Hosted by Temple Beth Shalom, Melrose and held at the Green Street Baptist Church the party began around 12:30 on Christmas day.
The tables had been set up by the Temple volunteers the previous day. Colorful plates and green and red adornments were a welcoming sight when people started arriving. Those that called ahead and needed transportation were picked up by Temple members.
The drink table was set up with coffee, cider, egg nog and water, plain and sparkling.
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There were plates of carrots and celery to dip and Dunkin Donuts holes and Hershey kisses to snack on .
The kitchen crew were busy at the ovens as people greeted people, standing and sitting around the hall.
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First course was either clam chowder donated by Turner's or minestrone soup.
The main course was turkey, stuffing, squash, mashed potato , gravy , green beans and cranberry sauce. Rolls and butter were on the tables .Drinks were served by volunteers that kept moving around and chatting with the people. There were seconds for any one that wanted more.
Desserts were pies, cakes, and cookies to choose from and enjoy. There was the music of the piano and singing by members and children.
And finally as guests started to leave there were take home boxes of food for anyone that wanted to enjoy another meal later or the next day.
There were gift bags for everyone on the way out as smiles and thank you could be heard by everyone.
A wonderful tradition that has been carried on by the volunteers of the Temple,the Baptist Church and the support of many of the donations by the local stores and shops in the area.
It was a day to remember for those that might have been alone on this holiday. May the New Year remind us that being together and spreading joy will bring us peace.
