The United Methodist Children’s Home annual Christmas party was held at the First United Methodist Church in Andalusia on Thursday.

After pizza and cake was served by members of the United Methodist women’s group, the children participated in various craft activities and visited with Santa.

One may think that sitting on Santa’s lap would be the highpoint of the day; while it was a special moment for the children, the store was their favorite.

Their eyes lit up and faces shone as they wandered through and shopped for loved ones.

Every year items are donated so the children can pick a special piece of jewelry or a purse for mom, a tie or key chain for dad or perhaps a coffee mug with a special message for grandma.

Gifts were also chosen for siblings and foster family members.

After the gifts were selected, they received special care as they were boxed, wrapped and bagged for the children to take home.

Smiles abounded as the children had their faces painted by cheerful youth fellowship volunteers.

Creativity was very evident by the colorful beaded bracelets and necklaces made by the children.

Thoughts of winter and snow were present as the children made Styrofoam snowmen with felt hats and pom-pom noses.

The children and their families were escorted to the sanctuary where the scripture of the Birth of Jesus was read to them and they were given books about the first Christmas.

Not only was it a special day for the children, it was a meaningful experience for all of the volunteers to interact and participate with these wonderful children.