The smell of smoked ham and cinnamon wafted through the Oak Harbor Senior Center, as friends sat and chatted during the center’s Christmas lunch.

Not having to worry about losing the lunch program this coming year, seniors could sit and enjoy themselves and the holiday meal that Senior Services of Island County volunteers had prepared for them.

Senior Services Administrator Howard Thomas said the Christmas lunch started when they opened the senior center 18 years ago. He said for a holiday meal, he usually expected anywhere from 40 to 60 people, and this year’s Christmas lunch turnout seemed to number in the higher end.

Those attending the meal, however, were not only seniors. Family members, friends and health assistants also attended the holiday meal.

“Whoever wants to come can come,” Thomas said. “It’s mostly for getting together and celebrating with your friends.”

Thomas said the senior center staff also invited the Daybreak Adult Day Services and Respite Center staff and guests to attend the lunch.

“We thought that for the party, everyone aught to be here,” he said.

Throughout the meal, conversation continued, and a light hum of voices mixed with the sound of coffee cups and dessert servers asking if everyone had had enough to eat and if they wanted something sweet with their coffee.

Oak Harbor resident Russ Jones said he has come to the senior center for lunch one or two times a week for almost three years. He said he and his wife’s favorite part of coming to the senior center for lunch is to see the friends they have made there over the past few years.

“Socializing is almost as important as eating for these people,” Thomas said.

Oak Harbor resident Mary Jane Boughner said she attends the meals at the senior center maybe once or twice a month. She said when she does, she enjoys the company.

“I did it for the sociability and the season,” she said, of attending this year’s Christmas lunch.

She said the meals the senior center offer is a vital part of their services. “It is an opportunity to socialize and get out,” she said. “ It’s just great … It means so much to so many people.”

Budget cuts had threatened the senior center’s meals program, but private donations and local government funding will keep it operating at least through 2005.