What is at the core of the holiday season? It’s not gifts, or stockings, or festive songs. The core is the idea of charity and compassion. While you might celebrate your holidays in a warm house with bountiful food and expensive gifts, there are many out there who are lucky to have a coat during these frigid months. The children at the Roberto Clemente Elementary school in Paterson do not have the luxuries that the kids in our school have. Señora Angela Rodriguez, a Spanish teacher here at Ramapo, is the head of our annual Holiday Fest. This is what she has to say about the event, “The Holiday Festival is very dear to me because not only our students and community perform a good deed by opening our school to the children of Roberto Clemente School from Paterson having them enjoy a wonderful day of gifts, play and sharing of the magic of the Holidays, but, in giving that to the RC children, our Ramapo students get much more in return as they get to experience cultural understanding and the gratitude and the joy of the recipients.”

Holiday Fest is a celebration where the children from Roberto Clemente come to Ramapo and are treated to holiday charity through presents, shows, music, and food. There are many components that make up Holiday Fest: a holiday sing-a-long, a festive musical, gift giving (bought by “elves,” who are seniors that volunteer to bring joy to the children), games, treats, and more. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to give these boys and girls a time to celebrate. Mary Regan, a director of the Holiday Fest musical, says, “The significance of holiday fest is to bring the Holiday spirit and joy of the holiday season to those who may not be as fortunate. We live in a very privileged area where we are able to have these larger than life experiences and gifts while many people aren’t given that opportunity. Holiday fest gives us the opportunity to spread holiday cheer.” 

Another director of the show, senior Gabby Tanen says, “The Holiday Fest play is so important for these kids entering our school. For the most part, this is their first time ever seeing a live show. Giving those students their first play is such a lovely experience. These kids are seeing their favorite characters on stage for the first time while learning a lesson about compassion. I believe that music is so influential, and sharing our love of music with these kids helps spark a love of music in them. At every show, I always take away the look on their faces as they see a princess they recognize and shout and sing along with us.”

Holiday Fest took place on December 8th and was a great success! The show went swimmingly as children got to see princesses like Ariel, Belle, and Aurora come to life. Santa and Mrs. Claus met with the kids while the hard working elves and escorts made sure everyone was safe and happy. The presents the children received brought a school full of smiles. It couldn’t have gone better, and we can’t wait for next year’s holiday fest!

During this holiday season, take the time to appreciate all the gifts you get and the life you get to live. People like the Roberto Clemente children are less fortunate than us and can always use a little bit of hope.