On Saturday, December 9, the Ocean State church came together for our annual Christmas party during the first snowstorm of the winter season. This provided a fantastic, wonderland backdrop as we met for our first time at Boulevard Banquets Hall in Pawtucket.

The night began with a festive, potluck meal, enjoyed in the ambiance of red and green tablecloths, a decorated Christmas tree, poinsettia centerpieces and more.

Following the meal, Christmas games commenced. First, there was an unscramble the letters game for a prominent Christmas song. Then we had the candy cane pick-up contest, won by the over-hyped Angel Mercado. Next we turned to Christmas trivia by tables; and then the Christmas match-game.

All of the competitions won different tables some type of candy prize, adding unwanted calories. To seal the first half, we closed out with the popular table-by-table singing and acting out of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Highlights were Tom Matias as a “lady dancing,” Admir Monteiro and Hakeen Jacobs leading the way for five off-key singers as “golden rings,” and Bob Sherman as the lone “partridge in a pear tree.”

By this time all needed a fellowship break. But Leo Mella would not stay silent long. Soon he cranked up the tunes and many began to dance and sing to the music. Laughter, sweat and fellowship filled the room for another couple of hours.

The Christmas season is all about Christ and family. And for this evening, we had celebrated both in a December night to remember.