The Christmas Bazaar: An Inclusive Event

David and Mercedes Rizzo share their family's experience with helping young adults with special needs at a parish Christmas Bazaar.

At this time of the year, you might attend or participate in a Christmas Bazaar, also referred to as a Festive Fair or Holiday Market. At these events people will sell things to raise money for an organization.

Special-needs ministry: a gift to families and young people

We are fortunate that our parish has a special needs adult ministry that provides activities our daughter enjoys. The group referred to as Caritas participated in this year’s bazaar and sold craft items. Our daughter Danielle, who has autism, and some of her friends volunteered a short amount of time to help out. She and her friends also volunteered to help make the crafts that they were selling. Danielle is not independent in this task and assistance is needed, but her contribution is important, nonetheless.

It is important as a learning opportunity for her and others in how to sell items at a bazaar, the skills of working a table, and interacting with people socially. Further, it teaches how she can be a part of the parish and someone who supports the Caritas ministry.

null

The bazaar was a hoppin’ place. There was something for everyone and many tables besides ours. It was very festive. Christmas tunes were played on the piano and there was a grand entrance on a fire truck from Old Saint Nick. Many smiling faces young and old as children sat on Santa’s lap and people made purchases for those they love.

Danielle had a huge smile on her face for the opportunity to give of herself and join in with the parish community. These opportunities are often lacking for people with special needs. It is wonderful to witness her interaction (she is non-verbal) with people who greeted her or just knew her and said hello.

Special-needs ministry: a gift to the parish

This season is a time of gift giving and we observed how the Caritas group is a gift to the parish. This became apparent when people stopped by the table and were touched to see the items that were made and the pride in making the crafts and the happiness of the young people for being included. Moreover, the innocence and holiness displayed by the young people with special needs reflected to the parish the image and likeness of God within them.

In the Gospels, Jesus often encounters people who he helped on more than one occasion. Jesus teaches that we are obligated to see Him in them. These people often faced challenges of some sort including epilepsy and blindness. We are given the opportunity to see Christ in them today. The Holiday Bazaar was such an opportunity.

As Tiny Tim says, “God bless us, every one!”

null

Christmas can be a stressful time for families of people with special needs. Ordinary routines are rearranged or suspended. The season can be hectic with shopping, parties and guests. The true meaning of Christmas can often be forgotten. For people of faith, the central focus of Christmas is the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas and other religious holidays are an opportunity to seek God in our daily lives and relationships. When we celebrate joyous occasions, we are affirming the presence of God in the world and the mystery of the Incarnation.

null

The beautiful words of the Christmas song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne reminds us of this great mystery and seems a fitting way to end our reflection.