🧣 Homeless Kids This Christmas – Show Kindness
During the holidays, we often get excited about gifts, good food, and cherished moments with loved ones. But in our celebration, we sometimes forget how fortunate we truly are.
For many homeless children, Christmas brings not joy—but loneliness.
Some spend their holidays in group homes, detention centers, or the foster care system, longing for warmth, family, and love. While we sit by the fireplace unwrapping presents, they quietly hope someone remembers them.
🧑⚕️ The Nurse’s Perspective: Because We Care
As a nurse working with children, I’ve seen the pain of young lives turned upside down. I’ve held back tears trying to comfort kids with heartbreaking questions:
“Why doesn’t Daddy love me?”
“Why can’t I spend Christmas with a family?”
One little girl comes to mind—her eyes filled with sadness. She was being treated for depression and facing her first Christmas away from the foster family she had grown to love after her parents passed away.
How do you explain that kind of loss to a child?
🎄 When Holidays Hurt – Support and Safety Matter Most
Grief is already hard—especially for children. Add the festive pressure of the season, and it can feel unbearable.
Children experiencing trauma or abandonment need:
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A safe space to express emotions
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Gentle guidance through the grieving process
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Engaging activities to process feelings
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Consistent reassurance that they are not alone
Many of these children carry silent burdens. Our job is to give them the emotional oxygen they need to begin healing.
👥 Be the Difference This Christmas
To help a child feel supported during the holidays, emphasize that they are not forgotten. Highlight the positive people in their lives—therapists, social workers, caretakers, nurses—anyone who shows consistent love and care.
In healthcare and social services, continuity of compassion is key.
If a child has built a bond with a nurse or caretaker, lean into that relationship. A trusted face during this time can mean everything.
❤️ Homeless Children Need Us—Not Just Presents
No child should feel unloved during Christmas. While we can’t fix everything, a simple act of kindness can light up their world.
You can:
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Volunteer at a local shelter or group home
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Donate gifts or essentials to foster care programs
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Sponsor a child’s Christmas through local outreach
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Write uplifting holiday cards to children in care
🙏 Be the Miracle They’re Waiting For
This Christmas, let love be your gift. Not all children want toys—some just want to feel safe, seen, and cared for.
You can be that light.
“When we show up for children, especially the most vulnerable, we give them more than comfort—we give them hope.”
Patrice, I admire your work and dedication to the children in your care.
In 2013 I lost my sister-in-law. She was more than that implies since I had met her at age 7 and we had lots of common activity time between scouting and school and on going friendship before I had even one date with her brother. I lost the person who shared more of my life than anyone else. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be a child in that position.
Last year I became aware that a few churches where having Longest Night services. I haven’t been to one but the concept is on my heart and I hope to see one implemented in our church next year.
One last thing. Last week I saw a news story that might interest you. The woman’s name is Leslie Delp and if you search, you will find she is the founder of Olivia’s House, a grief and loss center for children. Now I’m wondering how to incorporate something for children in a Longest Night service. One evening may not be much but acknowledging loss is so important no matter our age.
Elaine,
Sorry to here about your lost. It is not easy for anyone to go through mourning a loss. Having a strong support system in place always helps. Thank you for the information on Grief and Loss center for children.