They were all gathered in the big room. Guns cocked, weapons at the ready, one resident was checking her sights. Then, the deer came galloping in from the back. They wiggled, giggled, hopped, and scurried. Everyone started firing. A rainbow of multi-colored foam darts formed as the elderly citizens of the Sunny Hill Care Center shot in a helter-skelter fashion at the prancing doe. This was the Christmas party.

The festivities kicked off with a couple of high schoolers belting out Christmas Carols acapella style with STC musical instructor Chris McFate. After the yuletide tunes came to an end, nerf blasters, big and small, were given out.

Big bowls full of foam darts were placed on tables around the room so the residents could reload to their heart’s content. Soon after, three Sunny Hill employees came dashing in wearing full body deer costumes. The three doe bounded about, drawing fire and laughter from the whole room. Some were better sharpshooters than others. The title of best female shot was bestowed upon resident Susie Q, and best male shot went to Lupe.

Some snacks were enjoyed before Sunny Hill’s 2023 Santa and Mrs. Claus was announced. A ballot box had been put out at the beginning of the month for anyone to vote for the Christmas man and woman of the year. The votes were tallied, and it was announced, Larry Wacha and Kathy Maschmann were this year’s Sunny Hill Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The one and true Santa Claus made sure to make an appearance and sit in a big chair for some pictures to be taken. Great fun was had; not even the Grinch himself could dampen the high spirits of the event as he wandered about.