For many children across the U.S. and around the world, Christmas and the holiday season are a special time of year. For some of our children, however, it can be a time that’s challenging at best. Keep reading to learn what the holidays are like at the Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home.
Where Do the Children Go for the Holidays?
Many of the children in the Home have a complicated relationship with the holiday season; they would love to be at home with their families, but some are unable to. Some of the children have family members who are safe to visit at Christmas; however, there are others who don’t have that option. If they don’t have family members who are safe to visit, they spend the holidays at the Home with their house parents.
Those who are unable to visit their home for the holidays often have a more difficult time. It’s not uncommon for children to have more behavioral and emotional difficulties during the holiday season because of this. This is part of the reason why we have a counselor on staff who the kids can go to to share their feelings, process their emotions, and have someone to talk to.
Christmas Traditions at the Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home
Each house has its own traditions and tries to do a little something special for its children. Some traditions include a trip to view the zoo lights, visiting Nashville to see the ice sculptures, going ice skating, a Polar Express train ride, and more! Some houses also like to get fireworks for New Year’s Eve. Many churches and businesses buy and donate gifts and gift cards for the children to be able to have gifts on Christmas morning.
And, of course, all of the children look forward to the Eldridge Toy Run that happens on the first Saturday of December every year. There’s a lot of excitement and preparation leading up to the event, including fulfilled wish lists by sponsors and donors.
Do the Children Receive Presents for Christmas?
The generosity we receive throughout the holiday season is overwhelming. We have an amazing community of churches and businesses that buy and donate gifts and gift cards for the children to open on Christmas morning. Many groups also provide food and treats like ham, turkey, and homemade goodies for the children and house parents to enjoy.
Our donors make it possible for us to create a special Christmas season for the children.
Do We Discuss the Gospel?
At Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, we’re active in church year-round, and always strive to emphasize how Jesus is our Savior and the hope of the world.
Thankfully, we’re able to continue to share this good news during Christmas, and explain why this time is so special to us as believers. We’re especially excited that Christmas is on a Sunday this year. We will all be at church worshipping the Savior’s birth!
Some of our houses also perform outreach during the season by visiting nursing homes, doing yard work for the elderly, and making baked goods to donate.
Make Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home Part of Your Holiday Tradition
The holiday season is one of the most generous times of the year, which is so deeply appreciated by our organization and many others.
Many of our supporters choose to make a donation to the Home as part of their year-end giving, for which we are incredibly grateful. If you’d like to do the same, visit our donate page to see all of the different ways you can make a gift and show your support for our organization and work.