Creating warmth, joy and belonging during the holiday season
The holidays are a magical time filled with lights, laughter and connection, but for children in foster care, they can also bring unfamiliar traditions and mixed emotions. For foster parents, this season is an opportunity to create new memories and help every child in your care feel included, valued and loved.
Here are some thoughtful ways to create a joyful and inclusive holiday season for your foster family:
- Start with familiar comfort. Ask children about holiday traditions they’ve enjoyed in the past. Incorporating even small pieces of their history, such as a favorite dish, a special song or a simple decoration, helps build a bridge between their past and their new family.
- Create shared experiences. Whether it’s decorating cookies, hanging ornaments or watching a Christmas movie together, simple traditions nurture togetherness. These moments convey a sense of belonging and demonstrate that love doesn’t have to look the same to be meaningful.
- Honor every story. Some children may be spending their first Christmas away from their biological families. Offer space for them to talk, grieve or remember. Creating room for honesty helps them feel seen and respected.
- Keep it simple. You don’t need grand plans to make the holidays special. A night of cocoa and Christmas lights can mean more than the biggest gift. Focus on the feeling: warmth, safety and joy.
The holidays are about connection. By opening your heart and home, you’re helping children in foster care experience what the season is truly about: belonging, love and family.
