Christmas can be an especially challenging time for children in care or foster settings as they navigate a mix of emotions such as loss, sadness, or fear. To help bring comfort and joy during this season, our "12 Days of Christmas" initiative offers 12 thoughtful options designed to provide support and reassurance. These ideas are carefully crafted to create a sense of belonging and warmth, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and cared for throughout the festive period.
12 Days of Christmas: Supporting a Child in Care
1. Acknowledge Their Emotions
The festive season can be an emotional time for children in care. While they may feel excited, they might also experience feelings of loss, sadness, or uncertainty- don't forget to validate these feelings.
2. Maintain Routine
Keeping daily routines as consistent as possible as if provides a sense of safety and stability during a potentially overwhelming time.
3. Talk About Christmas
Start conversations about the festive season to understand their perspective. Collaborate on plans for the holidays to help ease anxieties and involve them in decision-making.
4. Create New Traditions
Establish new traditions as a household, but also ask if there are specific traditions they’d like to create or continue. This helps foster a sense of belonging and connection.
5. Be Mindful of Gifts
While giving presents is wonderful, too many gifts can be overwhelming. Focus on thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than quantity.
6. Lower Expectations
As adults, we often have high expectations for a “perfect” Christmas. Understand that children may struggle to regulate their emotions and adjust your expectations to avoid disappointment.
7. Involve Them in Planning
Let the children participate in planning activities like creating menus, cooking, or shopping. This inclusion fosters independence and makes them feel valued.
8. Respect Religious and Cultural Differences
Not all children celebrate Christmas due to their religion or culture. Support their traditions while using this as an opportunity to teach and celebrate diversity in your home.
9. Support Family Time
For children in care, seeing family—whether rarely or not at all—can be especially challenging. Offer support by letting them control as much of the experience as possible and remember that their emotions may centre on missing loved ones, not just receiving gifts.
10. Manage Visitors Thoughtfully
A busy household with many visitors can be overwhelming. Let them know in advance who will visit, when, and why. Always ask for their input, as this is their home too.
11. Be Sensitive to Santa and Traditions Like Elf on the Shelf
Some children may find the idea of Santa or Elf on the Shelf unsettling, as it involves strangers or unfamiliar concepts. Be mindful of how they feel and adjust traditions accordingly.
12. Encourage Playfulness
Playfulness brings joy, but tailor it to suit the child’s preferences and version of play- read their emotional climate. Let the holidays reflect their needs, creating a safe and happy environment.
By keeping these thoughts in mind, you can create a thoughtful, inclusive, and supportive holiday experience for children in your care.
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