As we head into a New Year, a little housekeeping in regards to Christmas Day, 2016.

As most of us are aware Christmas can often be a lonely time, but not for the 70 people who gathered in the Masonic Hall at Tea Gardens for a lunch put on by locals Sue and Joe Douglas.

Now in its 15th year, it has become a tradition that brings so much pleasure to so many.

Sue and Joe work for months ahead to bring it all together, and on Christmas Eve a dozen volunteers help with the setting up and food preparation.

“It all went really well, we had roast pork, turkey, ham, baked vegetables, plum pudding, fruit cake and white Christmas,” Sue told News Of The Area.

Sue and Joe also gave out 28 grocery hampers and bottles of donated wine.

And there was a special prize for the oldest guest, 93 year old Pat Pritchard from Hawks Nest.

Sue will be sending out more than 30 thank you cards to the businesses and locals who donate goods and contribute their time to make the Christmas Day Lunch such a special occasion.

“Jeffs Quality Meats in Tea Gardens donates the hams and cooks the pork,” Sue said.

“We had three people come in on Christmas morning with boxes of chocolates for the volunteers, I don’t know who they were but it was lovely.”

Sue also wants to say a special thank you to the Masons who donate the use of the hall and cover the public liability insurance.

And as for Christmas 2017, “Of course, while I’m still standing upright and facing towards the sun I’ll definitely keep doing it.”

By Margie TIERNEY