From your account, this boy has had his share of challenges. Can you imagine that maybe he was testing you? And have you passed this test? Firmness is called for, of course, but you don't seem to have expressed your concerns and consequences to him directly or maturely.

Consider an alternative to your current plan to be punitive. Forgive him for Christmas. Love him as much as you can -- even in his currently messy state and even when he acts unlovable -- and use this as an opportunity to let him experience how beautiful it feels to be forgiven, even when everybody knows he has messed up badly.

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