Community Christmas dinners continue to be popular traditions on Central Otago festive calendars. 

Various communities across the district hosted events over recent days for people who would otherwise have been alone at Christmas, were from overseas, or just wanted to join in the fun alongside others.

On Christmas Eve, Cromwell’s Church Untamed hosted a barbecue with the aim of providing a fun event for people, particularly younger residents who wanted to connect with others.

Church leader Tim Muller said about 30 people attended the event, which also featured a sing-along of Christmas carols. 

He said although the event did not attract “too many” people, he hoped that over time it would grow.

“It’s one of those things, if you do things regularly over time people hear about it. You have to be prepared to play the long game with these things.”

The Alexandra Clyde Lauder Union Parish also hosted its annual Christmas Day dinner at St Enoch’s Church.

Reverend Andrew Howley said the event, which attracted about 70 people, including volunteers, went “very well”.

That number was slightly down on other years, which was partly due to some workplaces treating their overseas workers to meals on the day - a nice touch to their busy summer schedules.

It was the second year the event had to be hosted entirely indoors due to wet weather, while another year saw the event venture indoors half way through.

This year’s meal consisted of traditional ham and sausages, along with chicken and beef burgers.

Rev Howley thanked everyone who volunteered on the day and donated money towards making it happen, in particular, the Alexandra Rotary Club, which was the core funder.