A FESTIVE change in décor to the rural city's foster care offices will provide Christmas cheer during an often times difficult period for fostered children in Wangaratta.

Both Wangaratta and Wodonga offices have been transformed into winter wonderlands, in an effort to provide a sense of safety and fun as they convene with community contacts over the holiday period.

Senior team leader of Upper Murray Family Care's (UMFC) foster care program, Renee Hill, said what began as a competition between Wodonga and Wangaratta had quickly got out of hand.

"It's normally just an office space where people work, but we looked at it and thought, how can we use this space to improve the experience?" she told the Wangaratta Chronicle.

"Christmas is a really difficult time of year for a lot of families – children who normally have contact in the community or with their biological families can come and enjoy the room."

Among the decorations, a train set, digital fireplace, a sleigh and a Santa chair were installed, while the floor was covered in fake snow.

The room, which previously would only house a Christmas tree during the festive period, had attracted interest from a number of different programs in the area, and Ms Hill said it was pleasing to be able to provide visitors with a comprehensive Christmas experience this time around.

"We have a treat table for when families come in, we're constantly providing mince pies and other treats," she said.

"To acknowledge how difficult Christmas is for our families – we thought 'how amazing this would be to share with the community'.

"We wanted to do a small thing to brighten up people's days."

While the decorative competition between the rural city office and our neighbours to the north was fierce, Ms Hill said there was only ever going to be one winner.

"Wangaratta for sure," she said.

"Our CEO agreed and awarded Wangaratta as the victors.

"As a result the organisation is providing the Wangaratta office with a paid lunch."

To become involved in foster care in the rural city, contact UMFC on (02) 6055 8000 and ask for a member of the care and management team.