For many, the Christmas season is not complete without a Christmas Day feast. It is the type of dinner that brings family together to enjoy each other’s company
Several years ago Jim Eddison thought it would be ideal to host an event in Botwood for people in the area unable to celebrate with family members.
This event would ensure they got a Christmas Day dinner with all the trimmings. It didn’t matter if they could make it to the Trinity United Church Hall of not, they were assured a meal during the holidays.
Eddison died in 2012 and the organization of the dinner fell to Lillian Pelly and Verna Snow. The duty has since moved on to Sue Mercer.
"There is someone always willing to carry on,” she said. “We all deserve a hot meal, especially at Christmas.”
Each year the dinner serves between 40 and 50 people. Amid the turkey, dressing and vegetables, it gives the people in attendance the fellowship of breaking bread with others.
Often, the guests will slip into conversations while the many volunteers prepare their food. The hall is in full Christmas mode with decorations, a tree and everything else one would expect.
In one corner, the organizing group tries to mix in some entertainment.
“We have a few little treats for them,” said Mercer.
It is no small effort to make sure there is a meal every year. It is done with the help of small grant and no shortage of volunteers.
Anything Mercer and her group needs, there are people ready to help get it done.
“As soon as we put the note out looking for stuff, people are helping out,” said Mercer. “It comes from congregation and the community.”
The dinner in Botwood isn’t just about providing people with a good meal on Christmas Day. In Mercer’s eyes, it is an example of the meaning of the holidays.
“Christmas is all about sharing,” she said.
