By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

The yearly senior Christmas party was held on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the beautiful Alabaster Senior Citizens Center.

The three main rooms were decorated from top to bottom with trees, wreaths and all manner of Christmas doodads.

A lovely Santa was in attendance for pictures, conversation and even a few Christmas wishes.

Most of the seniors were having such a good time dashing from games to crafts to card games.

Dancing and Christmas singing were very popular with everyone.

Many of the seniors were dressed in holiday attire while there was a constant chatter of animated conversation and laughter taking place.

The piano player and his group of singers made me want to hum right along.

The sights and sounds of 70-80 of our senior citizens “letting their hair down” was a beautiful sight to behold.

Alabaster is so lucky to have such a beautiful, comfortable and large senior center to hold the vast array of activities that are carried on at this location.

The list is truly extensive. Among the many activities are gardening, Wii, bowling, book club, Timeless Treasures, bingo, head to toe fitness, Tai Chi, rook, crochet, knitting, line dancing, water color painting, bridge, drumming circle and many others.

A few times each month there are trips to be taken. Next month Joe’s Italian is on the list along with an outing to Hoover and also to the Alabaster Fire Department. Eleven-passenger and 25-passenger buses are provided through grants and ALDOT. Among other services provided are budget-friendly recipes, blood pressure checks, brush-up driving classes and positive thinking classes.

Recently a group traveled to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. to enjoy the palatial estate in all of its Christmas splendor.

Many more special trips and events are being planned for the upcoming months.

Alicia Walters, Adult Therapeutic Senior Citizen Manager, and her “small crew” of helpers do a fantastic job for which our community should be very appreciative.