Sub-Total: $0.00
Spread Christmas Joy to Families in Need
Support children and families in need by turning holiday wishes into reality.
What is Christmas Joy?
Christmas JOY is more than just a gift; it’s an opportunity to bring love, hope, and joy for Christmas to children who have experienced the profound loss of a parent. Through each child’s carefully chosen Christmas wish list, YOU, our community, become the hands and feet of this mission. Together, we make the holidays brighter for grieving families by delivering JOY when they need it most.
Here’s how it works: Gifts from the wish list are delivered to the front door of the child’s home. The surviving parent or caregiver wraps these thoughtful presents, creating a meaningful and personal holiday experience for the child. It’s a simple but powerful way to ensure they feel cherished and supported during a season that can often amplify grief.
Ways To Give Back
This Holiday Season
Whether you’re shopping, giving, or sharing, every act of kindness helps us bring light to families who are experiencing darkness. Together, we can spread joy for Christmas and remind them they are loved and not alone.
Shop for our Families
Donate & We’ll Shop For You
Share this Campaign
Isaiah 7:14
All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).
Matthew 1:21
“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
John 1:4-5
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Tennessee
Brynleigh
Sweet Brynleigh (4) survived a deadly car accident at the end of September this year, one that took her mom, Jenna’s life. Jenna and Bryn both loved the water. In their much too short time together on this earth, Jenna and Brynleigh spent a lot of time in the pool. They enjoyed going to Starbucks and reading books. Though Brynleigh knows Mommy is in Heaven watching over her, she's still sad and confused. The prayer the family has this Christmas is to shower Bryn with joy, love and affection.
Let’s be the answer to their prayer for Brynleigh this Christmas.
Montana
Dyk Family
Christmas is heavy for Fynnly (12), Scout (10) and Mack (8). Their dad, Kory, died unexpectedly from a heart condition on Christmas day 2022. They are our only family that did not experience loss this year, but given their story, it was important to wrap them in JOY this year. Their mom, Ashlynn, says that “because Kory died on Christmas, finding joy on Christmas can be challenging, but we remind ourselves that Kory was a gift for Jesus on Jesus’ birthday and that we can find comfort, peace, and hope in that.” Kory was like a big kid with lots of fun toys and hobbies that he shared with the kids. They spent many hours building Legos and running RC’s (radio controls) together. Kory was frequently found driving a tractor or an old, restored vehicle of some kind with the kids tagging along. They also enjoyed riding on tractors, ATVs, and dirtbikes with him. It was always an adventure! Kory also had a love of dinosaurs and Jurassic Park that he passed on to the kids.
Our hearts are full yet broken for this family. Let's remind them of the hope and joy in the promise of Christmas and give generously so they know there are still people all over the world thinking about them.
Maryland
Hofstetter Family
The ultimate girl dad, Kyle passed away at the end of August 2024 from a hard fought 5 year battle with fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare type of liver cancer. Ella (4) and Millie (2) spent a lot of time on the water with their dad - boating, fishing, and spending weekends at the beach. As they enter into this first Christmas season without their dad, their mom, Katie says “While we’ll be missing Kyle so much this holiday season, we’re so lucky to be surrounded by the best friends and family. Joy this season will come from our community who has rallied around us in both small and large ways to make our new norm a little less scary.”
Lets fill their stockings and tree with all the girly things that their dad cannot anymore. Let's be the light to bring them joy this Christmas, in Jesus name.
Texas
Horn Family
Big brother, Declan (9) and his little sister Ramey (4) lost their dad, Justin on June 16, 2024, Fathers Day. Justin lived almost four decades with Type 1 Diabetes and consistently conquered most health complications until June 15th met the 16th, and breathing complications prompted cardiac arrest while Declan and Ramey slept peacefully. Declan and Ramey miss their dad’s grilling, playing football together, running errands with music blasting, dancing, and snuggling on the couch, going off roading in his truck, playing dollhouse, and making smoothies together. Their mom, Angela, who is a school counselor and always taking care of others, says so eloquently, “Christmas joy, for our Horn Pack of [Forever] Four, is not defined by circumstances and never has been. It is in the idiosyncrasies of bearing witness to and experiencing each other’s worlds. Specifically for Christmas, our joy is in the reason for the season and all of the moments centered around that magic.”
We can hardly write her words without tears in our eyes. As we met Angela she was so moved that this was still Justin, from above, working to provide for his most beloved babies. Let's bring JOY to the joy givers so they feel it wrapped all around them this Christmas.
Massachusetts
Labonte Family
These 4 siblings, Sadie (12), Benji (11), Jaqueline (9) and Julian (6) lost their dad, George in April 2024 to Medullary Thyroid Cancer. George enjoyed watching all of his children at their sporting events, especially soccer. As a family they have many fond memories of traveling to WI and FL to visit family and other family vacations to Disney and New Hampshire. Together, they all loved reading different books together and then watching the movie of that particular book. George introduced his children to Star Wars and stove top popcorn. After an 8 year battle with cancer, it feels almost surreal that they are here preparing their first Christmas without their dad, but hopeful to still hang on to their favorite parts of the Holiday by spending time together. Their mom, Katie, says “my favorite part about Christmas is just spending time with my family and watching the smiles on my children’s faces! It reminds of being a child and just the simple joys that life brings at Christmas time. A time of being together and realizing the importance of family.”
Well Katie, this is exactly what we will give to your family. The gift of time together, we will take care of the rest. God Bless all of you, may you feel the blessings everywhere.
Tennessee
Noah
Noah (10) lost his hero, favorite playmate, coach, and best friend when his dad passed away unexpectedly in March of this year. His dad, Kevin, had a heart attack with no signs or symptoms, leaving the family in a state of shock, even still today. Since his passing, Noah struggles with wanting to do many activities that were special to him and his dad including hot wheel races, board/card games, and reading. For the past several years, Noah has been asking for a gaming device. His dad kept telling him “maybe when you’re 10.” Well, he’s 10 this year so he was very excited to send a letter to Santa asking for a Xbox, Minecraft, and Madden 19. His mom, Heidi says “Every child deserves Christmas joy! This mission is such a blessing to kids that need and deserve extra blessings! While we celebrate the birth of our Savior, it’s the joy of the season that reminds us of the hope and promise that we will see our loved ones again in Heaven!”
Joy Mission community lets come in BIG and get Noah his console and more! We look forward to Noah realizing even with Dad gone he still has people looking out for him. You deserve JOY this Christmas Noah, despite your circumstances, and we are going to deliver beyond your wildest dreams!.
Update: thank you to an anonymous donor who took care of the Xbox for Noah, the rest of his Christmas list is still posted below.
Tennessee
Powell Family
Lucy Pearl (LP) and Walker, both 6 years old and in Kindergarten, lost their dad, Matt to a rare gastric cancer in March 2024, just 10 months after he was diagnosed. Their mom Elizbeth says, “the past several months have been the hardest of our lives, we miss our Dad in every moment. Our first Christmas without him is hard to imagine and I am so grateful to have the support and kindness from The Joy Mission. Walker and LP were five when Matt went to live with Jesus so their sweet little hearts are still so full of love and happiness even in the midst of our grief; I am just so thankful they get to experience the kindness of others.”
Together, we are going to create JOY this Christmas morning for these two little children. So they can continue to bless their mom and others around them with childlike faith. Hallelujah.
Illinois
Walden Family
At the end of 2023, William “Billy” Walden died unexpectedly at age 46 leaving behind his wife, Katie and two boys Max (14) and Liam (11). Billy was a very involved, devoted and loving father to Max and Liam. He coached Max’s baseball teams and took both boys on many outdoor adventures. Their mom says “this past year has been extremely challenging for our family. We lost the heart and soul of our family - our rock. However, through this challenging time we have found JOY in being surrounded with unconditional love from our family, friends, and community.”
The road ahead for Max and Liam will not be an easy one, forever marked with grief, but we can be the light for them THIS Christmas. Let’s shop their Christmas lists to ensure they get their special gifts to help bring JOY on Christmas morning and beyond.
How To Support Those Dealing with
Grief During the Holidays
Supporting someone dealing with grief during the holidays can make a lasting impact. For many, the season is filled with memories and traditions that amplify their loss, making even small gestures feel deeply comforting. Show your care by listening without trying to fix things, allowing them to share stories or simply sit in silence. Offering practical help, like preparing a meal or running errands, can lift a burden and remind them they're not alone. Thoughtful acts—whether an encouraging note, inviting them to join a gathering, or simply being present—are powerful ways to bring warmth and support through the holiday season.
Contact Us If You Need More Support