Christmas, Perhaps Means a Little Bit More!

Earlier this week I began to write my blog about the complexities of dealing with ambiguity and felt it an apt post for this time of year. December at school (or in life in general) is a time when the excitement of upcoming holidays is often coupled with a feeling of exhaustion due to a number of items still requiring focus and hard work right up until the end of the semester. 

Having said that, I came into to school yesterday and I knew immediately upon arrival that I needed to change my blog topic.

As I walked in I passed a clothesline of socks being hung with care by Vianney icon and pseudo St. Nick--Charlie Walsh.  The socks were to serve as encouragement to our student-body of the good they could do for others while simultaneously doing "damage" to their rival grade levels. 

Metaphorically, the socks represent a tradition at Vianney that has existed for more than 20 years thanks to the help of the Lettermen's Club, Charlie Walsh and Paul Rhame.  They represent an important part of our culture--bringing service, justice, and peace to those MOST in need during this holiday season--kids!  The beauty of the Vianney Toys for Tots Fundraiser is both in its simplicity and reciprocity.


Students compete by grade level, trying to raise more money then the other classes by donating change, often pockets and pockets, of change, in to empty snack barrels.

Coins counts against your class, paper money adds to your team total. The prize at the end....Bragging Rights! And a lesson that "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." 

Traditionally this Annual Vianney display of service for others has raised between $5k-$10k with all funds going to purchase toys for children who otherwise might not have as spirited a Christmas as most of our families. Children who our students never get to meet, faces they never get to see--our students' only solace is the satisfaction of helping those who could not help themselves this Christmas season.

The extra joy also comes from the Saturday morning shopping spree!  Teenage boys frequently become consumed with societal perceptions of what it means to "Be a Man" or at least an adolescent, high school boy.  Egos, attitudes, and selfish wants can become part of any teenage boys' persona, but not on that one Saturday morning.  For a couple of hours our Lettermen's Club will shop till they drop, racing up and down aisles, grabbing toys ranging from Monster Trucks and Tractors to Barbie Dolls, teddy bears, bicycles, and Play-Dough!  

Nearby shoppers will frequently remark how respectful our students are and how much joy and laughter they exude while shopping for other children. Stories of Christmases past and reminiscing about their favorite childhood toy usually occurs. Smiles will extend on their faces as they purchase make-up sets and princess play-sets, board games and basketballs.  So much fun will occur that at least for a few small moments our students almost forget they are shopping for others and the spirit of Christmas slowly fills their hearts!  As our students head to the checkout counters with cart after cart of Christmas toys it's in that moment when I often realize just as the Grinch once did that, "Christmas perhaps doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!"

All of this hit me hard this week and I am very thankful it did. It forced me to realize that I had let the busyness and complexities of work cloud the things that mean the most: the importance of assisting and supporting those who are less fortunate than us, the unique spirit of community in which we exist, and a genuine appreciation for the people with whom I am surrounded.

Suffice to say, this post is an opportunity for me to say thank you: to our staff, our students, our alumni, and families for believing in and supporting Vianney in so many ways.

I hope that everyone has a joyful Christmas Season. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Thank you for the many gifts you bring to our school, to our Vianney family, and to me on a daily basis!