Christmas and Final Thoughts of the Year

  • Post category:Holidays
  • Reading time:6 mins read

Stacy and I had been running a bit ragged, so when we put up our Christmas decorations after Thanksgiving, put up just enough up to make our house look festive. The newest addition to our outdoor decorations is the inflatable Santa pushing an elf in a wheelchair that Stacy’s parents bought for us.

 

An inflatable holiday decoration stands in a front yard. It shows Santa Claus pushing an elf who sits in a candy‑cane‑themed wheelchair while holding a wrapped present. The house behind them has tan siding, stone accents, a window with maroon shutters, and a decorative sun face mounted on the wall. Dried plants and mulch line the base of the house, suggesting a late‑fall or winter season. The scene has a cheerful, whimsical Christmas feel.
Inflatable 6 Foot Christmas Santa and Elf in Wheelchair

 

It looks like it is currently out of stock and probably won’t be available again until sometime next year, but if you’re interested, they bought it at Walmart.

Every year since James was born, Stacy has bought a family ornament. We used to hang them around the mirror in our foyer, but now that we have fourteen of them, we’ve run out of room on the mirror. Stacy got a little crafty, bought a couple of small wooden sleds at a craft store, and made a new display for our family ornaments:

 

Two wooden sled‑shaped stands hold a display of colorful Christmas ornaments. The ornaments feature festive characters—Santa, snowmen, teddy bears, reindeer—and many include personalized names and labels such as “The Fulkersons,” “Jeff,” “Stacy,” and “Fulkerson 2022.” In front of the sleds sits a framed photo labeled “2023,” showing a winter scene with people, along with two small plush figures dressed in winter clothing. The arrangement rests on a patterned table runner, with a mirror and wall décor visible in the background. The overall setup feels sentimental and holiday‑themed, highlighting personalized family ornaments.
New family ornament display

 

For those of you that counted the ornaments in the picture above, there are actually fifteen. The 2009 ornament was really two separate ornaments, one for me and Stacy, and one for James. Here is this year’s ornament:

 

An oval ornament shows a cartoon‑style family standing outdoors in a snowy scene. Snow‑covered evergreen trees and falling snowflakes fill the background. Four figures appear: three people wearing winter clothing labeled “Jeff,” “Stacy,” and “James,” and a small dog labeled “Maggie.” Beneath them, the text reads “The Fulkerson Family.” The design resembles a personalized holiday ornament or decoration with a cheerful winter theme.
2023 family Christmas Ornament

 

Is it just us, or have you also been seeing more and more decorations and things with wheelchairs? One of our friends bought James an ornament of Santa in a wheelchair and Stacy found some wrapping paper at Target with elves on it and one of the elves is in a wheelchair.

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner with a plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow under his neck. A small plush Santa figure in a red outfit, sitting in a wheelchair and holding a blue gift is positioned near his face. The background shows a carpeted floor and part of a piece of furniture. The scene feels quiet and cozy, with holiday‑themed comfort items close at hand.
Santa in a wheelchair

 

A roll of bright red wrapping paper is shown with a repeating Christmas pattern. Cartoon elves in green outfits and white‑trimmed hats appear throughout the design; some are standing or dancing, while others sit in wheelchairs. The elves hold gifts, candy canes, and small holiday items. White snowflakes and wrapped presents fill the background, giving the pattern a cheerful, festive look.
Wrapping paper with a couple of elves in wheelchairs found at Target

 

It’s nice to see those with varying disabilities being included in even the small things like wrapping paper.

I don’t remember what year we started doing this, but every year for as long as I can remember, we’ve taken James to the mall to get a picture of the Caring Santa. He is a special Santa for kids with disabilities. This year we brought Maggie so both of our kids could get a picture with Santa. I think the mall was a little too overwhelming for her. We got our pictures done before any of the stores opened so there were very few people in the mall, but I think the many different smells from the various stores were too much for her. We were only in the mall for about half an hour, but after we got home, she was just wiped out.

