"A Dixie Christmas" Was Absolute Perfection

B7’s Relief Society Christmas party on Thursday, December 11 was a classic example of perfection!  In keeping with the theme of “A Dixie Christmas,” every table was uniquely decorated with amazing centerpieces and china by Shar Simkins, Linda Lowe, Lauretta Swansborough, Vicki Dove, Betty Owen, Trudy Oviatt, Rachel Gray, Anita Knowlton, Jill Jones, Sophia Ford and Margaret Hooks.  The homey decorations around the room were created by Joy Alldredge. The sisters feasted on a delicious dinner of delectable ham, a scrumptious potato casserole, and a refreshing tasty green salad created by our own Sister Rachel Gray, an accomplished caterer.  Her hard-working kitchen help included Carol Case, Barbara Lewis, Brandi Martinez, Patty Hymas, Iliana Carter, Pam Bingham, Roena Soliai, Shirley Golding and Darlene Rice.

Also, there were special treats for the dinner table including Dixie salad (or “saw-lod” as the French say it), homemade pies contributed by Relief Society sisters … and the yummiest of fresh, homemade rolls created by Brother Gary Anderson. 

The program, arranged by Jill Jones was a delightful sharing of pioneer stories relating to Christmas in Dixie, as written by local historian and author Lyman Hafen in his booklet, “A Dixie Christmas.”  Linda Sappington spoke of the first Dixie Christmas.  Trudy Oviatt shared the details of how oranges became a traditional stocking stuffer for pioneer children in St. George.  Dori Wilkerson read “No, Snow” a poem by Teri Draper.  Diane Biasi shared the origins of Dixie Salad and Debb Johnson told of how “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plain” came to be one of only two Christmas carols originating in the United States.  During the program we also enjoyed beautiful vocal solos by Brother Boyd Kanenwisher with musical accompaniment by Kathryn Barclay.  Special thanks, too, to Emma Schaub who designed the invitations and posters with help from Shar Simkins and Brittney Munk.

No doubt about it ... the Relief Society knows how to organize a great program and this was the loveliest of gatherings!