For guests and volunteers alike, Coronet Bay’s communal lunch was a chance to enjoy the true spirit of Christmas, writes Joy Button.
By Joy Button
WITH the horrendous events occurring in Paris in December, and with so much hatred across the world, it would have been easy to say “Let’s not bother about Christmas”.
But life rolls on amid such disasters and in Coronet Bay preparations continued for the annual Christmas Day community lunch for those who do not have family or friends nearby.
The lunch has been held in the Coronet Bay hall for the past nine years, and seems to grow bigger each year. This Christmas, 83 people enjoyed a traditional Christmas lunch. They included residents from Pioneer Bay, Tenby Point, Corinella, Bass and Coronet Bay, volunteers and children ranging from two to nine years of age.
Volunteers travelled from as far afield as Wonthaggi to ensure those attending had a festive lunch. They worked hard cooking in the kitchen and delivering meals and refreshments.
Some volunteers had other commitments on Christmas Day but baked and cooked and prepared beforehand. Their contribution was even bigger as they did not get to witness the enjoyment of those attending.
All the preparation, cooking and baking for the day culminated in a magnificent Christmas celebration filled with old and new friendships that are so vital for our wellbeing and sense of purpose in life.
Laughter, goodwill and fellowship resonated throughout the hall from 11.30am until after 4pm, helped by the songs and music of two gifted musicians and a visit from the fellow in the big red suit that elicited squeals of delight from the youngsters.
For me, the most magical moment was the friendship that developed over lunch between Isabelle, a nine-year-old girl whose parents were volunteering, and Ineka, a “mature” aged lady. Ineka’s very close friend had been at the previous Christmas lunch but was unable to come to this one due to her frail health and Ineka was missing her greatly.
It’s sometimes hard for youngsters to communicate and develop a friendship with a much older person, but Ineka and Isabelle seemed to forge a bond very quickly. It was remarkable to watch the giggling and deep conversations they had during the day.
Ineka gave Isabelle a soft toy she had brought with her in her mobile scooter. Isabelle loved it. Towards the end of the day she said it was the best soft toy ever given to her and that she loved Ineka so much. She and Ineka exchanged telephone numbers.
The spirit of Christmas isn’t about big parcels or presents but about friendship, love, sharing and giving something of yourself to a complete stranger and spreading goodwill on a very special day of the year.
Those of us at the Coronet Bay Christmas lunch of 2015 forgot the sadness in the world for a while. It gave us a chance to reflect on those family members who were not with us and to enjoy and live in the moment.
The spirit of Christmas was in the volunteers who worked so hard to scatter some joy and stardust to people they didn’t know.
And it was in a young child and an older lady whose friendship developed over lunch, with so much joy and laughter and respect.
Hopefully we will return to sprinkle some more stardust on Christmas Day in 2016.
Postscript: Isabelle and Ineka have met since the lunch and it’s remarkable to watch their friendship develop and transcend the age. I have no doubt it will last for many years.
WITH the horrendous events occurring in Paris in December, and with so much hatred across the world, it would have been easy to say “Let’s not bother about Christmas”.
But life rolls on amid such disasters and in Coronet Bay preparations continued for the annual Christmas Day community lunch for those who do not have family or friends nearby.
The lunch has been held in the Coronet Bay hall for the past nine years, and seems to grow bigger each year. This Christmas, 83 people enjoyed a traditional Christmas lunch. They included residents from Pioneer Bay, Tenby Point, Corinella, Bass and Coronet Bay, volunteers and children ranging from two to nine years of age.
Volunteers travelled from as far afield as Wonthaggi to ensure those attending had a festive lunch. They worked hard cooking in the kitchen and delivering meals and refreshments.
Some volunteers had other commitments on Christmas Day but baked and cooked and prepared beforehand. Their contribution was even bigger as they did not get to witness the enjoyment of those attending.
All the preparation, cooking and baking for the day culminated in a magnificent Christmas celebration filled with old and new friendships that are so vital for our wellbeing and sense of purpose in life.
Laughter, goodwill and fellowship resonated throughout the hall from 11.30am until after 4pm, helped by the songs and music of two gifted musicians and a visit from the fellow in the big red suit that elicited squeals of delight from the youngsters.
For me, the most magical moment was the friendship that developed over lunch between Isabelle, a nine-year-old girl whose parents were volunteering, and Ineka, a “mature” aged lady. Ineka’s very close friend had been at the previous Christmas lunch but was unable to come to this one due to her frail health and Ineka was missing her greatly.
It’s sometimes hard for youngsters to communicate and develop a friendship with a much older person, but Ineka and Isabelle seemed to forge a bond very quickly. It was remarkable to watch the giggling and deep conversations they had during the day.
Ineka gave Isabelle a soft toy she had brought with her in her mobile scooter. Isabelle loved it. Towards the end of the day she said it was the best soft toy ever given to her and that she loved Ineka so much. She and Ineka exchanged telephone numbers.
The spirit of Christmas isn’t about big parcels or presents but about friendship, love, sharing and giving something of yourself to a complete stranger and spreading goodwill on a very special day of the year.
Those of us at the Coronet Bay Christmas lunch of 2015 forgot the sadness in the world for a while. It gave us a chance to reflect on those family members who were not with us and to enjoy and live in the moment.
The spirit of Christmas was in the volunteers who worked so hard to scatter some joy and stardust to people they didn’t know.
And it was in a young child and an older lady whose friendship developed over lunch, with so much joy and laughter and respect.
Hopefully we will return to sprinkle some more stardust on Christmas Day in 2016.
Postscript: Isabelle and Ineka have met since the lunch and it’s remarkable to watch their friendship develop and transcend the age. I have no doubt it will last for many years.