A San Diego holiday tradition with an unusual name is gearing up for another year of surprising struggling families with everything from furnished homes to groceries and gifts. Breaking and Entering Christmas, now in its fourth decade, is preparing to open nominations next week for the 2026 edition of an event that volunteers quite literally sneak into a family's home to transform it before the holidays.
A Radio Legend's Idea Grows Into a Movement
The tradition traces back to Radio Hall of Famer Little Tommy Sablan, who had an idea to bring the magic of Christmas to a deserving family, according to Fox 5 San Diego. That idea first took shape in 1996, per calibbq.media, and has since ballooned far beyond its original scope. Sablan was elected to the National Radio Hall of Fame alongside Jeff and Jer in 2016, as noted by Ranch & Coast Magazine.
Three decades later, the event has grown to include dozens of individuals and Sablan's friends, Fox 5 San Diego reports. What began as a small gesture among friends has become a cherished San Diego institution, with Sablan himself estimating that the effort has helped hundreds and hundreds of families over the years, the station's report notes.
How the 'Break-In' Actually Works
The concept behind the name is straightforward: organizers and volunteers enter participating homes with permission while families are away, stocking the space with essentials and presents before the family returns to find their home transformed. The event brings together local businesses, volunteers and community leaders who surprise deserving families with life-changing gifts just days before Christmas, per the same account. Assistance has ranged from fully furnished homes and groceries to toys, clothing and financial support for families facing hardship.
Past recipients illustrate just how far the generosity can stretch. One nominated family, according to a account from Adam Montiel, included a grandmother in her 70s who had taken in two children after both of their parents died within months of each other. Organizers helped get that grandmother into a newer, dependable car after her previous one had failed to pass smog for four years, the same source notes.
The 25th Anniversary and a Big Reveal
For the tradition's 25th year in 2021, Sablan chose a nomination letter describing 47 kids living together in Chula Vista, according to calibbq.media. Food, a Christmas tree, suitcases, bikes and toys were delivered to that surprised group of 47 kids in need on Dec. 8, 2021, the outlet reported. That year's Breaking and Entering Drive-Thru Christmas was sponsored by Frank Motors Group, per the same report.
How to Nominate a Family for 2026
Looking ahead to this year, the public will be able to nominate families for the 2026 event starting Nov. 1 through Nov. 24 on kusi.com, Fox 5 San Diego reports. Organizers say more information about this year's event will be released in November. The broadcast itself is set for Saturday, Dec. 12, when KUSI is scheduled to air Breaking and Entering Christmas throughout the morning starting at 6 a.m., according to the station.
