The nation’s foreclosure problem will likely not get better for the foreseeable future, as a new study forecasts that nearly two million homes are currently behind on mortgage payments.

In an attempt to give families who are struggling with their mortgages some worry-free time with loved ones during the holidays, a number of financial institutions are suspending their foreclosure eviction processes until the beginning of 2010.

Fannie Mae announced on Thursday that it would not carry out its foreclosure processes on owner-occupants and tenants struggling with bad credit who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments between December 19 and January 3, 2010. It also threw its support behind any servicers it works with to do the same thing.

"We’re taking this step in support of struggling families who have unfortunately found themselves facing foreclosure," said Michael J. Williams, President and CEO. "No family should have to face the prospect of being evicted during the holiday season."

According to MarketWatch, Freddie Mac will follow the same timeframe as Fannie Mae.

Following suit, Citigroup also announced the same day that it would be suspending its foreclosure and evictions processes for 4,000 borrowers who have run out of mortgage options as well, giving them a 30 day grace period until January 17, 2010.

According to RealtyTrac, foreclosure filings for November were reported at 306,627, a decrease of almost 8 percent from October, but still an increase of 18 percent from November 2008.