Another year and another all-day stint at St. James Church in Chicago. With the exception of our granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah a few years back ( and our wonderful trip to Israel), St. James is where I have been every Christmas Day. In fact, even during Covid , the great people of this church pulled it off. Hundreds of locals get to come to Wabash and 27th Street where they are offered a wonderful Christmas dinner served up by Chef Dave Sambor of Polo Inn Cafe, that marvelous dining spot/Guest House on South Morgan Street.
The guests are escorted into a waiting room for appetizers and then brought to their tables, where they have white linen napkins and enjoy a salad. Every table has a volunteer to assist those guests who need help, and then they get in line for the huge buffet that is ready ( and delicious). They go to their tables, dine and talk with others at the table so they are never alone on this special sacred day.
As Santa, I speak with them as they enter the decorated dining area and then after they dine ( ham, turkey, beef, veggies, sides and of course desert) they get at least one bag of goodies and then they come to my workshop where they can pick out several toys or games for their kids ( if the kids are there, a photo op with Santa and they pick their own). They leave St, James Church with a full tummy and several bags of goodies to complete this very special day.
While the numbers change each year, I know that many of these are repeat diners, and they look forward to the open arms of this church and its membership each year. This year, Frank, Jane and a number of others came with me to help make the day special for these guests. They were table captains, servers and after the guests were served, partook of their own Christmas dinner.
Christmas 2024 may be over on the calendar, but will remain as a wonderful memory for the church members and volunteers and soon preparation will begin for Christmas 2025. My outfit is back from the cleaners today, and I look forward to the next experience at St. James Church.
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