Christmas is a special time of year, but for children in care it can also bring uncertainty. Many have experienced difficult Christmases in the past, so the season may not be associated with joy, stability, or celebration. This is why fostering at Christmas is such a meaningful opportunity. It gives carers the chance to create a reassuring, enjoyable, and memorable festive period for children who may never have felt fully included.
Fostering in Yorkshire is rewarding at any time of year, but the region’s strong sense of community shines especially bright over Christmas. With that in mind, we’ve put together some practical, thoughtful guidance to help foster carers offer the best possible festive experience for the children they support.
Talk Openly About Christmas
Honest conversations can make a huge difference. Let children know what Christmas looks like in your home and ask about their past experiences. Understanding what they enjoy, what makes them anxious, and what traditions matter to them helps you shape celebrations in a way that feels comfortable.
Simple activities like decorating the tree together, choosing their own baubles, or helping with festive baking can go a long way in helping children feel involved and part of the family.
Celebrate Diversity and Individual Traditions
Yorkshire is proudly diverse, and foster carers often welcome children from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds. Not every child will celebrate Christmas in the same way, and some may not celebrate it at all.
If a child has their own traditions or observes a different faith, make space for those practices alongside your festive plans. This creates a more inclusive and enriching experience for everyone and helps children feel respected, secure, and valued during the holidays.
Be Mindful of Holiday Visitors
Christmas tends to bring more visitors than usual, which can be overwhelming for children who aren’t used to busy homes or meeting new people. Let children know who might be visiting, give them time to prepare, and keep gatherings to a manageable level.
A calm, predictable environment helps children relax and enjoy the holiday season at their own pace.
Involve Children in Christmas Food Planning
Food is a big part of Christmas, but it can also be a source of anxiety for children with particular dietary needs or difficult past experiences. Including them in the planning makes a real difference.
Ask about their favourite foods, let them help with the Christmas shop if appropriate, and think about ways to incorporate their preferences into your menu. Small gestures like these help children feel seen, valued, and more at ease around mealtimes.
Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible
While Christmas is usually filled with excitement, it can also bring unexpected changes. If you already have a child placed with you, make sure they understand the plans well in advance. Knowing what to expect helps them feel safe and prepared.
If you’re waiting for a placement, it’s wise to be ready. Children can be placed at any time - including Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Having a few spare essentials and a small selection of age appropriate gifts available ensures you’re able to offer a warm and welcoming environment at short notice.
Support from Fostering2Inspire
At Fostering2Inspire, we understand that Christmas can be as challenging as it is joyful for foster families. We’re here to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical support throughout the festive period. If you have any questions or would like advice on making Christmas special for the children in your care, please get in touch. We’re here to help whenever you need us.
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