Many people spend the holiday season gathering with family and friends, celebrating the birth of Jesus by enjoying conversation, good food and the spirit of giving. It’s a time of traveling to visit loved ones, bringing young and old together to strengthen family bonds.
Some people, however, spend the holiday alone.
For 36 years, several people in Oconto Falls have worked together to provide a home-cooked meal and camaraderie for anyone wishing to celebrate Christmas Day with others.
The dinner is held annually at the Oconto Falls Senior Center, serving from 150 to 160 people at the site, with an additional 50 or 60 take-out orders.
The meal prepared Thursday included baked chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls and beverages. A number of pies were offered for dessert, along with ice cream.
Promptly at noon, everyone rose, held hands and silently gave thanks.
“The food is really good,” said Cathy Heaney, Oconto Falls, who attended the dinner for the second time. She volunteered before that until an eye condition made it impossible for her to help.
Dan Hrabek, also of Oconto Falls, agreed enthusiastically. “Everything is fantastic. They do a really good job,” he said.
“Excellent!” said local resident Mary Weeks, who attended for the first time this year. “And appreciated!”
Holiday corsages were passed out at the door, along with a name tag. Each table had a centerpiece that was raffled off after the meal.
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