 

Santa Claus sits on a purple couch in a winter‑themed backdrop. Beside Santa, James poses for the photo in his wheelchair. In front of them, a brown dog, Maggie, wearing a red bandana sits on the floor. The background shows a snowy landscape with snow‑covered trees and falling snowflakes. A red ribbon banner at the bottom displays the year “2023.” The scene feels cheerful and holiday‑themed.
James and Maggie with Santa

 

A decorative snow globe displays a holiday scene inside. Santa Claus sits on a purple couch next to James in his wheelchair, with a golden‑colored dog sitting on the floor in front of them. Behind the figures, snow‑covered trees and a wintry landscape create a Christmas backdrop. The snow globe is surrounded by red gift boxes with gold ribbons, and a red banner at the bottom shows the year “2023.” The overall look is cheerful and seasonal.
James and Maggie with Santa

 

A couple of weeks ago they had Ugly Sweater Day at school. Since James doesn’t have an ugly sweater, Stacy sent him to school wearing this…

 

A red knitted sweater lies flat on a surface. On top of it sit two small sock‑monkey plush toys dressed in festive outfits. Between them is a snowman‑shaped photo frame decorated with blue and red felt, glitter accents, and a small blue pom‑pom on top. Inside the frame is a photo of a James wearing a Santa hat and a striped shirt. A quilted blanket with a polka‑dot pattern appears in the background, adding to the warm, holiday feel of the scene.
James’ Ugly Sweater

 

The week before winter break, he made a gingerbread church:

 

James sits in a wheelchair with assistive equipment, wearing glasses. He is positioned beside a table displaying a gingerbread house decorated with white icing, candy pieces, and a small red door. The house has a peaked roof with frosting resembling snow and a small steeple‑like detail on top. Behind the scene is a dark partition, with part of an office or classroom visible, including cabinets and a phone. The overall setting combines a holiday craft display with an everyday indoor workspace.
James with his gingerbread church

 

A detailed gingerbread house sits on a flat board covered in white frosting that resembles snow. The structure is made from graham crackers with a roof dusted in powdered sugar. Two tall towers built from pink wafer cookies rise from the roof, each topped with a chocolate cone and white frosting. Colored translucent candy pieces form the windows, and green gumdrops and multicolored candies create a pathway around the base. In the background, James is visible wearing festive clothing, adding to the holiday atmosphere.
Closeup of his gingerbread church

 

That same week, Stacy sent him to school in holiday-themed shirts. She forgot to take a picture on that Tuesday and Friday was the first day of winter break.

 

A gray T‑shirt is laid flat, featuring a festive cartoon Tyrannosaurus rex. The dinosaur wears green sunglasses decorated with tiny Christmas trees, brown antlers, and a red nose like Rudolph. A shiny green scarf wraps around its neck, and it holds two candy canes in its small arms. The brand name “Carter’s” appears near the collar. At the bottom of the image, a white label reads “Monday” in black text. The design is humorous and holiday‑themed.
The shirt James wore the Monday before Winter Break

 

James lies on a patterned blanket wearing a black T‑shirt with a festive dinosaur design. The illustration shows a dinosaur decorated like a Christmas tree, with candy‑cane horns and ornaments. Text on the shirt reads “TREE‑CERATOPS” and “THE DINO. THE MYTH. THE HOLIDAY LEGEND.” Below the design, a white label with the word “Wednesday” appears in black text. The scene feels playful and holiday‑themed.
The shirt James wore the Wednesday before Winter Break

 

James wears a red long‑sleeve shirt with a Christmas design featuring a red truck decorated with candy‑cane stripes and a wreath on the door, carrying a Christmas tree in the back. Snow surrounds the truck in the illustration. A stuffed animal rests on his shoulder, and a white label with the word “Thursday” appears near the top of the image. The lower part of the shirt shows the back design with the phrase “CRASHING THROUGH THE SNOW” printed in white. The overall look is playful and holiday‑themed.
The shirt James wore the Thursday before Winter Break

 

The image is a winter‑themed collage bordered with snowflakes, a snow‑covered tree, and a wrapped gift illustration. The top photo shows James' and Stacy's legs stretched out, wearing matching red‑and‑black plaid pajama pants. The bottom photo shows James lying on his cushioned recliner while wearing a gray shirt with red sleeves and a red‑and‑black moose graphic, along with the same plaid pajama pants. A plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow rests around his neck. On the right side of the collage, the text “FRI‑YAY!” appears in bold lettering, adding a cheerful Friday theme.
First day of Winter Break

 

The kids—James and Maggie—finished their advent calendars on Christmas Eve. Maggie had one of those doggy ones that had a couple of little treats each day. Although James’ wasn’t edible, Maggie did have to check out the pieces just to make sure. Once she was sure that James’ calendar didn’t have any food, she left it alone.

