January 18, 2024

While our kids enjoyed time off from school for the holidays, our coworkers made sure that they had plenty of fun and enriching activities to keep them occupied, learning, and making great memories. We have shared a few of them below.

Polar Express

Our young women enjoyed a magical trip to meet Santa on the Polar Express train ride at Chicago’s Union Station! They relived the classic Christmas story during a one-hour trip to the “North Pole,” receiving hot chocolate and cookies for the ride. Santa and his helpers boarded the train to pass out the traditional silver sleigh bell. The trip included caroling and other onboard entertainment. All of our kids had a wonderful time!

Christkindlmarket

Over the holiday break, some of our young men and coworkers took a trip to the Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville. The holiday season gives our coworkers opportunities to make new traditions with our kids and introduce them to new experiences. Taking in all of the festive sights and sensations of Chicago’s Christkindlmarket (and the famous “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field) is surely a special new tradition in the making.

The boys tried some new food and indulged in some old favorites, including Nutella. The coworkers particularly enjoyed seeing our kids have the chance to be kids! This is the magic and beauty of being part of the Mercy Home community—seeing our young people experience the pure joy that childhood should bring!

Kwanzaa Celebration

Our young men closed out the old year and kicked of the new one by celebrating Mercy Home’s first-ever Kwanzaa event. Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. The kids learned about Kwanzaa’s symbols and their meanings, and its seven principles, which include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). 

Additionally, Joi Basley, director of young adult programs, gave an informative talk to our boys about how they can apply principles from Kwanzaa to their lives. 

We are incredibly grateful to all our coworkers who work hard to make sure our kids had a magical holiday season!