Christmastime is magical!
To a hardened cynic, that phrase sounds trite and untrue. Heck, even the most unflappable optimist may find the sentiment to be a bit glib. But for our Boys Town kids, those are not hollow words. They ring true because their own hearts have been touched by Santa-sized surprises and wonders…
The best Christmas was my first one at Boys Town. Our lives were filled with laughter. Everyone seemed happy. I, for once in my life, was into the Christmas season. I was safe. It was beautiful. ~ Stephanie, age 15
You can't believe the holidays here. Nobody is drunk. Nobody calls the police. Nobody is taken away. I am so happy to be here, where you don't have to lie and where we can celebrate and show we care for each other. ~ Joe, age 13
I never had a Christmas before I came to Boys Town. ~ Juan, age 11
Being at Boys Town is the best Christmas I have experienced. You don't have to worry. You even get presents. Someone loves us. Boys Town has helped me believe…. It is a better Christmas than I ever thought I would have. I don't even want to talk about the bad ones. ~ Alice, age 10
Stephanie, Joe, Juan and Alice are describing, in their own unique ways, magical moments… moments they never believed would be possible for them.
Throughout the holidays, Boys Town Family Homes celebrate religious and secular traditions, customs and rituals. These experiences are essential to the healing process because they bring love, joy and peace. Those are gifts that, sadly, too many children never receive at any time.
The holidays truly are an opportunity to give kids who are jaded, disillusioned and filled with doubt a chance to experience and see what happy celebrations, loving families and healthy relationships look and feel like. They get to do things that leave them with brighter, happier memories – decorating a tree, baking cookies, sledding in the snow, having sing-alongs and simply acting like carefree kids again.
That is the magic of the season. And what's even more amazing… that magic never fades.
So many of our kids, years after leaving Boys Town and starting their own families, do everything to give their children memories they will always cherish. They create traditions and rituals filled with the same love, joy, peace, wonder and lasting happiness!
The holiday season can be magical for anyone willing to open their heart and believe. But if you still have your doubts, maybe this video can convince you. But be warned… you may want to have a hanky handy!
If you'd like to help create more magical moments for our kids, please consider a financial gift to Boys Town.
It's one of the best gifts you'll ever give! (You can securely make donations by visiting
boystown.org.)
Whether you will be celebrating Christmas, lighting a menorah, building a Yule altar, preparing a Kwanzaa feast or enjoying non-traditional festivities, may your celebration be blessed with much love and good cheer.
From our Home to yours, Happy New Year!
