Christmas 2025 - Hope for Holidays

I think it is widely known that Amy goes crazy for Christmas. I love making the house a magical wonderland and to their credit my family has allowed me to keep many of our traditions alive -- ie: presents are opened CHRISTMAS MORNING; Santa brings gifts; EVERY room has at least one Christmas decoration in it... etc.   I normally begin a countdown of "how many days until I start decorating"; this year, I have so far not been much in the mood.

I've lost a lot of faith in humanity. 

I'd like to regain my belief that human beings are called to walk through life with empathy. 

Today, across our planet, there are more human beings without state than any other time in recorded history.  The natural migration of human beings is exacerbated by the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few; by changes in global temperatures impacting water supply; and by human greed.  It is also fueled by the innate human desire to survive. As a descendant of a refugee, I am paying attention. 

I am blessed with a large extended family; I have the privilege of being part of this family and sharing in their joy.  Many of us have been learning together about our immigrant ancestor  - Anne Hoey - and have been touched deeply by her courage and her will to survive. 

Anne came her at the age of 12, alone - an unaccompanied minor- landing in New York City in August of 1847,  She found work and love and built a family.  at one point, she lived in this building (found address in a bank account at the Emigrant Saving Bank in New York)

Others deserve the opportunity to survive and thrive. 

I ask my extended family to find space in their busy lives to help current refugees coming to our country.

This Thanksgiving, many of us will gather and I suggest we find a way to be together in spirit and honor Anne Hoey and her refugee story.  

Please join the De Groff and work with Baltimore based Global Refugee to make a happy Christmas for new American residents - Hope for the Holidays. 

As you gather on the 27th of November, set aside an hour to make Christmas cards. Decorate them with pictures, glitter (I love glitter) and stories of our family.  

• please make holiday cards for refugees spending their first December in America;
• with pride and an open heart, share your stories, your hopes and our best wishes with them; and yes,
• many of them may not celebrate Christmas but they will receive our hope for their future

When you are done collect them and send them as directed in instructions above.  And know that this December, a refugee, like Anne Hoey, will feel the kindness and grace of our family. 

  

Most importantly, take pictures of your crafting and send them to me - I will post them to this blog post