I remember Christmas at my house. It was very hard. I was a child that was not a foster child but maybe should have been. There were a tremendous amount of issues that inhibited a normal life at our house. I think that is why I focus so fully on making sure that the holidays are casual but busy. The casual comes from trying to help everyone focus on the reason for the season and the busy? That just comes with the territory. It’s like a zoo around here.
This time of year is a difficult one for foster children. There is so much hurt and want in their lives. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, they miss the people who are important to them. They desire to make things right that cannot be. As foster parents, we have the largest role. We have the power to make Christmas bright for all of the children under our care. I strive for that in my own home. I work long and hard to find out what each child desires. Then I set about making it happen. This is not always easy or cheap but I believe in its importance. There is a certain magic about Christmas that each of us feel. It is a base builder when we are young. It is a leveler when we are older. It helps children grow into fully functional adults. I am not saying that everything is wrapped up in the gifts, traditions are important as well. Yet, when a child thinks about Christmas, they are probably thinking about presents. Presents say, I love you. I thought about you. You are important to me. When a child gets that message- they also get a nugget of hope. Amazing isn’t it?
I remember when I was young. My half sister and I were about three years apart. At Christmas time, we [my full brother, full sister and I] would go to dad’s. That year all I wanted was a Care Bear. I loved them. My half sister told me I was getting one. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to open presents. Yet, we had to eat and visit first. In the course of visiting, my half sister and I went to her room. She showed me her new Care Bear that she had gotten from dad and my stepmom for Christmas that year. It was one of the big ones. I just knew in my heart that I was getting the same thing. When present time rolled around, I was first in my chair. Gifts were handed out. I got one small box. When I opened it- out fell a miniature Care Bear. I was so disappointed. At that very young age, I knew that she was loved more than I. Was that a fair assessment? Probably not but I was very young. Unfortunately, I never forgot my disappointment from that Christmas. It is what drives to me to make Christmas amazing for everyone in my care. By doing that, I know that I am replacing at least one negative experience with a positive. I love that feeling.
Merry Christmas ~Angie
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