Christmas with Tee
Hey, clubCREATE, do you remember me?
We met a year ago in the first holiday special we ran, and I want to thank you all for your support because… we’re back again after the popularity the segment received last year! This year we’re coming in with a few additions and we would love to hear what you think if we should make this a more regular thing or any suggestions of what you want to see?
For those of you who are new, or don’t remember me, I’m Tee. I was the 2023-24 Influencing Committee member and a National Level Young Consultant. I have been a member with CREATE since 2018. I have a very lengthy OOHC experience, spanning across three states over 17 years. I don’t let my story define my future and you shouldn’t either. I have spent the last 5 years learning, consulting and growing and my goal is to use my lived experience, professional experience and education, to pioneer change at a systemic level to improve the outcomes and ensure no child in care must experience the same things as I did. The holidays have always been a very difficult time for me as I am sure many other children and young people can relate, which is why I created this segment. To let you know you aren’t alone. To let you know we are here, and we care.
This blog will cover:
Christmas time with an OOHC experience
Christmas is often depicted as a season filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness. However, for many foster children and young people in care, the festive season can evoke a complex mix of emotions. The bright lights, cheerful music, and expectations of family gatherings can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you are not with your biological family or have mixed feelings about the holidays. This period can highlight the contrasts between our experiences and the idealised visions of Christmas often portrayed in media.
It’s important to remember that your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to experience a range of emotions during this time. Whether you are feeling excitement, loneliness, sadness, or even stress, understanding and acknowledging your emotions is the first step towards managing them effectively. This blog post is dedicated to you, offering strategies to cope with any unpleasant feelings, providing useful contacts for support during the holidays, and sharing some fun, DIY, and low-budget Christmas gift ideas to make your holiday special. Let’s explore how we can navigate this season together, starting with understanding our emotions.
Understanding and navigating Christmas emotions
The festive season can bring up a variety of emotions, particularly if you’re in foster care. Christmas might remind you of loved ones who are not present or highlight feelings of disconnection. It’s crucial to acknowledge these emotions and find healthy ways to cope with them.
Feeling alone during Christmas is normal, especially if you are separated from family members or feeling disconnected. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and know that it’s okay to feel this way.
Coping Strategy: Connect with friends, caregivers, or support workers who care about you. Consider planning virtual meetups or gatherings with others in care to share your feelings and support each other. Engaging in community activities or volunteering can also provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
The holiday season might bring up memories of loved ones who are not present, triggering feelings of sadness or grief. These emotions are valid and deserve attention.
Coping Strategy: Allow yourself to grieve and express your emotions. Writing down your thoughts in a journal or talking to a trusted person can help. Creating a memory book with photos and notes about happy memories can provide comfort. You might also consider participating in a small remembrance activity, such as lighting a candle or planting a flower in honour of those you miss.
The holiday season can be stressful, especially if there’s pressure to fit into new traditions or adapt to different environments. Managing expectations and focusing on what matters to you can help alleviate some of this stress.
Coping Strategy: Establish a routine that includes self-care activities. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, or going for a walk, find what calms you and make time for it. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can also help center your thoughts and reduce anxiety. Remember, it’s okay to take breaks and step away from overwhelming situations.
The bustling holiday season can be overwhelming, with the sensory overload of lights, sounds, and crowds. Finding ways to create a calm and comfortable environment is key.
Coping Strategy: Identify a quiet space where you can retreat if needed. Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness exercises can help center your thoughts and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Simplify your holiday activities by focusing on a few meaningful traditions rather than trying to do everything.
