By Barbara Sutherland

When Hawthorne sent out invitations to its very first residents’ Christmas Dinner Party, the response from residents, their friends and families was so great, they had to add a second night. It was a perfect celebration with beautiful harp music, a delicious dinner, and a very dapper Santa.

Garlands, Baubles and Candles

The tables were adorned with garlands, baubles, white tablecloths and candles, Jan Pearce played beautiful Christmas music on her full-sized pedal harp, and the buffet was a sumptuous roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.

Santa Cut a Fine Figure

Santa (maintenance man Dale Marko) cut a fine figure as he made the rounds of each table visiting every resident and guest and handing out candy canes. “There were tons of smiles and lots of laughter,” says recreation therapist Dawn Robertson. “Everyone said they had a great time.”

Photo: Resident Doreen Bradshaw welcomes Santa to her table at the Christmas Dinner Party (with sittings on two days, December 18 and 19).