Christmas comes early at Madison Senior Center
MADISON – The blazing sun was scorching, and the heat index soared to triple digits, but the atmosphere was cool and inviting during “Christmas in July” at Madison Senior Center.
Center members observed a Christmas theme for the entire month of July. “During the month, we made Christmas-themed crafts, sang carols and laughed at each other’s elf names,” activities coordinator Robin H. Watson said.
“Earlier in the month, we had a snowflake making class. These snowflakes were used for decorations, as well as a small Christmas tree. A few stockings and mistletoe were hung,” she said.
The center hosted a Christmas party on July 25. Santa Claus (or ‘Santa Brandon’ according to his business card) and Mrs. Claus (also known as Jeanette Kilpatrick) visited and spread ‘holiday’ cheer. The Clauses posed with center members for funny photographs.
“Santa and Mrs. Claus were so generous to volunteer their time,” Watson said. “Santa Brandon passed out goodies to everyone.”
Center member Billy Pyne opened the program by singing “Oh, Holy Night.” The senior citizens and their guests sang Christmas carols, played games and enjoying a dessert bar of glazed cakes and cupcakes.
Dee Reynolds performed by singing and playing keyboard. “Dee works at Madison Academy and volunteered her time on her lunchbreak,” Watson said. “Dee was a highlight of the party.”
The senior citizens had a ‘snowball’ fight with cotton balls. Center members also received an Elf name for the day, such as “Nipper Toe Bells” and “Pinky Pointy Toes.”
“The most fun was a game called ‘Jingle Tail.’ A box of jingle bells was tied on each player’s backside, and they had to dance, jump and shake about to get the balls to fall out. It was hilarious,” she said.
Some of the senior citizens dressed in the festive colors of Christmas, including Santa hats, holiday sweaters and comical footwear. One member, Betty Barnes, dressed as an elf.
During some of the peppy Christmas tunes, people took to the dance floor, like Margo Chabot and Ben Riley dancing with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Pyne closed the party with his rendition of “Silent Night.”
