This online course will teach you how to communicate with deaf people
December 23, 2020
The top moments for deaf talent in 2020
December 28, 2020Christmas 2020 with hearing loss
Being deaf or hard of hearing can be tough at the best of times. And this time of year often has more challenges. If you’re not careful, it can become the bleakest part of the season. But there are some heart-warming stories about Christmas 2020 with hearing loss.
Drive-Thru Signing Santa
2020 has seen a major upheaval to life as we know it. But this year, Christmas with hearing loss doesn’t have to be all Grinch and no Santa. With a little time and some creative thinking, Yuletide can be as much fun as a snowball fight.
Take what happened in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The much looked forward to annual Grand Meet with Santa was cancelled as a meet and greet event due to COVID-19 restrictions. It still went ahead, but as a drive-thru instead. Families still got to have the experience on December 5 and were even able to stop along the trail for refreshments.
At the end of the trail, the kids got to use American Sign Language (ASL) with Santa to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. They also received a gift.
“At the end of the trail, the kids got to use American Sign Language (ASL) with Santa.”
Another Signing Santa
Another great story came in from Charlotte, North Carolina. They featured a welcome new Christmas addition this year – a virtual Santa who can communicate with deaf children via ASL. Not only does this Santa appear on camera, he also gives the children glimpses into his workshop and a look at his reindeer. Five-year-old Lucas Phelan said this was the best part.
Read more: The magic of the Roger Touchscreen Microphone during the holidays
Window Decorations
In Bradford, West Yorkshire England, something special happened for their residents who are experiencing the toughest of the UK’s new “tier three” rules. Unable to go to the now-cancelled Christmas events, locals were encouraged to decorate their own front windows using as much imagination as possible.
This provided a Christmas trail experience for people to either see on foot or driving by. Fun, a little thoughtfulness, and bit of effort can make a world of difference to others on the outside. This story also goes to show that Christmas for people with hearing loss can be made special by concentrating on the visual aspects of the holiday.
Read more: Gift Guide 2020: Gifts for people with hearing loss
Zoom Gathering
The morning of December 21, the UK’s National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) held an online coffee morning on Zoom. This was aimed at parents of deaf children as well as the children. It was an informal way to meet other parents and their kids. Activities were provided, along with useful information and the opportunity to hear from deaf volunteers who talked about their own experiences as parents.
These events are proof that Christmas 2020 will not be remembered as the year that Santa Claus forgot. Instead it just might be seen as the year of innovation.
Read more: Tips for preparing for the holidays if you have hearing loss
Do you have sometime special planned for your family or community? Let us know on Facebook and Instagram! We wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season!
