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December 23, 2012

Christmas doesn’t have to be just another day spent alone

By Jed Dembowski The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was the big holiday at our house. That was always the time when my Nana and Papa would come to visit from Alabama.

Later that became my Nana, Aunt Dorisey and Uncle Leonard.

They would drive two days to get to Idabel or Duncan. They always had some great stories about the trip to share when they got there. Like the time someone, who will remain nameless to protect the innocent, forgot to pack their pajamas and they had to share.

I have a few great Christmas memories too, like the times my cousins came from Missouri. We would play badminton in the yard or Space Invaders on the Atari or Trivial Pursuit in the living room. I remember someone even solved the Rubik’s Cube one time, but I couldn’t tell you who it was.

Spending time with people you love is one of the special things about this time of year. It’s sad for me to think that for some people, Christmas is just another day alone.

Here in Norman, you don’t have to be alone on Christmas Day. If you or someone you know needs a place to eat and find some fellowship, then head over to Norman High School for the annual Norman Community Christmas Dinner.

The dinner is coordinated by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. It is free and open to everyone. Meals will be served starting at 11 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. Santa will be there too, to distribute toys and gifts.

Around 200 volunteers helped serve close to 2,000 meals at last year’s dinner.

Jed Dembowski is vice president of marketing and communications for United Way of Norman. He can be reached at 405-329-2025.

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