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

Introducing Porch

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Gordon's Story

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.

Grow & Give

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.