At St. Joseph’s Indian School, Christmas doesn’t end on December 25 — in many ways, it begins anew in January.
While most Lakota (Sioux) students spend Christmas Day with their families back home, the spirit of the season lingers on campus long after the calendar page turns. Trees stay lit. Decorations remain hung. Wrapped gifts wait patiently beneath twinkling lights. Then, when the children return after break, something magical happens.
On Sunday, January 11, that magic filled every campus home.
Before the celebrations began, students gathered for Mass — centering their hearts on the true meaning of the season. The chapel was filled with reverence, gratitude and anticipation for the joy to come.
And then … the celebrations began.
Nearly 200 children poured into their campus homes, greeted by warm meals simmering in the kitchen and the familiar glow of Christmas lights. Houseparents, friends and staff gathered close as little hands tugged at ribbons and bows. The sound of crumpling wrapping paper mixed with giggles and delighted squeals.
One student, wrapped head‑to‑toe in a full‑body shark blanket — complete with a shark‑head hood — grinned and said, “My favorite gift was this amazing shark blanket. Thank you, donors! I had a wonderful Christmas.”
In another St. Joseph’s home, another child tore open a package and shrieked, “LEGOS! Yes! Yes!” as she discovered a LEGO® Creator 3 in 1 kit featuring a cat, dog and bird she could enjoy building.
Other gifts brought just as much excitement: watches, cameras, robots, remote‑control cars, dolls, candy and more. One girl, wearing a festive Santa hat, summed it up perfectly: “This is the best Christmas party ever.”
Just when the celebrations couldn’t get any more joyful, a familiar figure stepped through the door — “Santa” himself. With a hearty laugh and a bag full of treats, he delivered popcorn to every campus home, adding one more layer of delight to an already unforgettable day.
There was another presence in all the homes — one responsible for the joy — the presence of our donors. You! Every smile, every moment of wonder, every burst of laughter happened because of caring friends like you. Whether you give through the mail, online or over the phone, your kindness creates memories the children will carry for a lifetime.
We made sure the cameras were rolling so you could witness the joy you helped bring to life in these final Christmas moments.
Watch the video and see the celebration for yourself.
From all of us at St. Joseph’s Indian School, philámayaye — thank you — for giving the Lakota boys and girls a Christmas overflowing with warmth, love and hope. God bless you for being part of their thiyóšpaye — extended family.
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