The holiday season is a time of joy, wonder, and family traditions. For many, it’s a season filled with excitement and anticipation. However, for children in foster care, adoptive homes, and relative placements, the holidays can bring a unique blend of emotions. They may feel a complex combination of joy and sadness, hope and uncertainty, excitement and anxiety. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to be patient and understanding by creating a safe and supportive environment to help children and youth navigate through complex feelings.
Following are some tips to help create holiday memories this season.
- Establish Realistic Expectations: Avoid overcommitting to activities and maintain a balanced schedule.
- Talk about expectations: Discuss what the holidays will look like, including any new traditions, family gatherings, or travel plans.
- Address concerns: Create a safe space for children to express their feelings, worries, or anxieties about the upcoming holidays.
- Incorporate the Child’s Holiday Wishes: Ask them if there are particular foods, music, or other cultural traditions that hold special meaning in their hearts.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Encourage relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation, to manage stress.
- Create a Calming and Nurturing Environment: Limit exposure to overwhelming stimuli, especially during the holiday season.
- Expect the Unexpected: Sometimes, unforeseen trauma triggers occur unexpectedly. When that happens, be there to help provide comfort and care. You may need to relocate to a quieter location, or you may even have to leave the event earlier than expected.
The holidays can bring as much stress as they do joy. Be kind and generous to yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, let yourself slow down, take a break, and breathe.
Recommended Resources
From the Resource Library
- The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment, by Karyn Purvis, Ph.D & Lisa Qualls, with Emmelie Pickett
- The Little Book of Foster Care Wisdom: 365 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement for Foster Care Families, by Dr. John DeGarmo
- Checklist for Celebrating the Holidays
Tip Sheet
Training From Champion Classrooms
Additional WiFCC Resource
