The Ghost of Christmas Past

December 16, 2025

Dear friends,

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I have intentionally worked to create a sense of peace in my home and in my life. This sense of peace, centering my heart on those in need, experiencing awe and wonder witnessing the generosity of so many who have given in large and small ways to those who are struggling, is a balm to my soul and is the ‘magic’ of Christmas for me.

Growing up, I both loved and feared Christmas. I loved the wonder of midnight mass and the meaning behind the holiday but dreaded the day itself. My siblings and I knew if we could just make it to my grandparents’ home for breakfast without my father losing his temper, it would be a good Christmas. He never raged in front of others. But that rarely happened. Instead, some small incident would often send him into a spiral, making Christmas morning a time of terror, not joy. All I have done to create peace and beauty has helped to banish the ghost of Christmas past in my life.

For the families we serve in our homeless services, they have similar histories with the holiday. They’ve known fear, pain and loss, and often these feelings are heightened by the holiday season, no matter which holiday it is they are celebrating. We all want the joy and wonder of the season, but when families have known violence, poverty and homelessness, the season is more painful.

Community members have responded generously with toys and coats for the children in our programs and for that I am deeply grateful. Thanks to this generosity, more than 1,000 children will wake up on Christmas morning with at least one gift just for them. But it isn’t just about gifts. The holidays feel like holidays when children go to sleep in their own beds waiting for Santa, when there are good smells coming from the kitchen, when children have a place to cuddle with their mom. Most families who we move out of shelters and off the streets don’t have cookware, furniture, linens. They only have minimal clothing and painful memories.

Our annual Home for the Holidays campaign is underway. You can change their experience of the season. If you’ve already made a gift this year, thank you! If you would please, share the word about the campaign. A gift of any size will help. If you haven’t made your gift yet, please consider making a Home for the Holidays contribution. Help banish the ghosts of Christmas past by creating the peace and joy of a real home.

Wishing you peace and joy this season!

Carol Klocek
Chief Executive Officer

Click here to donate to Home for the Holidays!