It’s crucial to know where to turn if you’re feeling down or need someone to talk to during the holidays. Here are some hotlines and contacts for each state in Australia that are available during the holiday period:
National
– Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– DHHS Child Protection: 13 12 78 (After hours: 13 12 78)
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
New South Wales (NSW)
– Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– Family and Community Services (FACS): 132 111
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
Queensland (QLD)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– Department of Child Safety: 1800 177 135 (After hours: 07 3235 9999)
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
Western Australia (WA)
– Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– Department for Child Protection and Family Support: 1800 199 008
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
South Australia (SA)
– Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– Department for Child Protection: 13 14 78
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
Tasmania (TAS)
– Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– Child Safety Service: 1800 000 123
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
– Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– Child and Youth Protection Services: 1300 556 729
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
Northern Territory (NT)
– Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
– Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
– Territory Families, Housing and Communities: 1800 700 250
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
DIY and low-budget Christmas gift ideas
Creating your own gifts can be a fulfilling and enjoyable way to celebrate Christmas, especially on a budget. It allows you to put personal touches on your gifts, making them more meaningful for both you and the recipient. The ideas shared in this post are just a starting point—feel free to explore and get creative with your gift-making.
Make sure you ask an adult for help if you are using sharp or hot things.
Personalised photo frames
Gather some inexpensive frames and decorate them with paint, stickers, or glitter. Insert a photo that holds special memories for the recipient. This personal touch will make the gift even more meaningful.
Homemade bath bombs
Combine baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, and essential oils to create relaxing bath bombs. Package them in a small jar or box for a lovely gift. You can find recipes online and customise the scents and colours to suit the recipient’s preferences.
Handmade candles
Using soy wax, wicks, and essential oils, you can create custom-scented candles. Decorate the containers with ribbons or labels for a personal touch. This gift is both practical and thoughtful, bringing warmth and light into the recipient’s home.
Knitted or crocheted items
If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, create scarves, beanies, small blankets or something else. These handmade items are warm, cosy, and show a lot of care. Consider choosing colours and patterns that reflect the recipient’s style and preferences.
Decorative mason jars
Fill mason jars with layers of dry ingredients for cookies, brownies, or hot chocolate. Add a recipe card and tie a ribbon around the jar for a festive look. These jars are not only visually appealing but also provide a delicious treat for the recipient.
Personalised journals
Buy a plain notebook and decorate the cover with the recipient’s name, inspiring quotes, or drawings. This makes a thoughtful gift for someone who loves to write or needs a space to jot down their thoughts and ideas.
DIY jewellery
Create simple bracelets or necklaces using beads, strings, and charms. These can be customised to reflect the recipient’s favourite colours or interests. Handmade jewellery adds a personal touch to any outfit and shows that you’ve put thought and effort into the gift.
Handmade letters or cards
Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are heartfelt words. Write a letter or card expressing your appreciation and best wishes. Handmade cards add a special touch and can be kept as keepsakes by the recipient.
Upcycled crafts
Use items you already have at home to create new gifts. For example, turn old t-shirts into tote bags or rugs, or repurpose jars into decorative storage containers. Upcycling is an eco-friendly way to give unique gifts and reduce waste.
Baked goods
Bake cookies, cakes, or other treats and package them in decorative boxes or tins. Homemade baked goods are always appreciated and make for delicious and thoughtful gifts.
A final note from Tee
Christmas can be a challenging time for foster children and young people in care, but it’s also an opportunity to create new traditions, express creativity, and build supportive connections. Remember, it’s okay to feel a range of emotions during this season. Reach out to the hotlines and contacts provided if you need support, and don’t hesitate to share your feelings with trusted friends, caregivers, or support workers.
Embracing the festive season doesn’t mean ignoring or suppressing your emotions. Instead, it means acknowledging them and finding healthy ways to cope. Whether it’s through connecting with loved ones, engaging in self-care activities, or creating thoughtful DIY gifts, there are many ways to find joy and meaning during the holidays.
Finally, remember that Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations. It’s a time for kindness, compassion, and connection. Whether you’re reaching out to others for support or offering a helping hand to someone in need, your actions can make a significant difference.
As you navigate the holiday season, hold onto the belief that you are valuable and deserving of happiness. Surround yourself with supportive people, engage in activities that bring you joy, and take care of your mental and emotional well-being. The festive season can be a time of healing and hope, even amidst its challenges.
From all of us, we wish you a warm, safe, and happy Christmas. May this season bring you peace, joy, and the comfort of knowing that you are not alone.
