By Teresa Reeves
CAFE board member

When the pilgrims and the Indians came together for the first Thanksgiving in the early 1600s, they shared, deer, wild turkeys, fish, beans, squash, corn soup, corn bread, and berries. They gave thanks for being able to survive a harsh year in America.

On December 8th, the members of CAFE (Chinese American Family Exchange) also came together to give thanks and celebrate the foundations of new friendships. Because food has been used throughout the ages to bind families and friends together, it was especially appropriate that at this celebration, the food was representative of both countries: America and China.

Food included turkeys, dressing, steamed dumplings, kohlrabi, relish, egg rolls and noodles. It was a feast that everyone seemed to enjoy. Of course, the kids really enjoyed dessert: sesame seed rolls, Rice Crispy bars, and cookies!

To top it all off, one very special person made scheduled a secret visit and showed up towards the end of the evening. Looking very merry in his red suit, white beard and twinkling eyes, Santa Claus came in with two big bags of toys for all the good girls and boys! Coloring books, dolls, plastic and stuffed animals were just some of the goodies Santa handed out, along with his helpful elf Melody. Each child got a chance to sit on Santa's lap and receive a candy cane as well as a special gift selected by Santa.

The evening ended with Christmas carols and the kids did a great job with Jingle Bells as Santa left the building, probably on his way to feed carrots to his reindeer! 
A special thanks goes out to Warren Derry and the Chinese Gospel Church for the use of their facilities and their gracious help.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Xie Xie