A warm and creative pre-holiday atmosphere fills the air at the Hope and Healing Center. Psychologist Daria Zagraniuk has crafted a small world of safety and joy for children whose lives have been deeply affected by the war. A cozy room adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments creates a festive space where children can feel the holiday spirit.

The activities began with the children making colorful decorations — stars, tiny hats, and miniature Christmas trees. Then, they used these handmade ornaments to decorate the room. During the creative process, the children shared their memories, spoke about their families’ New Year traditions, and told heartwarming stories.

🎨 Creating this atmosphere of creativity is an integral part of our program for the psychological recovery of children who have endured the horrors of war. These activities not only teach them new skills but also lay the foundation for healthy emotional growth. In a safe space, the children learn to reimagine the holidays, cherish the moment’s joy, and dream wholeheartedly once again.

💛 We are deeply grateful to everyone supporting our mission to restore the psychological well-being of children whose childhoods have been stolen by war.

These sessions are part of the Comprehensive Psychological Support for Children and Families Affected by War program, implemented under the @usaid_ukraine Building a Sustainable Public Health System project with the support of @pactworld. The program provides psychological assistance to internally displaced adults and children who have experienced trauma.