5 Ways Adoptive Parents Can Acknowledge the Birth Family during the Holidays

birth family holidays

 

Finding time to squeeze everything in during the holidays can be a challenge. The season seems to speed by in a whirlwind of balancing everyone’s schedules, finishing up holiday shopping and snapping family pictures. While it can be easy to get caught up in the to-do lists during these hectic weeks, it’s important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. You are surrounded by an incredible family. It’s wonderful to be able to embrace your loved ones, but it can be so special to find a way to honor your child’s birth family during the holiday season as well. No matter your relationship with them, here are a few ways you and your family can acknowledge the birth family during the holidays:

  1. Say a blessing or acknowledge your baby’s birth family before meals or when you light holiday candles.
  2. If the adoption is open or semi-open, you could send them a gift.  A handmade or traditional keepsake item is always meaningful; consider a hand print ornament, a handmade Christmas card or ornament, or a photo album. Adoption can create lasting grief for the birth family.  However, sharing something with them during the holiday season is an affirmation that they are remembered during such a special time and that the child continues to remember their heritage.
  3. If the adoption is closed you could encourage your child to create a handmade card or letter for their birth parents and keep it in memory box.  This creates a safe place for the child to express his/her feelings and acknowledge his/her birth parents.
  4. Hang a Christmas ornament in honor of your child’s birth mother/parents.
  5. If you have a little history on your child’s birth parents, you may know their favorite food.  You could have a tradition of cooking their birth parent’s favorite food as a part of your holiday meal.
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