To Gates, it’s essential for the youth to recognize and normalize these feelings and develop coping skills. “We talk about gifts because a lot of times the kids are worried about their families,” she says. “We make time for them… to buy gifts for their family or to make cards so that they feel like they have made that connection and that they’ve had the opportunity to give.”
Open Door resident says that being away from her family is hard, especially during the holidays. However, she uses some of her favorite activities to cope. “I play Just Dance, I try to paint, draw, sing in my room,” she says. “I try to get my mind off stuff by doing things I enjoy.”
In order to make sure that each resident feels comfortable and included during the holidays, Gates says that they try to incorporate some of each child’s traditions into the Open Door celebrations. “We try to talk to each individual child and try to bring a little of what they would like to see happen,” she says.
This could come in the form of a holiday baking day, a particular Christmas carol, opening a few presents on Christmas Eve, or going out on Christmas Day. “Some… just want a break from Christmas, so we can do normal things, something that’s not very Christmassy. Maybe we go for a hike so that they can have a little bit of an escape from the holidays. I work a lot through the holidays to make sure that kids are supported.”
The holiday season is often considered a season of giving, and Open Door is grateful for the Rome community’s generosity at Christmastime. In years past, church groups and other organizations have sponsored meals, cookie decorating, and other residents’ activities. Due to COVID, Ball says they are very cautious about how many visitors are allowed inside the facilities. Still, they are taking small steps towards allowing groups to bring food or activities every month.