organizer and host Mark Roberts

       The Christmas Party (if you'll pardon the un-PC term), Dec. 14, at Ray's Old Church, now known as Frank's New Church (a.k.a. Orinda Community Church) again was the chosen site for a little festive falderal, intended, as God himself decreed nigh onto a million years ago, give or take, for the benefit of members' kids.

        This year it was pure tradition, albeit with a twist ... named Claire Roberts, who, willingly - and with a big, glorious smile on her face - stood in for the usual Santa Claus stand-in.

Elf Claire and Arianne

Her nametag read "Elf Claire," which we all took to mean Saint Claire, as she saved the day. The kids didn't seem to mind one iota. Santa Claus, Elf, pretty much one and the same, at least to the younger kids.

        Newcomers were the family of Red Badger Dennis Kurimai - wife Maggi and their two impossibly adorable boys, Big Brother Alexander, 4, and Little Brother Thomas, 2.

        Missing were the Raeth children - Simone and Stefan - and their parents, Thomas and Tamara. We're not sure whether there was a schedule conflict or they were still out celebrating the San Francisco Giants improbably World Series championship. (In

These happy folks were not thinking baseball!

case you haven't noticed, all four Raeths are huge Giants fans.) We're glad they finally brought home the bacon for the Raeths and others who count themselves among the Giants faithful. You might say an early Christmas present for all.

        As a (useless) historical note, for those who have been living under a rock, this was the first Series victory for the Giants in San Francisco and the first since the Giants last championship in 1954, when they steamrolled Tom Black's beloved Cleveland Indians in four games.

Joseph is really Ray in Disguise

Saint Claire handed out gifts to the kids, which of course was billed as the main attraction. However, it was Ray Welles who stole the show with his role-playing as Joseph. He even donned a robe, sandals, a period-correct headdress of some sort, and a crook (a.k.a. long walking cane). He fairly mesmerized the audience, adults and kids alike. You could hear a proverbial pin drop.

        Ray, you were wonderful (as always), and Claire, as a result of this heroic, over-and-above, extra-mile performance, you are certain to sail through the Pearly Gates, no questions asked.

   
 Photo gallery courtesy of Tom Black. See smugmug website below for more.