Foster Carer Shares Story of Children’s First Christmas

A foster carer has highlighted that while Christmas traditions are often taken for granted, the notion of Santa visiting their home can be an unfamiliar concept for some children. Heather, who has fostered children at her Preston residence for several years, recounted an occasion when a five-year-old boy and his three-year-old sister arrived just before the holiday season one year, revealing the stark reality of their past Christmases. She described their reaction on Christmas Eve: “On Christmas Eve, I put out sacks for Santa’s presents, then I put out some milk, carrot and a mince pie. And they looked at me like I was daft,” she stated. The boy explained, “Santa’s never been before,” having been informed that Santa had not visited due to his perceived naughtiness. Heather and her partner, Rob, are now anticipating celebrating another Christmas with the siblings, continuing established traditions such as filling advent calendars with chocolate and attending the pantomime. The celebration will also include their other foster child, Heather’s biological children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Heather commented on their expanding family: “We’re a big family, in fact it’s got so big that none of us have a house big enough,” adding, “I’ve had to hire a room above a pub to fit us all in!” Cosima Towneley, a Lancashire county councillor, stated that the account of Heather and Rob underscores the significant role of foster carers. “Heather created indelible memories for those young children who came into her care having never celebrated Christmas before,” she said. Towneley further remarked, “Those moments will remain with them for the rest of their lives and this upcoming Christmas will undoubtedly be as special as the very first one.” Towneley urged individuals to consider becoming foster carers, affirming that support is accessible for prospective applicants. “Fostering is one way of keeping children within Lancashire, and we know that those who live in a family atmosphere tend to thrive and move forward with success in the future,” she stated.