BLANCHESTER — The Blanchester Amicitia (Friendship) Club celebrated their annual Christmas luncheon and meeting at Max & Erma’s restaurant in Wilmington with 15 members present. Hostesses were Faye Burton and Holly Drummond, who greeted members as they arrived.

Faye and Holly had the tables festively decorated with lovely red poinsettias in the center of the tables, with Christmas placemats and candy cane place cards gracing each member’s place setting. A very thoughtful gift placed at each place setting was a handmade, wooden Santa Claus pin carefully crafted by Bud Drummond, Holly’s husband.

Making it particularly special, each Santa Claus pin had a “diamond” nestled on Santa’s hat, in honor of the Amicitia Club’s 75th anniversary.

The roll call question for December was: “What has been your most joyful Christmas surprise?” The members had lots of fun sharing special Christmas memories with the rest of the group.

The highlight of the afternoon was a surprise visit from none other than Santa Claus (a.k.a. Mark Ritt), gifting each member with a light-hearted, amusing gift which garnered much laughter and conversation entertaining everyone.

After enjoying a delicious meal, the hostesses provided assorted holiday desserts and treats including: cherry cheesecake, chocolate truffles, peppermint candies, as well as, coffee, tea and holiday punch.

As the afternoon drew to a close, member Marilyn Brumbaugh Myers, known for her gifted musical talents, kindly led the group in several favorite Christmas carols.

It was a lovely afternoon full of Christmas delights, food, and friendship!