The Gift of Traditions and Belonging
For many children in foster care, the holiday season can be a time of conflicting emotions, blending hope with heartache. “Many have never had the chance to experience traditional holiday celebrations as we know them,” states Mindy Williams, President and CEO of Whaley Children’s Center. Others might associate this season with loss, chaos, or even feelings of isolation, she adds. But at Whaley, the foster kids see the holidays as a chance to rewrite their stories – a time not only for presents, but also the lasting gifts of warmth, belonging and tradition.
“Imagine spending most of your childhood in instability, bouncing between homes and never knowing if you’ll celebrate the holidays or where you’ll be when they arrive. For many foster children, the typical experiences of decorating, gathering for meals and sharing traditions simply haven’t been a part of their lives. Often, children come to us with little knowledge of these traditions and, worse, the feeling that they don’t deserve them. That’s why, for us, the holidays are a powerful time to introduce new, meaningful rituals that give each child a sense of continuity and belonging – two things every child deserves.”
Amy Anderson, Chief Operating Officer
The Healing Power of Holiday Traditions
Through holiday dinners, tree decorating and gift exchanges, the Whaley team works to create festive environments filled with love and inclusion. They take time to explain the traditions – why they hang ornaments, light candles, or even leave out cookies for Santa. They are teaching kids the stories behind these practices, encouraging them to make memories they can carry with them into adulthood, long after they leave Whaley.
Creating a New “Normal”
For many children in foster care, holidays are challenging – a reminder of what they’ve lost, of the families they can no longer be with, or the instability that marked so many years of their young lives. Knowing this, Whaley staff aims to make the season feel like a safe space filled with predictable, warm moments the kids can depend on each year.
“We organize decorating parties where kids and staff come together to hang ornaments, string lights and make the space feel like a true home. We gather for movie nights, hot chocolate in hand, and create holiday crafts that they can keep or give as gifts. We bake cookies and build gingerbread houses, sharing stories and laughs. These shared moments allow our kids to feel what it’s like to belong, to be part of a family, even if it’s not the one they expected.”
Jennifer McKay, Chief Advancement Officer
Fostering Traditions That Last a Lifetime
“Many of our children won’t be with us forever, and we know that,” Williams notes. “Our hope is that when they think of the holidays, they’ll remember the warmth and acceptance they felt here and carry that feeling forward into their own lives and future families. We hope they’ll make hot chocolate, hang lights and feel empowered to create positive, joyful experiences for themselves and others.”
For the foster youth served at Whaley, the holidays are more than just a festive season – they are a bridge to healing, a new experience of family and a chance to write their own story, one that can be passed down through future generations. “This season, as you celebrate with your own loved ones, remember that our kids are learning the traditions, love and warmth that they will one day share with others,” Williams adds.
“From our family to yours, happy holidays! Thank you for helping us create lasting memories for these children – because, like all kids, they deserve to experience the magic, joy and belonging that this season can bring.”
Mindy Williams, President/CEO
