When I became a foster parent I was surprised to get a phone call before the holiday season started inquiring whether I would take placement during the holidays. I kind of thought it was a silly question and it completely blew my mind. My question was, “Where do the foster children go when foster parents do not accept placements during the holidays?”

With my agency you have to sign up to continue taking placements during the holidays and you can be specific (ex: Thanksgiving only, no placements a week before or after Christmas, etc). I was very surprised to learn that the list is a very short one because a lot of foster parents do not take placements during the holidays.

Personally, I will take a placement that I think is right for my home any time Christmas Day, Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas. It does not matter to me. I was shocked to learn that foster children are placed into shelters and they do get very busy during the holidays. I find this completely heartbreaking. What a way to spend the holidays for a child?

Granted when you are willing to take placements close to Christmas you need to prepare for the possibility of getting a foster child at the last minute before Christmas. I have a closet that I keep extra inexpensive gifts that I collect during great sales, resale shops or even the occasional great garage sale just in case. This way I know that if I get a placement on Christmas Eve that the child will have presents to open on Christmas morning.

While I totally understand that during the holidays you may be already stressed out so, the thought accepting a placement does not sound so great. I know it would probably be easier not to add another child to my house during this time but truthfully, in my house, things are always a little crazy and hectic so, what is a couple of more children.

I will have a chance in another post why this bothers me so personally.

Photo Credit: Lanette G.

More reading:

Foster Care versus Orphanages or Institutional

Without a Family to Celebrate the Holidays With