With Christmas around the corner, we take a look at what the experience of a Childcare Home Resident during this festive season.
Christmas is often thought of as a magical time of year, but for many children in the UK, the festive season can be an incredibly challenging period, bringing up difficult memories and emotions. For children in care homes, the inability to spend time with their families over Christmas can be particularly tough.
The season to be Jolly
Some children may still want to take part in the festivities, while others might prefer to avoid them altogether, finding the season too triggering. As childcare providers, it is crucial to respect each child’s individual needs and wishes, ensuring a tailored approach to their care and well-being.
At Welcare, we recently supported a young resident who is unable to see his family over Christmas. Understanding how important family connections are, we arranged a trip before Christmas for him to spend a day with his mother and brother. The day was filled with engaging activities to keep the atmosphere positive and light, and it was heartening to see how much he enjoyed this special time with his family.
Initially, our resident wasn’t looking forward to the festive period. However, we have been taking things at his pace to gently help lift his spirits. He has since enjoyed decorating the communal areas with Christmas decorations and writing cards to his family, friends, and the team supporting him. He even went Christmas shopping with staff to choose presents for his loved ones. While we understand we can’t recreate a traditional Christmas at home for him—nor do we aim to—we strive to create a positive and memorable experience that is special in its own way.
A merry Christmas
This resident has, in the past, struggled with special occasions, often focusing on negative thoughts in the lead-up to the event. However, with the consistent support of our team, he has been navigating this Christmas season with greater emotional resilience.
He has come to terms with not being with his family on Christmas Day and has embraced the bigger picture, finding joy in the smaller moments. Our team has worked closely with him, providing emotional regulation support and spending quality time together. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see him feel comfortable enough to express his hardships while also allowing himself to experience the festive cheer.
As Christmas Day approaches, we are planning a celebratory party at the home. The event will feature Christmas games, quizzes, and a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings: succulent turkey, tender chicken, crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and, of course, rich, delicious gravy. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to share in the festive joy together. Our resident has been actively involved in the planning of the party and is looking forward to celebrating with the Welcare family.
At Welcare, we believe that while Christmas in care may look different, it can still be a time of warmth, connection, and happiness. By focusing on the unique needs of each child, we can create meaningful experiences that make the season a little brighter for everyone.
