What Makes the Holidays Feel Like Home

Halloween is behind us, and I’m still smiling about it. My kids got to dress up, walk down our street, and knock on doors in a neighborhood they know and love.

In a few weeks, I’ll welcome family into my home for Thanksgiving. We’ll gather around the table for turkey and all the sides. And yes, I’m already making Secret Santa wish lists with friends and family.

I get to spend this time looking forward to the holidays and all the traditions that come with them. But for a parent experiencing homelessness, this same time of year can bring a different kind of planning: figuring out how to make the holidays special for their children while navigating uncertainty and limited resources.

Maybe a costume was out of reach this year, or trick-or-treating meant finding a ride to another neighborhood. Maybe a parent has a favorite Thanksgiving dish they would love to make, if only they had a kitchen to prepare it in. And when their child hands them a Christmas wish list, they may find themselves wondering which wishes, if any, they can make come true.

As you make your own holiday plans, take a moment to consider the things that make those traditions possible. A kitchen you can count on. Reliable transportation. A place where your whole family can gather around the table. These everyday things can make a world of difference.

Then, consider one way you can help make the holidays a little brighter for another family. Reach out to Family Promise of West Michigan to learn what families need this season. Give if you can, volunteer your time, or share what you learn with someone else looking for a way to get involved.

Every family deserves the opportunity to make memories, celebrate traditions, and enjoy the holidays together.