It’s that time of year again! The lights are on, carols are being sung and shopping centres are beginning to fill up. With presents to get, decorations to hang and Christmas dinner to plan, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. What matters most, however, is sharing this time with loved ones and making joyful memories. Like the recent John Lewis advertisement – which shines a light on foster care – emphasizes, Christmas should be about giving, not receiving.
At Orchard Fostering, we know how important Christmas is for foster children who may have had mixed experiences of the season in the past. So, whether it’s your first or fifth Christmas fostering, take advantage of the extra time off to spend it as a family creating some memorable moments.
If you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We’re available on the phone or via email – you can also fill out a form directly on our contact page.
How to Make Magical Christmas Memories as a Foster Family in 2023
Christmas Caroling
Christmas for foster children can be a complicated time to navigate, but there are plenty of ways to create memories while managing emotions. There’s nothing quite like singing along to festive songs to get in the Christmas spirit. Now that in-person events are taking place again, why not attend a carol service as a family? If you’re in fine voice, you could also arrange one yourself! You don’t even have to go door to door. Try getting the family together (in person or over zoom) and sing along to some Christmas classics.
Christmas Markets
Does the thought of stepping inside a busy shopping centre this time of year send shivers up your spine? You’re not alone! Instead, take the family to one of the many Christmas markets around the country where you’ll find plenty of artisanal crafts, food, warm beverages and handmade goods in a fun-filled atmosphere. There are a number of markets taking place in Dublin confirmed for 2023, such as the Dublin Castle Christmas Market and Howth Castle Christmas Market. There’s also gift-centred markets where you can get presents for loved ones while creating a special day out for the family. While this is sure to be a unique experience for your foster children, it’s a good idea to check-in with them first in case they’re weary of crowds (particularly after recent lockdowns).
Crafts
Arts and crafts are a great winter activity to keep the family entertained. If you can’t get to one of the Christmas markets around the country this year, make some cherished memories from home. Take inspiration from the internet, gather some household items like tin foil or cardboard boxes and fashion handmade ornaments and decorations to put up around the house. This could be stockings, hanging wreaths, mantle trimmings, tree ornaments – anything you can think of! Having their own decorations hanging on the tree and around the house is sure to make foster children feel more at home and integrated into the family. Another perk is that many of these handmade gifts can serve as timeless keepsakes or gifts for family, friends and neighbours. After all, few store-bought gifts can compare to those crafted with love!
Christmas Baking
Tis the season for filling the home with the delicious aroma of baked goods! Practice makes perfect, and there’s no better excuse to indulge in some baked treats than preparing for the big day. But it’s not just about the end result, baking together is an easy way to spend time as a family and learn some lifelong skills in the process. Be sure to snap some pictures or better yet create some videos for a digital diary to document the experience!
Holiday-themed Games
The weather outdoors may be frightful, but there are plenty of indoor ways to create lasting bonds and memories. Try putting a Christmas-twist on some traditional games like charades or bingo. Or take it up a notch by creating a Christmas scavenger hunt around the house and garden. This can be a great bonding and team building activity, regardless of who wins! If you’re fostering teens who might bore easily, try taking them ice-staking or making these games digital to pique their interest.
Festive Lights
One of the simplest joys around this time of year is seeing the darkness lit up. Turn it into a true quest and map out a route to see some of the most impressive light displays around town. In Dublin, you’re spoilt for choice. Grafton Street and Henry Street are natural choices but 2022 will also see some temporary unique installations at the likes of Dublin Docklands, Smithfield, The Spire and the River Liffey, to name a few. But no matter where you are in the country, you’re sure to see some jaw-dropping displays, a perfect backdrop for a family-picture.
Christmas doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The ideas above are budget-friendly ways to have a more meaningful, family-centred Christmas. But if finances are a concern this holiday season, remember there are a range of supports to help foster families all year round.
And remember, if you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We’re available by phone or via email, or you can simply fill out a form directly on our contact page.