CDH Brings Annual Christmas Party Tradition to Community of Saints Children
December 17, 2024
On Friday, December 13, the Cretin-Derham Hall Lasallian Youth group continued its long-standing tradition of bringing Christmas joy to the Community of Saints school. For over 40 years, Cretin, Derham Hall, and CDH students have celebrated the holiday season with preschool and kindergarten children at this annual Christmas party.
This year’s festivities included building gingerbread houses, playing games, reading stories, singing songs, visiting Santa, and sharing gifts with the children. For CDH students, the experience was as meaningful and joyful as it was for the children from COS.
For Rebecca Medellin ’88, a CDH Spanish teacher and graduate of St. Matt’s grade school—which eventually merged with other schools to form Community of Saints—this event holds special significance. “For me, as well as for other graduates of COS, it is always rewarding to give back to the grade school that helped to shape our youth,” she shared.
Medellin’s favorite moment was seeing the children’s excitement when meeting Santa. “I also enjoy seeing our students interacting with the COS students… it’s a memory that both parties will share and remember.”
Mark Loeffler ’25, a returning participant, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “I had gone to the Community of Saints Christmas party my sophomore and junior year, and I was excited to participate for a third year because of the preschoolers at COS. They are always so fun to be around, and they bring me so much joy when they open up the gifts we bring them.”
Bridget Bower ’25 reflected on the event’s impact, both for the COS children and for herself. “Participating in the Christmas party was a good way to extend the joy of Christmas to young people in the community. Some of my friends also went, making it a really fun time together.” She added, “My favorite part was getting to know my kindergarten partner; he went from shy to excited by the end of the party. I was glad I could make a good impact.”
Medellin highlighted how the event has become a cherished tradition for both communities. “This is something the kindergartners look forward to, and it truly makes a difference. CDH students find immense joy in this event, leaving with hearts full of warmth and gratitude.”