While it's a tradition that began 15 years ago in Weyburn, this will be the 13th year for the JAMS Family Christmas Dinner.

The event is geared toward those who may be spending Christmas alone, however, families may wish to attend for an extended-family feel for the holiday.

“Anybody can come to Christmas dinner,” said Sandy Johnson. “We kind of gear it towards people that are going to be spending it alone. Whether it’s a couple, or a parent and a child, or even a small family, we do encourage people that are going to be alone to come down because we don’t want people spending Christmas day alone.”

Johnson said the meal comes with all the warmth of being home for the holidays.

“We have the whole turkey and the whole fixings, right down to pies,” she said. “We don’t eat on paper plates, we eat on china with tablecloths and lots of decorations. It’s a real festive atmosphere.”

She said they do welcome volunteers to help with the event.

“Volunteers are mostly needed for Christmas eve day, so from 10 till about 1 o’clock in the afternoon,” said Johnson. “And Christmas day we start right at 10 o’clock in the morning, and we’re usually done our clean-up by 4 o’clock in the afternoon, so anybody that’s got time during those hours is certainly welcome to help us out.”

Johnson said the entire family atmosphere also means children enjoying Christmas together.

“The little ones are always involved,” she said. “They like handing out the door prizes that we have every year, and they actually can help when we’re setting up as well.”

Many hands make light work, which is why the JAMS Family Christmas Dinner adds to the ‘everyone pulling together’ holiday tradition.

“We do need volunteers,” said Johnson, noting there is no obligation for patrons to volunteer.

“We don’t need a whole bunch, we’ve kind of gotten things down pretty organized during the last 15 years. But certainly, anybody that wants to come is more than welcome.”

Anyone interested in becoming involved as a volunteer can contact Doreen Brown. More information can be found HERE.

Johnson added there is no charge for the dinner. However, donations are being accepted this year for the Weyburn Cadets and Scouts.

The dinner will take place at Knox Hall at 1:00 p.m. on December 25th, with the doors opening at 12:00 p.m.