Christmastime at Palmer Home

December 27, 2022

christmas tree with palmer home ornament

Christmas is a celebration of the hope and joy found in Christ, and the celebration of a birth. As a Christian organization, the holidays are a special time we look forward to each year as an opportunity to share the gospel – particularly the parts of the gospel which speak to light in the darkness, and hope in a fallen world where family, home, and belonging don’t always look the way we may hope.

This time of year is also a poignant reminder of what Christmas truly is – the celebration of the birth of a savior through the birth of a child. Through our Family Care program, we’ve cultivated relationships with hundreds of mothers who, like Mary, faced what must have felt like an insurmountable task through giving birth without the necessary resources to thrive as a parent.

Through our Foster Care program, we serve dozens of children throughout the Mid-South area, and as we work to provide the comforts of home (not just material comforts, but the warmth and joy of home as well), we are reminded that the familiar warmth of home is a powerful need each and every one of us long for.

Lastly, we reflected on the meaning of belonging and community as we watched two of our teens in our Campus Care program make the transition to our Transitional Care homes. The holidays can be a difficult season for young adults transitioning into adulthood in any context. For those who have experienced placement in foster care, they may not have access to a program like Palmer Home’s transitional care for young adults ages 18-24.

As young people at Palmer Home complete their education and prepare to craft their place in the world, we come alongside them to give them the tools they need to thrive academically, financially, socially, and vocationally. Through these resources, we hope they rest in the assurance that they are deeply loved, deeply valued, and desperately wanted this holiday season.

This year has been a timely reminder that birth and the life of a child, as well as opportunities to spread joy and hope, are blessings to be celebrated and holy endeavors to be undertaken – reminders pointing us back to Christ our savior, our hope and our joy through every season and every trial.

LEARN MORE: Our Care Programs

large christmas tree with stockings underneath

Annual Christmas Tradition Celebration

santa and female elf

Each year, our Campus Care program celebrates the season with a holiday meal savored, gifts shared, and joy abounding at our annual Palmer Home Christmas Tradition celebration. This year, Santa himself made a visit and helped us create an unforgettable experience for children most in need of joy this holiday season with a Polar Express train and a winter wonderland fit for the North Pole.

Each child had an opportunity to visit with Santa and to open his or her very own embroidered stocking and gift. Later, the youngest enjoyed hot cocoa while watching The Polar Express; meanwhile, the teenagers enjoyed a trip to Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo.

parent toy drive

Houseparent Shopping Extravaganza

As part of our Whole Child Initiative, Palmer Home makes intentional space for choice as a means of freedom and felt safety. Rather than forcing the children in our care to accept gifts which may not be applicable to their age, interests, or unique abilities, we allow our Campus Care houseparents to spend an afternoon shopping for gifts for the children they serve. After all, they know them best, and the chance to provide them with a unique selection of gifts to make their Christmas morning special is a highlight of the season. Thank you to the many organizations who worked to provide this opportunity.

large christmas tree in open room surrounded by tables

Thank you to the organizations who helped us bring joy to those we serve this season.

Thank you to the many organizations and individuals who helped make Christmas a special time of joy and hope for the children at Palmer Home. From gift cards to holiday meals, from toy drives and bicycles to winter clothing, dozens of businesses in our community supported Palmer Home and the children and families we serve this holiday season.

Partner with Palmer Home for Children

If you would like to make a donation to Palmer Home to support children in our care, you can make your gift here. If you are interested in partnering with Palmer Home to host a toy drive or to donate items, please contact us here.