Washington Wizards star Khris Middleton spent his evening pouring into the community as part of his annual 12 Days of Khrismas celebration. 12 Days of Khrismas is an initiative where Middleton completes at least 12 acts of service to uplift communities. The initiative precedes his time in Washington, but he carried it over to D.C. with a holiday camp for fathers and their children.
Hosted in partnership with Martha’s Table’s District Dads program, the event brought families together for basketball drills, Q&A sessions, meaningful conversations, and giveaways that many of the young participants may never forget. Khris Middleton, who has been in Washington for less than a year, said the turnout and energy from local families made the night especially meaningful as he continues to establish roots in a new community.
During our one-on-one conversation, Khris Middleton opened up about why events like this resonate deeply with him. He reflected on the importance of fatherhood, the value of giving kids access to athletes they admire, and how grounding himself in service keeps him connected beyond the game. For Middleton, these events are not just holiday gestures, they are part of a long-standing commitment to using his platform to uplift families.
“I was a kid once…to sit down and talk to an NBA player was something I wish I had the chance to do,” Middleton said.
He went on to share how his own upbringing shaped his desire to remain present and engaged in the lives of young people.
“I had a great dad who was heavily involved in my life, not just in sports, but on and off the court. Seeing fathers be present for their kids is what it’s all about,” Middleton shared.
That message was evident throughout the camp, where fathers and their children participated side by side making memories together. From laughter during drills to candid conversations during the Q&A with Middleton, the event emphasized the importance of quality time, something he hopes families carry with them long after the holiday season.
The evening blended basketball, family, and community-building, highlighting the impact professional athletes can have when they show up intentionally. For many kids, meeting an NBA player felt larger than life. For many fathers, it was an opportunity to bond in a setting that celebrated their presence.
Middleton’s continued commitment to 12 Days of Khrismas reinforces the idea that giving back doesn’t require grand gestures, it requires consistency, compassion, and a willingness to pour into the next generation.
Watch my full one-on-one interview with Khris Middleton here: