A Season of Joy, Inclusion, and Holiday Magic

As the holidays wind down, we’re still feeling the cheer all around, reminiscing on a particularly magical day in December. Rooms full of smiles, laughter, and joy, as friends and families gathered to celebrate the season and our community. In collaboration with the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance, we hosted our annual Triangle Family Holiday Party. A time we truly look forward to every year, though this gathering in particular felt especially jolly with new, fun surprises we introduced together. With the merry reactions and palpable wonder that these additions evoked, they may just become seasonal traditions for us all.

Partygoers gathered in from the cold into Shepherd’s Church in Cary, greeted by our amazing volunteers dressed in their festive best, from dazzling antler headbands to cozy sweaters. Upon being welcomed in, the itinerary was fully left up to our friends and how they wanted to spend their day. The first activity was featured front and center, a fully stocked hot cocoa bar ready to be customized with marshmallows, sipped, and enjoyed. Followed by an array of snacks, kids of all ages to adults visit this section throughout the party for refreshments in between the fun. The sweetness continued over at our sugar cookie decorating station, frosting of all colors and sprinkles of different shapes and sizes were featured across the tables. Participants selected their cookies and got to designing, baking up wonderful creations of all kinds. Across the way, we got quite crafty at the custom ornament section. Glittery paints and brushes were carefully selected to uniquely make one-of-a-kind goodies that everyone could take home to remember the celebrations. Reindeer games awaited; bundles of energy raced gleefully around all corners of the room playing bowling, foosball, inflatable ring toss, and dancing to the holiday music throughout the venue. Many friends also had some special requests this time of year, writing them down to share at the ‘Letters to Santa’ station. From toys to puppies, wish lists were placed in the official North Pole mailbox to deliver to the big man himself. Or, perhaps, they could meet him and another surprise guest around the corner…

Santa and Mrs. Claus make sure to stop by the Triangle Family Holiday Party every year, though this time, they sent two familiar faces who they knew would spread just as much cheer. Sam and Sophie, two of our amazing volunteers with Down Syndrome, happily dressed up in the iconic red, velvety uniforms to really shine a light on the true meaning of this day. From the second they stepped into the role, the bright energy and mystical essence they naturally exuded were felt by all. This representation was not previously announced and was only revealed during the moment of meeting. Whether a fast-paced dash straight into their laps, or a calm, gentle shake of hands, the absolute excitement and surprise were palpable from both the children and parents. A surplus of moments filled with sweet chats and sentimental interactions, all were happy to be meeting these holiday icons, though it was something much more than this that made an impact far beyond the day. Sam and Sophie granted the gift of being included, seen, and represented. Our participants and families got to feel exactly what it is that our organization and those like NCDSA are on a mission to do, building a world where people with Down syndrome are embraced and celebrated in every way, everywhere. To wrap a bow around it all, we made a montage to capture and remember the essence of this, posting it to our Instagram (@gigisplayhouseraleigh), which has now gathered over 800,000 views, 81,000 likes, and messages of support from all over the globe. What a beautiful sign that this world we envision is truly being built!