Now that Thanksgiving is over, let’s talk Christmas! For almost two decades, The Christmas People Foundation has been providing Christmas dinners to thousands of people around Seattle. Last year for the first time, the group also organized a festive free sit-down dinner in West Seattle, and promised they’d do it again this year, with an earlier announcement. So here’s the plan:

HELP NEEDED: If you can help, you can do it via something simple – bake homemade cookies (no store-bought) and drop them off at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds) 9 am-1 pm December 22nd/23rd/24th/25th – or something a little more complex: If you are a professional sous chef, line cook, or food handler, your volunteer help would be welcome! Call 206-719-4979 and talk with one of The Christmas People’s co-founders (Dr. Ruth Bishop and Fred Hutchinson).

ATTEND THE EVENT: Noon-4 pm at Alki Masonic Center on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25th), you’ll find a full-course dinner, including coffee/tea and dessert. Entertainment, too – trombonist/vocalist Marc Smason.

Again, this is free, and all are welcome, particularly, per the announcement, “elders, homeless, and those who would otherwise be alone” on the holiday. You can find out more via TheChristmasPeople.org.