‘Twas the Night Before an Autism Christmas

‘Twas the Night Before an Autism Christmas
Written by Ashley Lilley
Based on the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Every creature was stirring, from toddler to spouse;
The stockings were not hung by the chimney with care,
(Because a certain child could find them there.)

No one was yet nestled into their beds;
Sleep is a luxury that requires strong meds.
And Mama and Papa give each other crap,
And argue over who’s in most need of a nap.

When out in the sitting room there arose such a clatter,
Both parent’s run, knowing what is the matter.
They’d looked away for one second, a moment, a flash,
Long enough for an autistic child to climb and to crash.

Ornaments from the top shelf are now down below.
The holiday tree toppled, torn giftwrap is thrown.
And then in those weary parents’ eyes did appear,
Tears of unrecognized grief, and loneliness, and fear.

The diagnosis changed their lives so quick,
“Normal” is the only gift asked of St. Nick.
It feels like the holidays will never be the same;
Nothing is familiar since autism came.

Now that Autism Spectrum Disorder is mixed,
with anxiety, ADHD—nothing can be fixed!
It feels that their lives will never get better.
“Help is coming,” they’re told. But the wait is forever.

They sweep up the mess, and they have a good cry,
As they send prayers for help to a dark, empty sky.
Knowing that in an hour or two,
They must bite their tongues; paint their smiles on anew.

For the guests will arrive and ask them a question,
“When will you teach that spoiled brat a lesson?”
They won’t hear of doctors’ or therapists’ advice,
They’ve raised a troublesome child once or twice.

And so, each new holiday brings a special despair.
The knowledge that friends and family don’t care.
The judgment weighs heavy like Santa’s big sack…
Until the year they decide to take Christmas back.

“We’ll do what works—whatever it looks like!
And the people who judge, just won’t get an invite!
A fabric, child-safe tree can hang on the wall,
We’ll replace every bobble that’s too fragile or tall.”

“We’ll serve chicken nuggets with dinner—why not?
This silly food battle is not worth being fought.
We’ll spread out the gifts throughout the whole day,
He’ll be less overwhelmed and exhausted this way.”

“Matching pajamas are just an invention.
If family memories are the goal and intention,
Why not take the pictures with blankies and bottles?
Leave the perfect portraits to the Instagram models.”  

And so, they began a new stress-free tradition,
Of trusting their hearts and parents’ intuition.
The holidays, once more, became full of joy,
As they changed the celebration, instead of their Boy.

And that is how Christmas changed that year,
From the most stressful day, to one full of cheer.
Traditions can be wrong, but love is always right.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

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