Christine McGuinness has put up her Christmas tree for the first time in six years after her children were 'overwhelmed' by the festivities.
The proud mum posted an emotional message online explaining their milestone achievement after two of her children, whom she shares with Paddy McGuinness were diagnosed with autism.
Writing in a heartfelt Instagram post, she said: "I am the proudest mummy, I can’t believe my babies are happy around our Christmas tree.
"Christmas is always a very difficult time of year for us, our children can get overwhelmed, upset with all the changes everywhere, the lack of school routine, they get overstimulated and anxious meaning daily meltdowns are a given.
"This year I am preparing more than ever, visiting Christmas displays as much as possible (even if we only last five minutes) .. choosing decorations for our tree together, using visual calendars, reading stories about Christmas, even watching Peppa Pigs Christmas on repeat.
"So far they are coping amazing and we have managed to put a tree up at home without any upset for the first time in years!
"Now, somehow I just need to keep this whole calm, prep, structured Christmas feel around for the next two weeks!"
Fans flocked to her post, complimenting Christine on her parenting skills and sharing their experiences.
One said: "You’re doing a great job. My little boy loves Christmas, he just loves it too much! It’s all so exciting and fun, he gets overwhelmed, over tired and then there’s the crash back down to earth. But the little pockets of magic outweigh the bad, don’t they?"
Lisa wrote: "Amazing... you are a wonderful mummy."
And a third commented: "You are such a lovely caring mummy."
