Santa Claus is coming to town on Christmas Day for his annual dinner, of course.
After delivering presents to boys and girls everywhere, his spirit has come back to Drumheller to stage the annual dinner, just as it has for the last 31 years.
The tradition has humble roots, and at its heart, the belief that no one should be alone on Christmas. It started simply as a small group of friends coming together to celebrate the holiday. Today there is an open invitation to anyone to come to Yavis Family Restaurant to enjoy turkey with all the fixin’s on Christmas Day.
This is a great chance for those who do not have family in town to come and enjoy their neighbours’ company, there are others who do not have the means to make themselves a Christmas dinner. A couple years ago, the organizers received a heartfelt letter from a truck driver, who enjoyed the company on a Christmas he spent on the road away from family.
Whole families in Drumheller now make the annual dinner a part of their Christmas tradition.
There is a dedicated core of volunteers, who, every year do their best to make all welcome. They offer a shuttle service for those who are lacking transportation, and for those who cannot make it out, volunteers are able to deliver meals to those that are bound to their homes.
Yavis Restaurant will be open from noon to 3 p.m. for the annual Santa’s Christmas dinner and they are excited to be a part of tradition that shows no sign of slowing down. Last year they served up more than 300 dinners.
Part of the success of the dinner is attributable to the strong contingent of volunteers who every year come out to make the dinner a reality. Whether it is in the kitchen, serving at tables or delivering dinners, everyone involved is proud to be a part of it.
To arrange a ride to the dinner or a drop-off, contact Century 21 at 403-823-2121.
