally show the world what he has always known within himself — that he is intelligent, aware, and full of insight. Just like so many other nonspeaking individuals who have been underestimated.

His parents recently took him on a cruise to Mexico… where they discovered he somehow already knew Spanish. What many might label “non-verbal” or “severely autistic” has transformed, in my vocabulary, into something entirely different:
a miracle.

In a world where negativity seems louder than ever, witnessing a real miracle in the life of someone you know — someone you love — is powerful. It reminds us that heaven is closer than we think.

His mom shared part of their story online, and this line stayed with me:

“Someone asked him how he learned Spanish. His response: Heavenly gifts are available to everyone. So… there’s your task… learn how to tap into those heavenly gifts!”

So I’ll pass that question on to you:

What gifts will you develop to uplift, inspire, and help others this season?
What Christmas miracles have you witnessed in your lifetime?

https://theautismpassport.com/subscribe

We’d love your feedback! Let Us Know What You Think! Email [email protected]