Bella, sounds like it is really going well for you. Just don't hold out too much for Christmas. Actually look into any improvement after the new year. The pressure of having to be around people because it is a certain day and is expected is more than enough for someone who is not far in therapy to "shut down".

While this may be a joyous day for many for many it isn't. And more often than not it is not a wonderful time to try to get thoughts straight for those suffering PTSD. From my experience holidays are best spent in hiding for me and I was in therapy for a long time.

Also, I wanted to toss this out because I think it has been a while since it was mentioned. Good stress. It can effect us as profoundly as bad. So at times things happen he should be happy about he may not seem that way because or bodies and minds just react to all stress a certain way. The PTSD cup explanation does well explaining this. So when you start to reconcile make sure you give plenty of "down time" for him to recoup. While this is a good stress it is one nonetheless. Him seeing you with the package was great, but it is a form of stress. Just go very gradual with those things so he is being "exposed" more often and not having to hard a crash later. You seem to do well gaging him so I think you will do this fine. Just thought I would toss that in. Have a Merry Christmas and hope the new year is better for you both.