For more than 20 years, Saint Ignatius College Prep has helped bring Christmas joy to the students of Walter S. Christopher School on Chicago’s South Side.
The tradition of Christopher Christmas has grown into a meaningful way for Saint Ignatius students to participate in service and to spread joy. Christopher Christmas reminds busy Saint Ignatius students that small acts of kindness, like choosing a gift for a child, can have a real impact.
Christopher Christmas is one of Saint Ignatius’s most cherished traditions, but many students don’t know how the process works or how they can participate. Saint Ignatius partners with The Christopher School, a CPS school serving differently abled and special education students in an inclusive setting. Every Saint Ignatius student is encouraged to take a wish card from the table in the Link and shop for a Christopher student. Donated gifts are collected so they can be delivered on time for the event.
Students who want to be more involved can travel to The Christopher School on December 4th to distribute gifts, make crafts, and bring holiday cheer for all of the kids. Over 100 Ignatius students, faculty, and staff participate each year, creating a community-wide celebration of generosity.
“Christopher Christmas is known as one of the most joyful days of the year for both the Christopher students and the Saint Ignatius students who volunteer”. Alex Katris said.
“At Saint Ignatius, we make sure everyone can take part by offering wish-cards at all lunch periods and keeping the price range reasonable. Students can choose a card that fits their budget, and no one is pressured to take more than they can handle. Our partnership has lasted so long because both schools truly value the relationship,” said Anna Stuart, senior Student Council President.Christopher Christmas volunteers value their friendships and relationships they form through this beautiful day, excited to volunteer again the following year.
Christopher Christmas is more than a holiday event, it’s a chance for Ignatius students to pause, reflect, and remember to give back. “I decided to participate because I had heard from people who participated in the past that it was an experience that changed their perspective and I wanted to see what it was like,” senior Ale Barry said.
Students return year after year because the experience is meaningful and easy to fit into their busy schedules. With intentions to serve the Christopher school, students receive so much joy in return. This experience sparks Christmas spirit throughout the Ignatius community.
“Last year I went to Christopher Christmas and was put in a classroom with older kids. Seeing them open the gifts and begin to play with them made me very happy and grateful for what I have”. Said Barry.
Whether someone buys a gift, volunteers at the school, or simply spreads the word, there is a place for every member of the Wolfpack to contribute.
Senior Emmy Blase said, “It was really fun. I helped students open gifts, played games, and spent time in their classrooms, and the best moment was seeing a student’s face light up when they opened their gift”.
Anyone can help make this season bring by picking up a wish list card from the table in the Link during lunch periods this week. Gifts are collected before Thanksgiving Break. Senior Emmy Blase said, “I really enjoyed buying fun gifts for the kids, knowing that it would brighten their day”.
