Christmas time at Christ House wouldn’t be the same without our dedicated volunteers and donors. At the end of November, volunteers come to spread cheer and drape fresh fir in the hallways donned with big red bows. They work to set the Christmas tree up in the dining room and hang strings of lights before patients add an array of ornaments. Just as this tradition is carried out year after year at Christ House, some of our volunteers have made it their own tradition to partake in the annual decorating.
Amy has volunteered at Christ House for nearly five years and has helped decorate at the start of the holiday season for the last three years. In addition to volunteering, she also donates food to Christ House at Thanksgiving.
When asked why she volunteers at Christ House, Amy noted, “I love that it’s a local charity right in my neighborhood, I like the amount of services that are provided to the residents, and I’m really pleased that you can see exactly where your time and the items you donate go for a great cause.”
At Christ House, we emphasize showing radical hospitality to our patients and anyone who walks through our doors. While often associated with joy, the holiday season can also evoke difficult feelings, especially for those experiencing homelessness. By decorating and celebrating Christmas as a community, we hold space for comfort, joy, and belonging. Healing takes shape in many ways at Christ House, and sometimes it arrives in the form of singling carols or simply seeing bright Christmas bulbs on the tree.
In addition to creating a festive environment, Christ House receives a great amount of help from community members who complete our Christmas wish list for patients and Kairos Members. Many of our patients arrive at Christ House without quality belongings. On Christmas morning, our patients unwrap items like flannel shirts, fleece jackets, hats, or hygiene supplies – all items essential for brisk DC winter weather. All the items given to our patients are donated and delivered to our door, then wrapped with love and care.
Throughout the month of December, Christ House hosts gift wrapping events and invites donors and volunteers to help package donations, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about Christ House in the process. Some of the gifts will even be wrapped in customized bags designed and colored by local students. These events are led by our Volunteer Manager, Heidi, who oversees the Amazon wish list (and checks it twice!) shared on the Christ House website and social media pages. This is Heidi’s first holiday season working at Christ House, and she describes her experience:
I have been absolutely blown away and made speechless at the generosity of our community this year. At the beginning of December, I had no idea how we would be able to provide Christmas presents for all our Christ House patients and Kairos Members this year, but our community has come together in so many beautiful ways…
It’s a reminder that, even when times are dark, we can look to the helpers, to the people who constantly give out of the joy in their hearts and give thanks. Above all, Christmas at Christ House this year has shown me that, even in a weary world, there is rejoicing.
The support received from our community is what keeps Christ House traditions afloat and spreads holiday cheer to those in our care. We are tremendously grateful for the contributions made to ensure our patients have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with healing and hope.
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