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The Hanukkah Gift
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Christmas
By Jennifer Berger
I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring.
~Liz Armbruster
It was clear from the moment I entered the toy store that I was a different kind of shopper. I was surrounded by people with lists — people who were on specific missions. I, on the other hand, had not a clue as what to buy. I had asked my son’s former home therapist to help me pick out a Hanukkah present for him and she had enthusiastically agreed.
I realize it sounds strange, requiring assistance in selecting a gift for my own child; but Josh is on the autism spectrum and doesn’t play with toys. Don’t get me wrong — he has interests. He loves swimming, reading books, music, Sesame Street and the Muppets. He adores being tickled, jumping in bouncy castles and going on amusement park rides. But board games, doctor’s kits, action figures... they’re not his thing. I’ve never had a problem buying books or DVDs that reflect his passions, but I buy those things all year long. I wanted to buy him a Hanukkah gift that would be special — something he would both enjoy and actively play with.
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