For children living in residential care, the holidays can bring a mix of emotions. Many come from backgrounds where the holidays were difficult or absent altogether, which makes this time of year especially significant. As a houseparent, you have a unique opportunity to help children create new, positive memories around holidays both big and small - from the 4th of July to Christmas, and everything in between. While you may not take over the role of their biological parents, you serve as a guide, helping them navigate this special time of year.

Creating New Traditions

One way to make the holidays special is by introducing new traditions. Kids who have faced trauma or instability may not have had the chance to experience joyful, festive celebrations. By establishing new traditions, you can create a sense of stability and belonging. Whether it’s carving pumpkins together at Halloween, cooking a Thanksgiving meal as a group, or decorating the house for Christmas, these small rituals can create lasting memories that children will carry with them into adulthood.

While Pinterest might have a reputation for over the top and elaborate parenting ideas, its a great resource to find affordable, clever, and age-appropriate ideas for holidays activities. Houseparent.com has a Holiday Pinterest Board full of ideas to create positive memories. If possible, search for activities together with the kids in your home and ask for their ideas, too! If you work with or have kids of your own, you know they're often more enthusiastic about ideas when they are part of the planning process.

Balancing Old Memories with New Experiences

Many children in residential care hold onto memories of past holidays—some good, others difficult. As a houseparent, it’s important to honor these memories while gently encouraging children to embrace new experiences. You can do this by listening to their stories and letting them share how they’ve celebrated in the past, then offering ways to build on those experiences. This helps them feel seen and respected while allowing room for new, positive memories to form.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Holidays are often associated with family, which can be a sensitive topic for children in your care. You can help create a sense of family within your group by involving everyone in planning and celebrating. Encouraging children to take on small roles—whether it’s choosing a holiday movie, helping with decorations, or deciding on a meal—can give them a sense of ownership and belonging. Over time, these shared experiences can foster deep bonds among the children and with you as their houseparent.

Supporting Emotional Well-being

The holidays can be emotionally challenging, especially for children dealing with loss or trauma. As a houseparent, your role includes offering emotional support during these times. It’s important to recognize when a child may need extra comfort or space. Providing a safe environment where they can express their feelings, while also offering joyful holiday experiences, helps them cope with the emotional ups and downs the season may bring.

As a houseparent, you understand the needs of the children in your home best. While some want to share in a group, others might benefit from quiet time to process their emotions alone or with just you. Quiet activities like drawing, reading books, and being outside in nature can give kids the break they need to feel supported in your home.

Houseparents have an important job yearound, but the meaningful holidays at the end of the year make your job even more meaningful and vital to the kids in your care.