 

JJames lies on his cushioned recliner with his mouth slightly open. In front of him, a holiday‑themed Disney Pixar “Cars” toy set is displayed on a chair. The set includes miniature cars, flags, cones, and a “Piston Cup” scoreboard arranged on a small racetrack. The packaging behind the toys shows festive decorations such as Christmas trees, garlands, and bows. The overall scene mixes a resting moment with a colorful holiday toy display.
James with his completed Advent calendar

 

A Disney Pixar “Cars” advent calendar and toy set sits on a black surface. The advent calendar box shows a snowy racing scene with characters from the Cars movies surrounded by holiday decorations. In front of the box, several small toy cars and accessories are arranged, including miniature racers, cones, flags, tires, and pieces of a racetrack. A small scoreboard on the track displays race positions and lap numbers. The overall scene combines a festive winter theme with a playful racing setup.
James’ completed Advent calendar

 

Stacy and I didn’t give many gifts to each other this year. Just a couple of small things. For one, there wasn’t much that we wanted or needed. And with some recent unexpected repairs to the van, we need to watch our money a bit. Our kids were taken care of, though. Maggie got some special treats and a new winter coat.

 

Maggie, a light‑brown dog lies on a beige carpet wearing a padded lavender jacket. Behind the dog sits a container filled with various toys, including plush items and a toy shaped like a slice of pizza. The scene appears to be an indoor living space with furniture and household items in the background.
Maggie with her new winter coat

 

James got an Amazon gift card, a wheelchair ornament for the Christmas tree, some new shirts, a hair trimmer, and an electric shaver. We used to have a nice hair stylist that would come to our house and cut James’ hair free of charge but hasn’t been by since Covid, so Stacy’s been doing it herself. I’ve been hesitant about starting to shave James because I know once I start, I’m going to have to keep up with it. And if his facial hair starts growing as fast, and as thick, as the hair on his head, he will probably have a full beard in two weeks.

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner covered with patterned sheets, wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow under his neck. Beside him, Stacy in an orange hoodie sits and holds up a bright yellow T‑shirt. The shirt features a simple drawing of a school bus with the name “JAMES” printed on it. In the background, a wooden cabinet holds various items, including dumbbells, framed photos, and small decorative objects. The scene feels warm and personal, centered around a thoughtful, personalized gift.
James shirt

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner covered with patterned sheets, wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow under his neck. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds a black Amazon gift card close to James’s face. In the background, a wooden cabinet displays various items including weights, toys, and framed photos. Gift bags and boxes are scattered nearby, giving the scene a cozy, gift‑giving atmosphere.
Amazon gift card

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner covered with a gray blanket, wearing a red plaid shirt and holding a plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow under his neck Beside him, Stacy in an orange hoodie sits on the floor and holds a small red wheelchair ornament above James, appearing to interact with him. In the background, a wooden cabinet displays toy vehicles, dice, framed photos, and other small items. Festive gift bags sit nearby, giving the scene a cozy, holiday‑time feeling.
Wheelchair ornament

 

James lies on on his cushioned recliner covered with a patterned blanket and pillow, wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush dog neck pillow. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds a Philips Norelco 3800 electric shaver box toward him. Behind them, a wooden cabinet displays various household items on its shelves, and gift bags and boxes sit to the right, giving the scene a cozy holiday‑gift atmosphere.
Electric shaver

 

James lies on on his cushioned recliner, wearing a red plaid shirt with a plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow under his neck. Beside him, Stacy in an orange hoodie sits and holds a rectangular WAHL grooming‑product box toward him. Behind them, a wooden cabinet displays various items including dumbbells, toys, and framed photos. Gift bags and boxes sit nearby, giving the scene a cozy, gift‑exchange feeling.
Hair trimmer

