About

Who We Are

Jared Anderson

Jared Anderson is a singer/songwriter in Colorado Springs, CO. He is a recording artist and worship leader, and former member of New Life Worship and the Desperation Band. Jared has written many hit songs such as Great I Am and Amazed.

In 2015, Jared visited South Africa and God stirred in him a desire to use his platform to shine a spotlight on the Down syndrome and special needs community. He created a variety show originally called 15th of December, which was later renamed Christmas This Year, to give kids with Down syndrome an opportunity to share their gifts on the big stage.

Jared and his wife Megan live in Monument, CO with their six kids Everett, Beckett, Francie, Lyla, John and Christine and their two dogs, Baby and Jenny.

The Creative Team and Support Crew

The creative team behind Christmas This Year is made up of friends of Jared and Megan. The team meets throughout the year to plan, dream and put together a show that celebrates the Down syndrome and special needs community and highlights the unique gifts they have to offer Colorado Springs.

The live band, production crew, singers, dancers and costumes are all a part of the team behind the show. Each person involved has a heart for celebrating the special needs community and is an important part of the success of Christmas This Year.

Local businesses sponsor the show as a way to invest in the beautiful ethos of our city and champion a marginalized and often overlooked part of our community.

AndersonFamily

9 Years and Counting

Each year the show changes a little bit. Each year the momentum grows. Each year more people get to experience the beautiful gifts of our Down syndrome community.

How it started...

After a life changing trip in 2015, Jared began dreaming about what he could do in Colorado Springs to show people that Down syndrome is not a condition to fear but to celebrate. That year a small group of us started a Christmas variety show to highlight the gifts and talents of individuals with Down Syndrome. We had a dream and a few ideas.

How it's going...

In 2022, 40 dancers performed three sold out shows at the ENT Center for the Arts. More than 30 volunteers helped produce the event. And best of all, we raised nearly $200,000 to support the work of Club 21 and raise awareness about the unique gifts of the Down syndrome and special needs community.

Volunteer With Us

The show is a success because of our many volunteers who give of their time and talents to make it happen. Do you want to be a part? We'd love to have you!
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