There is something deeply warm and lasting about giving a gift … the joy of choosing it, the anticipation of a loved one’s smile and the quiet happiness that comes from giving from the heart.
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we want our Lakota (Sioux) students to experience that feeling for themselves. We want them to know the joy of giving to others, to hold onto that joy and carry it with them long after they leave St. Joseph’s. By creating opportunities like the Christmas Store, we are instilling the value of generosity, not just so our students become cheerful givers, but because Jesus calls us to be.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
The first two weeks of December are always filled with extra sparkle at St. Joseph’s, and this year was no exception. Giggles, enthusiasm and the true spirit of Christmas filled the whole campus as our students participated in one of the most beloved traditions of the season: St. Joseph’s Christmas Store.
During early December, students traveled downtown to the St. Joseph’s Thrift Store, transformed into a festive Christmas Store just for them. Each student received seven tickets to choose seven special gifts, donated from friends like you, for the people they love most. And they didn’t rush through it. Every gift was picked with thought, intention and so much heart.
“We are spreading kindness and joy,” one St. Joseph’s student shared with a thoughtful smile.
From tools for dads, grandpas and uncles to cozy blankets, perfume and makeup for moms, grandmas and aunties, the shelves were full of meaningful choices. There were toys of every kind for siblings and cousins, and decorations perfect for making homes feel warm and bright.
The joy from our students was contagious.
Kimimila, greeted everyone with enthusiasm: “Welcome to the Christmas Store! This is the best day of my life!” Later she added, “I got so many cool things!” Another student, named Heavenly, carefully chose a soft blanket for her mom. Veronica proudly held up her gifts: a screwdriver for her grandpa and “cute little socks” for her mom. Dominic looked around in amazement and said simply, “There are so many things you can choose from!”
Once shopping concluded, the celebration continued as St. Joseph’s volunteers gathered to wrap the gifts. Tables were filled with paper, bows and tape and even more Christmas spirit! One student couldn’t contain it anymore and announced, “It’s time to wrap our gifts!”
Our volunteers loved every minute of it. Witnessing such genuine generosity on the students’ faces made every wrapped gift even more meaningful.
Michelle, a St. Joseph’s Indian School staff member, said, “Helping students wrap their presents is something I look forward to every year. It’s in these moments, the heart of why we are here to teach a skill, listen closely and show them they matter.”
The St. Joseph’s Christmas Store isn’t just about gifts. It’s about teaching generosity, thoughtfulness and love. It’s about children discovering the happiness that comes from giving and carrying that spirit with them far beyond the holiday season … all because of caring friends around the world who gave so they could do the same.
And that is what makes this tradition so magical.
Learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School by visiting stjo.org.