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner covered with a patterned blanket, wearing a red plaid shirt with a plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow under his neck. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds up a blue T‑shirt featuring a printed car design and the words “FAST AND LOUD MOTOR CLUB.” The room has wooden flooring and furniture visible in the background, giving the scene a warm, home‑setting feel.
Fast and Loud shirt

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner, wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush dog‑shaped neck pillow. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds up a yellow T‑shirt featuring a cartoon flying saucer and the text “ALIENS TOOK MY HOME WORK.” The scene takes place in a cozy indoor setting with wooden flooring and furniture visible in the background, giving the moment a warm, casual feel.
Aliens Took My Homework shirt

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush dog‑shaped neck pillow. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds up a blue Chicago Cubs T‑shirt with the team logo and the words “GO CUBS GO.” The background shows a cozy living space with furniture and household items, giving the moment a warm, relaxed feel.
Cubs shirt

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush dog‑shaped neck pillow. Beside him, Stacy in an orange hoodie sits and holds up a striped shirt, positioning it in front of James as if showing or offering it. Behind them, a wooden cabinet displays dumbbells, framed photos, and various household items. The scene feels warm and supportive, capturing a quiet caregiving moment in a cozy home setting.
Striped shirt

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner wearing a red plaid shirt, resting his head against a plush dog‑shaped pillow. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds up a blue T‑shirt featuring a printed race‑car design. Behind them, shelves display various household items including numbered dumbbells. The moment feels quiet and warm, centered on showing James the shirt.
Racecar shirt

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush dog‑shaped neck pillow. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds up a striped shirt as if showing or offering it to him. Behind them, a wooden cabinet displays dumbbells, framed photos, and various household items, giving the scene a warm, home‑setting feel.
Striped shirt

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner wearing a red plaid shirt and a plush dog‑shaped neck pillow. Beside him, Stacy in an orange sweatshirt sits and holds up a blue Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T‑shirt featuring the four turtles stacked vertically with their colored masks visible and “TMNT” printed at the bottom. In the background, a television displays the same characters, and shelves hold books, DVDs, and weights labeled “15,” giving the scene a cozy, lived‑in feel.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shirt

 

Final Thoughts of the Year

Since this will be my last post of the year, I want to take a minute to reflect on 2023.

I think this past year has been one of James’ better ones health-wise. He hasn’t been in the hospital in over a year, and other than some respiratory issues in February, he has remained relatively healthy. There has been talk about Covid numbers increasing, plus some flu and RSV going around so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that none of those germs make their way to James. I think we’re more nervous about the upcoming oral surgery than the germs.

The first few months of high school have been nothing short of amazing. We were really nervous about him leaving the elementary school district that he had been in for eleven years. He had an amazing team of teachers and therapists, and we were worried about him losing that support system. Well, he has joined a new team in high school, and they are just as awesome as his elementary school teammates. We’re looking forward to seeing what the rest of his high school career has in store for him. Because of the Children with Disabilities Article in the Illinois School Code, James can remain in high school until he turns 22. That’s like 7 years and 8 months from now. Is it bad that I am already starting to think about what happens then? If James is no longer in school, then Stacy will no longer be able to work during the day. She’ll only be able to work nights and weekends, which will cut back on some of our income. I know, I have 7 years to worry about that, but I am already starting to think about it.

As always, thank you for your continued support, especially those that made a donation to our van fundraiser, or bought a shirt. Our aging van is probably the biggest stressor in our lives right now. A couple of weeks ago Stacy noticed a little bit of fluid on the floor in the garage where she parks the van. She was able to get it into the shop to be looked at that same day. It appeared to be an oil leak and they said they would need it for several hours to further diagnose it and fix it. How many hours is several? Three? Four? How about six?! Six hours and almost $1,400 later and the van is fixed. No that wasn’t just to fix the leak. Since they already had the top part of the engine apart to find and fix the leak, we had them give it a tune-up as well since that would need to be done in the next year or so. We need to keep this van running for as long as possible and we can’t afford any major surprises.

Have a safe and happy new year.