When the jolly, red-clad, white-bearded gentlemen entered, the smiles of children and grown-ups alike lit up the room, well, like a Christmas tree.
The Parenting Journey Holiday Carnival is a splendid way for all of us to celebrate the joys of the season, to renew friendships, and, most especially, to bring an extra portion of happiness to the children who are so important to our mission. So about 190 of us, including 126 youngsters, gathered on December 15 at our Somerville home for delicious holiday food and drinks, and, of course, good cheer and merriment.
Santa’s helpers guided the youngsters in the finer points of decorating cookies—it’s always better when you can eat your work—and painted children’s faces as requested, from the festive look of industrious elves to cute, obliging reindeer.
Our fine friends and colleagues from the Sacred Heart Church, in Lexington, provided brightly decorated gifts for all of the young ones.
“It’s a time of year to reflect on our many shared blessings and to look ahead with hope and expectation to a new year of helping our families,” Parenting Journey Executive Director Maury Peterson said.
“Our families have made tremendous strides in 2015, and all of us at Parenting Journey are determined to make an even greater contribution to the lives of parents and their children in the coming year.”
As the sound of Christmas carols and popular songs filled the dance room—“Jingle Bell Rock” was a favorite—Parenting Journey staff members, parents, and children danced together, toasted the New Year, and shared a warm appreciation for each other’s companionship and affection.
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