Celebrating Holidays in December

December 16, 2022

Dear Friends:

Each year during December, Christians around the world reflect on the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, during the celebration of Christmas. Christmas and Easter are the two foundational holidays where Christians celebrate the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus for our Salvation. But as an organization, Catholic Charities also recognizes and honors other religious and cultural celebrations that occur this time of year.

 

As you know, Catholic Charities is an organization founded in the Catholic faith, especially the Catholic social teachings and faith principles of service and justice. It is these same principles that guide our agency to reach out to all, regardless of their faith tradition or spiritual identity, today. 
 
This time of year is filled with various religious holidays and cultural observances. These include but are not limited to the following:
 
Hanukkah: the eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, is often called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah and traditional foods, games and gifts each night for eight days, honoring the miracle of the oil that kept the Maccabees lights lit centuries ago. This year Hanukkah is celebrated December 18th-26th. 
 
Christmas: celebrated on December 25th, Christmas is a sacred religious holiday for Christians. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with various cultural and religious traditions. Christmas Day celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God, and whose life and teachings form the basis of the Christian religion. Popular Christmas customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, and sharing meals or traditional treats with family and friends.
 
Kwanzaa: Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African Americans together as a community. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. Kwanzaa takes place each year December 26th - January 1st, and each night includes a discussion of one of the Seven Principles, or African cultural values, called the "Nguzo Saba" in Swahili. 

As you can see, this time of year holds an abundance of religious and cultural differences. And at Catholic Charities, we believe that religious differences should be celebrated, not separated. 
 
So regardless of which holidays you may or may not be celebrating in the coming weeks, and what festivities you and your loved ones may be enjoying, I want to wish you a fun, safe, peace and joy-filled remainder of your December and start of your new year. 
 
Blessings,
 
Steve
 ______
 
Stephen Pareja  | Executive Director
D 320.650.1530     F 320.650.1509 

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
911 18th Street North, St. Cloud, MN 56303
 ccstcloud.org     Facebook     Instagram     YouTube     LinkedIn

Our Recent News

More than Just a Meal

By Brittany Hoversten • December 9, 2025
Our Senior Dining programs offer more than just a meal – they provide a nurturing environment that fosters friendships, healing, and a sense of belonging. Roberta, a Senior Dining Coordinator for 15 years, has witnessed the powerful impact of our services at the Grasston and Mora locations. Among the many events that have touched her heart, one couple’s journey stands out as a beautiful testament to the healing power of community. A woman who had recently suffered a stroke, faced significant challenges. Most of her right side, including her vision, was affected, and she was determined to regain her independence. After her therapy sessions, she and her husband would come to Senior Dining, where they found not only a meal but a circle of support and care. Every visit, a group of women diners would greet them with warm smiles, helping with her jacket and guiding the couple to their table. These kind-hearted women went beyond mere kindness – they helped the woman with her meal and made sure she was comfortable and well-cared for throughout the dining experience. Over time, the woman’s strength and independence began to improve. The therapy sessions, combined with the unwavering support of her new friends at Senior Dining, made a significant difference in her recovery. The bonds formed in that dining hall grew stronger, evolving into genuine friendships that transcended just shared meals. What had started as a place for nourishment soon became a sanctuary of laughter, conversation, and companionship. It was clear that the true nourishment was not just the food – it was the emotional and social support the diners received, creating an atmosphere that was as healing as it was comforting. The couple still maintains their deep friendships with the group of women they met at Senior Dining. Even in their 80s and 90s, they continue to get together three or four times a year, reminiscing about the meals that sustained them, the friendships that uplifted them, and the kindness that made all the difference. For Roberta, this story is a reminder of the true essence of her work. It’s not just about coordinating meals – it’s about creating a community where people care for one another, lifting each other up in times of need. 

Catholic Charities Barnes & Noble Bookfair – December 12, 2025

By Brittany Hoversten • December 8, 2025
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting a great cause! Catholic Charities is partnering with Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud for a Bookfair on Thursday, December 12, 2025 . A percentage of your purchase will benefit Catholic Charities’ programs—just mention you're shopping to support Catholic Charities at checkout! Shop in-store or online: In-store: Visit Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud on December 12 and let the cashier know you're supporting Catholic Charities. Online: Shop at https://www.bn.com/bookfairs from December 12–16, 2025 and enter Bookfair ID 12695763 at checkout. How to apply the Bookfair ID online: Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page. Click the plus sign next to “Add Bookfair ID.” Enter 12695763 and click Apply . Everything counts! Books, DVDs, music, vinyl, toys & games, and even Café purchases (except Starbucks-operated locations). Stock up for the holidays and help support Catholic Charities’ vital services in our community. Note: Gift cards, memberships, textbooks, video games, digital content (eBooks), and purchases at Starbucks-owned Cafés are excluded from Bookfair totals. Institutional discounts may not be applied.

A Family's Fight to Stay Home

By Brittany Hoversten • November 12, 2025
Allie and Ben’s dream of owning their first home came under threat when Ben unexpectedly lost his job. With two young children at home, Allie balanced evening classes while Ben had a steady income. However, when Ben lost his job, he struggled to make mortgage payments and, feeling overwhelmed, kept the issue hidden from Allie until it was too late. The arrival of a “sheriff sale” notice signaled their impending foreclosure. Determined to protect their home and their family, Allie turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling team for help. With guidance from a counselor, Allie learned about the foreclosure process and the potential solutions available to them. Together, they worked closely with the mortgage company, exploring options to address the overdue payments. After persistent efforts, Allie and Ben were able to negotiate a resolution that would prevent foreclosure. Thanks to the support they received, Allie and Ben were able to keep their home, which not only brought them financial stability but also strengthened their bond as a couple. Allie reflected on the importance of teamwork and open communication, acknowledging the valuable lesson they learned through the experience. “I’m so grateful for the support we received,” Allie said. “It taught us that facing challenges together is key to protecting what matters most—our home and our children.” Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, which has been providing expert guidance since 1982, is available to anyone, regardless of income. As a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-licensed provider, our team is committed to helping families like Allie and Ben navigate financial challenges and build a secure future.