Christmas Charity event initiative in Jaco Beach is redefining the holiday season for local children by focusing on joy, community, and love. A Canadian who has lived in Costa Rica for six years, Gordon has made it his mission to create meaningful Christmas experiences for children in need. This year, his efforts culminated in a heartwarming event at El Gato Negro Coffee Shop and Street Food Restaurant, a beloved local spot known for its community spirit.
On December 25, Gordon brought together local businesses, charitable organizations, and volunteers to provide food, gifts, and a sense of belonging for children in Jacó Beach. The event served as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: connection, generosity, and love.
A Day of Giving at El Gato Negro
El Gato Negro Coffee Shop and Street Food Restaurant played a central role in this initiative, offering its space for the celebration. The cozy venue was transformed into a festive haven where children could gather, laugh, and enjoy a hearty Christmas meal. Gordon worked with local organizations to provide everything needed for the event, from food to small gifts that brought smiles to the children’s faces.
“El Gato Negro is more than a restaurant—it’s a cornerstone of the Jacó Beach community,” Gordon explained. “Their support allowed us to give these kids the care and attention they deserve during the holidays.”
The event highlighted the power of community, as individuals and businesses came together to support Gordon’s vision. Laughter and joy filled the space, creating moments the children are unlikely to forget.
Why December 25 Was the Chosen Day
In Costa Rica, Christmas Eve is traditionally the main day of celebration. Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and attend midnight Mass, known as La Misa de Gallo. While these celebrations bring warmth and connection, December 25 is often quieter, with many families winding down after the excitement of the night before.
Gordon saw this as an opportunity to create something special for children who might otherwise feel left out.
“December 25 is when the world celebrates Christmas. In the past, children didn’t have access to the Internet and social media. In the culture we live in today, families don’t typically do much on December 25. I want to change this habit in Costa Rican culture because children now see the world celebrating online. They are exposed to this so-called perfect life through false, happy videos made to gain views online. They see these incredible, happy families with perfect homes and so many gifts.
This hurts children and fosters jealousy within them. That envy builds layers of pain—’Why don’t we have this kind of Christmas?’—and leads them to resent their families for not being wealthy or having a Christmas like that. My goal is to help children in this country feel loved and happy on December 25.”
By creating a positive experience on December 25, Gordon hopes to shift the focus from materialism to love and community. His goal is to ensure that no child feels inadequate because of what they see on social media or in curated portrayals of the holiday.
What Christmas Means in Costa Rica
Christmas in Costa Rica is deeply rooted in family and faith. Homes are adorned with nativity scenes, or portales, featuring handcrafted figurines. The holiday season is filled with traditions like making tamales, drinking rompope, and gathering with loved ones. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a cherished ritual, followed by celebrations that stretch into the early hours of December 25.
For many children, however, the rise of social media has added a layer of complexity to the holiday. Images and videos showcasing lavish celebrations can amplify feelings of inadequacy, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds. Gordon’s event aimed to counteract this trend by creating a space where children could feel valued and loved, regardless of their circumstances.
A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience
Gordon’s passion for helping children during Christmas stems from his own challenging childhood. Growing up in a low-income family, he experienced the emotional toll of not having enough during the holidays.
“I was a child from a poor family. Government-assigned families would pretend to be my family at Christmas to help us. We had nothing, and it became a painful memory for me. It’s what drove me to do bad things as a young person, trying to help my mother create a better Christmas. No child deserves to feel that way or to feel responsible for saving their family.”
These memories shaped Gordon’s commitment to creating positive, joyful experiences for children who might otherwise feel excluded during the holiday season.
The Power of Community in Jacó Beach
The success of the event at El Gato Negro underscores the impact that a united community can have. Local businesses, organizations, and volunteers worked together to make Gordon’s vision a reality. Providing not just food and gifts, but also a sense of belonging for the children.
“Jacó Beach is a special place where people come together to support one another,” Gordon shared. “This event showed how much we can accomplish when we focus on love and generosity.”
Looking Ahead: Building a New Tradition
Gordon hopes to make this event an annual tradition, inspiring others to rethink how they celebrate Christmas. By focusing on community and compassion. He aims to build a culture where children feel valued and loved, free from the pressures of comparison and materialism.
For more details about Daniel Gordon’s inspiring work, visit TicoCR. Stay tuned to Costa Rica Socialite for more stories about individuals making a positive impact in our communities.
