Why does he live alone in a cave atop a mountain? Did he experience something in his youth that isolated him from others? Does he have trauma surrounding the celebration of Christmas? What life experiences impacted his decision to steal Christmas?
Just as with this classic Christmas tale, we foster parents and caregivers don’t always have the answers to what happened in the past. The kids in our care come with their own expectations, joys, and pains surrounding this time of year. They have different experiences of the holidays than our own.
As a foster parent, I am reminded that amidst all of the festivities and excitement surrounding this time of year, there is more going on for the children in our care. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they are also a time we and the kids in our care can experience grief, loss, and our own inner “Grinchiness.”
As we approach this holiday season, you might find it helpful to prepare yourself and those in your home for whatever is to come. Here are a few tips:
Ultimately the Grinch discovers that Christmas is about more than the presents and decorations. He comes down from the mountain and joins the Whos for their feast of roast beast. Although this is just a children’s story, I find hope in the Grinch’s change of heart. Sometimes, it’s the smallest action or recognition of who we are that gives us the courage to get through.