Closing the Year with Courage, Compassion, and Connection
Contributed by Jessica Stotler
As the year ends and the holidays approach, many families feel the weight of the season more than its glitter. For those caring for children with trauma histories, from hard places, or tender hearts that have endured more than most, this time of year can stir big emotions—grief, confusion, hope, joy, and everything in between. If this is your reality, you are not alone. And what you are doing matters more than you know.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. What kids remember isn’t the flawless meal or beautifully wrapped gifts—they remember the connection. A soft voice when they were overwhelmed. A playful moment that broke the tension. A caregiver who stayed close when their behavior said, “I’m not okay.” In Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), we are reminded that healing begins with felt safety, and felt safety begins with you. Your presence—steady, patient, compassionate—is the most meaningful gift your child will receive this season.
For families walking through hard things, give yourselves permission to simplify. Let go of the pressure to match someone else’s holiday. Choose activities that build peace and belonging looking at Christmas lights, baking something easy, creating a tradition that feels safe, or naming one thing you’re grateful for each day. These small, steady moments become anchors for children whose internal worlds feel unstable.
This season, we honor the caregivers, foster parents, mentors, clinicians, teachers, and family members who keep showing up with love—especially when it’s hard. You are the quiet heroes of the holidays. Your compassion changes stories, softens hearts, and creates new pathways of hope.
As we close the year, may you feel seen, supported, and surrounded by grace. And may the new year bring deeper connection, more healing, and renewed strength for the journey ahead.
If you want to know more, contact REACH 907 at 907-745-6200 or visit www.reach907ak.org.