On Saturday, Dec. 9, the women of the Cooleemee Senior Citizens Christmas Club had the annual Christmas luncheon for seniors of Cooleemee at the Presbyterian Church.

Even though white snow was softly falling as the event took place, the room was full of happy and safe seniors who weren’t afraid to get out in the cold weather.

Ham, barbecue and all the fixings were on the menu including an orange sickle cake that seemed to be popular.

Santa, portrayed by Bill Campbell, was a bit disgruntled by not getting a piece of that delicious cake made by Judy Phillips and he gave her a jolly good talking to about that. Of course, Phillips didn’t miss a come back by saying she got the last piece with a chuckle.

The guests got a kick out of that.

     Everyone seemed to be in rare form.

James Ridenour spoke to Santa about where his beautiful wife was and could he have a hug. Seemed Santa wasn’t quick to hand out an OK, so Ridenhour said: “I’ll just get one anyway.” So as he proceeded across the room to get a warm holiday hug, the room was full of laughter.

Ridenhour of course was hugging a family member by his late wife, Pauline Gales Athey Ridenhour, their niece, Pat Campbell.

Santa at one point was having so much fun, his feet rose above the floor about a foot.  As always, he had cute remarks to the guests that made everyone laugh.

Gail Bivins, with her sweet sounding soprano voice, led the singing of Christmas Carols and even had a hand held lead by Santa in dance as she sang.

Joy, hugs, laughter, heart-felt stories and the warmth of seeing friends once again filled the room.

Stepping out into the fresh air seemed like we all stepped into a snow globe.  Big, fluffy snowflakes were softly drifting to the ground and surely set a tone of the Christmas holiday.

Martha Jerome’s birthday was that same day and what a bonus it must have been to be surrounded by such positive energy and a winter wonderland to top it off.

Friday, Dec. 15, the town of Cooleemee is sponsoring a free hayride through town to sing carols and look at all the houses that are decorated for Christmas.

Cookies, s’mores and hot cocoa will be served at the Zachary House with fire pits glowing to keep us warm and snuggly.

‘Tis the season to be jolly.  Merry Christmas Everyone.