Christmas with all the trimmings — that’s what greeted guests last week at Oak Harbor Veterans of Foreign Wars post 7392, as the Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Christmas party and luncheon for senior citizens.
“We’re quite pleased with the turnout,” said Ladies Auxiliary president Joanne McDaniel.
A decorated Christmas tree graced one corner of the VFW hall, and rows of tables in two different rooms accommodated diners, while Christmas music played softly in the background.
Following the meal, a very slender Santa who, with help from Mrs. Claus and their loyal elf, “Sugar Plum,” handed out presents to each guest.
Santa just couldn’t seem to escape the grateful hugs and kisses that came his way whenever he presented guests with their gifts — not that he was really trying.
“This is the best part of this job — getting hugged by all these ladies,” he said.
A special treat this year was Santa’s Corner, a table filled with items remaining from the auxiliary’s November charity auction.
“Folks from the community were so generous with their auction donations this year,” said McDaniel. “Seniors sometimes find it hard to get out and do Christmas shopping. We had these quality, small items left over from the auction, and thought, ‘why not give them the opportunity to shop here for free?’”
Santa’s Corner included an assortment of angel figurines, decorative plates, candle-holders, Christmas mugs and other items perfect for last-minute gift ideas.
Just how long the ladies auxiliary has been hosting the senior Christmas party, is anyone’s guess, said member Achsah Haun.
“I’ve been here for 30 years, and as far as I know, we haven’t missed a year,” she said.
However long it’s been going on, it is one way the auxiliary thanks seniors for their military service through the years and the many other valuable contributions they make to the community all year long.
Take 88-year-old Oak Harbor resident Coetta Engel. Although she requires a walker to get around, she has managed to supply the auxiliary with all the peanut brittle for its annual auction for the past three years.
“Even though I don’t get around like I used to, baking is still there for me,” said Engel. “It gives me something to do.”
As guests began to leave for home, they all seemed to share a gracious attitude that spoke well of the Christmas spirit, offering heart-felt thanks to those who put the luncheon together.
