Be more like Santa

Last week it was that time to go take a picture with Santa Claus and get in the holiday's mood. I've already written why this could be a struggle for some neurodivergent people and if you are curious check it out here as a gentle reminder that not everyone enjoys the holidays the same way.

Last year I had a lot of fun doing what if situation with reindeers, Santa Claus, the Grinch and so on, and I suppose this may fall in the same type of article to my prior posts, but the heck with it!

I suppose there are two things I want to bring up when neurodiversity and the holiday old jolly man.

When Santa meets children, he doesn’t make assumptions about what they want or need. Instead, he asks directly: "What would you like for Christmas?" He listens, engaging with each child individually, honoring their unique preferences and dreams—no matter how big, small, or quirky.

This approach is a powerful reminder for neuro-inclusion. Every person—neurodivergent or not—has their own needs, motivators, and ways of communicating. Like Santa, we can embrace curiosity and openness:

• Ask, don’t assume. Each person knows what works best for them.
• Create a safe space. Santa doesn’t rush or judge; he makes kids feel heard and valued.
• Celebrate individuality. Every wish is valid, and every person deserves to feel seen and supported.

Secondly, Santa doesn’t care if the letters he gets are messy, full of spelling mistakes, or written in crayon. He doesn’t scrutinize the grammar, roll his eyes at a missing comma, or lecture kids about proper handwriting.

Instead he focuses on the message

He focuses on the message.

In a world where typos can feel like professional blunders and imperfect communication gets judged harshly, maybe we could take a lesson from the man in red. Instead of fixating on the errors, what if we paused to see the intent, the creativity, the humanity behind the words?

Being kinder in how we interpret others' mistakes might make this world a little brighter—and a lot more forgiving. After all, Santa doesn’t just deliver toys; he delivers hope.

Let me weave in the connection to dyslexia, emphasizing the importance of understanding and kindness:

For many people with dyslexia, the fear of judgment over mistakes can be paralyzing. A misplaced letter or typo might draw more attention than the ideas they’re trying to share. But here’s the thing: mistakes don’t make the message any less valuable.

Imagine if we all approached communication like Santa does—kindly, without judgment, and with an eye for meaning rather than perfection. Being more forgiving of errors, whether in a holiday wish or a workplace email, can foster understanding and inclusivity.

Because, at the end of the day, what matters isn’t how the words are written; it’s the heart behind them. If we all took a page from Santa’s playbook, imagine how inclusive and empowering our workplaces, schools, and communities could be.

As the year winds down, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Thank you for being part of my journey in 2024, for reading, engaging, and sharing your thoughts along the way. Your support, curiosity, and kindness mean more than words can convey.

As the holiday season approaches, I hope it brings you moments of joy, reflection, and a touch of magic to carry into the new year. Whether you spend it surrounded by loved ones, pursuing your passions, or simply finding a moment of peace, may this season fill your heart with warmth and your days with light.

Here’s to the connections we’ve built and the conversations we’ve shared—and to an even brighter 2025 ahead. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays and a truly wonderful start to the new year!