<p>When you have a child with a disability or other medical complexity, the holidays can feel like a minefield, as trauma triggers, anxiety, and grief for what we wish the holidays could have been for our families lurk around every corner.</p><p>And on top of that, having to manage schedules, special diets, gift expectations, and uncomfortable commentary from friends and family can be emotionally and physically draining. The season often leaves parents of disabled children feeling left out, over-worked –and occasionally– like the celebrations might just be more trouble than they’re worth.</p><p>In today’s episode, Amanda Griffith-Atkins and I discuss listener feedback and contributions about how complicated the holiday season feels for parents of disabled children, suggestions for how to make the holiday season feel just a little bit more manageable, and how adjusting our expectations has made a big difference for each of our families.</p><p>And a big thanks to our sponsor for this episode, the makers of the incredible documentary, <a href="https://www.thezebraandthebear.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Zebra &amp; The Bear!</a></p><p><strong>Links:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.thezebraandthebear.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Watch The Zebra &amp; The Bear</strong></a><strong> (coming to streaming platforms the day after Thanksgiving!)</strong></p><p><a href="https://therarelife.org/stickerclub" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Join Sticker Club!</strong></a><strong> Support The Rare Life and get a thank you sticker (or four!)</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanda.griffith.atkins/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow Amanda</a> on Instagram.</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_rare_life/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow me</a> on Instagram.</p><p>Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Rare-Life-Podcast/100039719031110/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Facebook page</a>.</p><p>Join the Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsofrare" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parents of Children with Rare Conditions</a>.</p><p>And if you love this podcast, please leave us a rating or review in your favorite podcast app!</p>