When visiting extended family with your foster children during the holidays, you need to do some extra preparing. If you have your own children that will be receiving gifts from family members take into account your foster children. You do not want your foster children sitting there watching your other children unwrapping presents. They have spent most of their life being ignored or left out. I do understand this can be a touchy situation with other family members. Understand they may not think of your foster children or have a tight budget. What ever the reason we should respect it. I tend to be open, okay maybe a little blunt with my family, so I just ask them. My husband’s family a tad different, I treaded softly and just assume they will not think of it. So, I know I will need to take of my foster children. If you do have family members that want to give your foster children gifts, suggest something inexpensive. You can also use these ideas and keep a few gifts handy incase someone forgets.

1. Books or magazines (all ages)
2. Funny Socks (more for girls)
3. Colored pens or pencils and drawing paper
4. Puzzles
5. A scarf, gloves or hat
6. Matchbox cars
7. Lip gloss
8. Cute notepads
9. Coloring Books
10. Puzzle Books
11.Playing cards (Uno, Skip Bo, etc)
12. Small hand held games ( can find these at discount store even at drug stores for $5 or under)

The main thing is just try and include your foster children as you would your bio or adopted children at Christmas. It doesn't matter how little or much you spend on them. For them it is about being part of the holiday and a family.

"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give."
Eleanor Roosevelt