I didn’t know what Christmas would look like when we came to the Mission. I wasn’t sure if we would even have Christmas this year.

But Christmas at the Mission was so fun! I got exactly what I asked for. When I walked into the big room where we eat, there were so many presents under the trees that I couldn’t even count them all. There were beautiful decorations everywhere and two great big trees. Christmas music was playing, and everyone was dressed up and had a smile on their face.

Then Santa walked in. I was worried he might not be able to find me, but he did! He told all of us to be good and to listen to our parents. After that, we listened to the story about baby Jesus and how He came into the world for each of us.

Then Santa called us all by name, one by one, to receive our gifts. We got to open our presents right then—we didn’t have to wait! After we opened our gifts, we sang songs together. I even got to sing into the microphone. Then we played a Christmas game. I got a question right and won a candy cane!

On Christmas morning, we woke up to gifts at our door! I got another present that I asked for and with other presents too. I have not stopped playing with them since I got them.

The party really helped me and my family feel like people truly love us. Moving to a new place with a lot of people we didn’t know at Christmas time was hard, but being here has given my family hope. I am so thankful to have a Christmas I will always remember.

– Maria, Age 7