Honoring Traditions While Creating New Ones
As the leaves change and fall arrives, many families look forward to the holiday season. However, for foster youth, holidays can bring mixed emotions. They may miss the families they came from, feel uncertain about celebrating with new people or wonder how they fit into unfamiliar traditions. For foster parents, approaching these conversations with care can make all the difference.
Here are a few ways to guide holiday conversations in a thoughtful and supportive way:
Listen First
The best place to start is by listening. Ask children to share what the holidays have meant to them in the past. Were there traditions they loved? Are there memories that are difficult to talk about? Foster parents show that a child’s voice matters by giving space for honesty.
Involve Children in Planning
Inviting children to help plan holiday activities helps them feel like part of the family. Whether decorating the home, helping cook a meal or choosing music for a gathering, these small decisions create ownership and inclusion.
Be Mindful of Emotions
Not every child will be eager to celebrate. Some may feel grief or confusion, while others may be excited but hesitant. Acknowledging those feelings is essential. Let children know it’s okay to miss old traditions while enjoying new ones.
Create Inclusive Traditions
Consider starting traditions that honor both the past and the present. A candle lighting, a special ornament or a gratitude circle can become meaningful new traditions. Families who choose to become a foster parent have the unique opportunity to help children experience the holidays in a safe, nurturing environment.
The Bigger Picture
Holidays aren’t just about presents or big gatherings but about belonging. For children in foster care, being part of a family that values their presence during these moments can be life-changing. By blending sensitivity with creativity, foster parents provide stability, love and the joy of tradition.
