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Merry Christmas

Christmas Magic Continued:

Earlier I shared a post about the birth of an accidental new Christmas tradition. It wasn't planned but it's creation was something Emma truly needed. Bringing magic to her life after everything she has gone through has been a wonderful gift. Every day she lights up as she searches around the tree to see if anything new has been left behind.


Last night we received a bonus treat....for her finale our little elf sent us a video of her delivering one last gift. If I'm not mistaken this means Emma has been invited to be one of Santa's helpers next year. How amazing is it that my little girl gets to help bring Christmas magic to others lives?


I pray that 2024 is a blessed year for us all. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!!! Feel free to flood this post with holiday stories and pictures.


❤️🫂❤️


All our best and love,

Jeni and Ross


Words – Jeni Dern

In association with Service Graphics and Wymondham Garden Centre.


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Festive Season

Community Comment

Christmas in my household was always an event; the night before Christmas, we had snacks and got to open one gift early. The next day, we always got up early to open presents. It was me, my brother, my mom, my grandma, and my uncles and aunts on occasion.

Presents were the usual fare: we got clothes, toys, and if we were lucky, video games. I’d spend all day playing whatever new game I got. Of course, we’d stop for dinner. Turkey was the main item and to this day it’s one of my comfort foods.

As time went on, some of the family grew distant. But we’d try to be together nonetheless. There were a few years during my 20s where it was more stressful. I was with the mom of my oldest two kids and having to juggle two dinners and all that got a bit overwhelming. I was yet to be diagnosed with autism but the signs were there. I’d do more cooking, more decorating, and try to mask as a neurotypical person to keep the peace as much as I could, but it was quite stressful.

After we split, it wasn’t quite as hectic. The family grew smaller as people passed away or had falling outs. But that’s how life goes. But we carried on the Christmas Eve tradition, now with my kids involved as well.

These days, it’s a little harder to get in the spirit. There’s so much chaos in the world, everything is expensive, and it takes more spoons than I usually have. But I do at least make sure to put up a tree and some lights. It’s important.

This year though has been very slim on the spirit. My partner and I didn’t get a tree put up. Health and finances make things difficult. But there’s always next year.

Overall, to me, holidays for an autistic person are quite tough. There’s a lot going on and you’re expected to act a certain way. Peace is supposed to be kept and joy is assumed to be felt by all. But it is tough. Nevertheless, we persist best we can.

Happy Holidays to all

All our best and love

Ross Fraser and Jeni Dern

Words – Wes’ Corner

Graphic Design App – Canva

In association with Service Graphics and The Carriers Arms, Wiltshire.

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Journeys and Experiences

Community Comment

“My name is Brenton Cook. I am autistic and I have been working at Cossington Park for the past 3 years, helping prepare the accommodation for guests. This is my first job.

When I started, I was nervous ... and excited! Although I was familiar with the village and the house, I was not familiar with the work that goes on behind the scenes.

I was nervous about doing well and being a valued asset to the team. My worries couldn’t have been more misplaced. The staff are very kind, as well as supportive and encouraging of my work and studies.

I started at Cossington helping with cleaning. This year, I’ve also been helping restore historic items for display in the house.

Over the years, my time at Cossington has helped me immensely with my social skills. I now interact a lot more with everyone. When I started, I was quite quiet, and kept to myself a lot.

Everyone at work is very supportive of my college work. When I was in my second year, everyone came to see my art show.

The theme was “Journeys and Experiences”. I chose to produce a Paper Theatre, which detailed my journey through a holiday in Venice, and my life in general.

The arch was inspired by the arches at Saint Mark’s cathedral. The Pegasus and the dragon represent the legendary myths and legends. On the whole it represents my own struggles, with life, and how I persevere through it.

Much like the Pegasus perseveres through its fight with the dragon. The inside (the background in the piece) shows the inside of my mind and the mixing of cultures. My Italian side is the one that’s the most poignant, that is why there are Italian funeral trees to the left and orange trees to the right.

In addition to the help Cossington has provided me over the last two years, it continues to be a source of great inspiration to me. Last year I was able to use my restoration work towards my work experience. I also plan to use as a basis for my next college piece.”

All our best and love

Ross Fraser and Jeni Dern

Words – Brenton Cook

Graphic Design App – Canva

In association with Service Graphics and The Aberdeen Bridge Club.

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