Article by Phoenix writer Elizabeth Kalin Tynan ’26
For the second time, Christmas at Kellenberg: A Kellenberg Family Event makes a successful return for annual merriment. Excited members of the Kellenberg Alumni Parent Association, current students, faculty and firebird families gathered in the Auditorium and the Firebird Center for Arts and Athletics on December 13, 2025, with a total of 600 guests in attendance.
The evening kicked off at 5:30 PM with a Mass for the Vigil of the 3rd Sunday of Advent. The Celebrant was Fr. Thomas A. Cardone, S.M.. His homily discussed the three aspects of a famous Christian acronym, JOY—Jesus, others, and then yourself, an order to follow when considering one’s priorities as a member of the Church.
Around 6:30 pm after Mass, the crowd moved to the FCAA for some characteristic “Firebird Fun”. In the main gymnasium, guests were presented with catering and raffles. There were also crafts, open bowling lanes, and bookstore sales, including custom ornaments on the first floor. Upstairs, Kellenberg offered professionally taken photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, as well as the company of some of the campus dogs, Magnus and Frassati. Students in chorus, band and orchestra provided entertainment while performing classic Christmas songs for those with a musical inclination for the essence of the celebration.
The night formally ended with a gathering outside of the FCAA. The small ceremony involved lighting the Christmas tree, prayer, and some more carols by the chorus. The FCAA’s snow machines were brought out and activated, but ended up becoming unnecessary because, yes, it actually began to snow!
Christmas celebrations at Kellenberg are “a longstanding tradition,” according to Mr. O’Brien, an organizer of the event. Previously during this time of year, Kellenberg would host a Christmas social exclusively for parents, but focus has shifted recently to align more closely with the universal meaning of the holiday. Mr. O’Brien describes the decision for the change: “Christmas is all about family, so we thought that inviting the families would give them a memorable experience of Kellenberg at Christmas.” However, a new role has been given to the parents specifically, in being the active staff of the function. Mr. O’Brien gives a big thank you to the Parents’ Club for setting up, helping at and breaking down the event.
Kellenberg plans to continue the event in the future, and keep its Christmas tradition alive through the greater Kellenberg family.
