Lately, my Instagram feed has been filled with memes illustrating the exhaustion that many mothers feel during the holiday season. It’s true that as moms, we often carry a heavier mental load this time of year. We juggle everything from planning holiday gatherings and staying on top of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to decorating the tree, baking holiday cookies, and ensuring our elf finds a new landing spot each morning after his overnight trip to the North Pole.

Embarking on the journey of special needs parenting can feel like you are entering a new world—one filled with complex emotions, new routines, and many unknowns. Many parents feel overwhelmed or helpless, or both. Whether you’ve recently received a diagnosis for your child or you’ve been on the journey for some time, know that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this without support.