FOR Elaine McNeal of Friendship Village, East Coast Demerara, the high point of Christmas is feteing the village children. Last Saturday, she held the 18th such celebration in the garden of her stately residence, aptly titled McNeal’s Court.
      
 Now 89 years old, McNeal has been living in Guyana since 1994, having retired from a career in Mental Health Therapy in the United States of America.
      
When the Guyana Chronicle visited, the hostess, elegantly attired in the colours of the season, was walking with the aid of a cane, which she explained was because of her having had a bad fall. Unfazed and cheerful as ever though, she chatted with the media representatives gathered around her, and called out to the ladies assisting her to make sure everybody went away with a box of goodies.
      
Making sure the children are happy is very important to McNeal, who has said in the past that the party is Christmas for her, as she doesn’t really “Check on Christmas Day”. In fact, all that she worried about after her fall in November is that she would be well enough to host the party.

Well, her prayers were answered, and she expressed thanks for God’s blessings at the event.

The children keenly anticipate these parties, as evident from eager queries in the period leading up to party date. Children from nearby Buxton, Vigilance and Annandale are also welcome to the party.
      
Not only was the party a venue for ample satisfaction of large appetites, an opportunity for fun socialization via games, and a sure bet to receive gifts, but the little dons and fashionestas also turned the proceedings into a catwalk to show off their swag as well. Reporters smiled as many of the guests, especially the boys, arrived ‘dressed to the nines’ in miniature versions of trendy adult clothing.
      
The party usually caters for at least 400 children, and features presents, goodie bags, games, a merry-go-round, and on this occasion a live steel pan band – the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra.

His Excellency President Donald Ramotar paid the party a visit, and many of those old enough to recognise him clustered around, vying for his attention.
      
McNeal’s son, Odinga Lumumba, thanked sponsors who helped to make the venture a success. As usual, it was obvious that the presents were carefully selected, with gifts so sorted that each child would receive something not only suited to his/her gender, but also his/her age group.