The Christmas Party Chronicles Part 1

I had all kinds of errands to run today, but instead went down to the Community Room to check out the party management was throwing for us seniors.

Glad I did, because the party was a pleasant surprise.

The room was beautifully decorated.

This spot was perfect for photo opportunities except, before any of us could do so, some old biddy, I’d never seen before, decided to play Queen. She planted her butt down in the spot and never moved.

She seemed somewhat handicapped, so I didn’t dare ask her to move, join us at one of the tables like the other handicapped residents had.

So anyway, a record number of residents showed up — around 40+.

It was the usual suspects, residents I’d never seen before — like the old biddy who decided the big chair was for her to play Queen, a lady, a couple, and a guy (none of us regulars knew) who said he’s lived here 3 years.

People need to get out and about more often ... or maybe it's me not getting out, logging in walking miles like I used to.

The meal was catered — a choice of lasagna or chicken alfredo, dinner roll, tossed salad, coffee, sodas, all kinds of cookies and other pastries for dessert.

Of course, I couldn’t eat any of it; satisfied myself with coffee and conversation.

Manager seemed to be having a good day, actually participated with staff in serving.

As the meal was wrapping up, all of a sudden there was a clatter at the door of the Community Room, and in walked Santa (Head Maintenance Guy) and three of Santa's reindeers (Manager, Assistant Manager, Assistant Maintenance Guy).

I don't think any of us even noticed staff had disappeared to get dressed, and Kudos to management for doing that. So fun!

There was a raffle for the many gifts around the Christmas Tree, and once Santa arrived, the old biddy playing Queen was told by the reindeers that she’d have to move so Santa could take the spot that rightfully belonged to him.

Once dethroned and sat in a chair, she looked embarrassed.

Puff!

There were not enough gifts for the many that showed up, but I was one of the lucky ones.

My number was called in the raffle, and I won a cute 2025 organizer (which I'll donate to the bingo prize table as I already have an organizer for next year).

As numbers were called, residents walked up to the front, were handed their gift, returned to their seat; but I broke rank by doing what one is supposed to do when Santa shows up ……… get a photo with the big guy.

Does Santa look stunned?

All in all, management did good. It was a fun party.

Next up is Friday's Christmas Party Chronicles Part 2 ……… the party us residents are throwing for ourselves, which I now don't think can top management's party, what with a Santa and Reindeers making an appearance, but nevertheless will be a good time.

After yesterday’s workout, I ran an errand that put me in the area of a different chain in the market doing the Hide and Seek Elf thing, so I popped in.

Focusing first on what few items I needed, I’d glanced around for the elf but had not yet begun hunting in earnest when, turning away from grabbing a few bananas, my eyes landed right on Buddy the Elf.

Ride ‘em Buddy!