Formoso Christmas Dinner A community tradition, where all are welcome

The Courtland Journal

The first time I went with Mom and Dad to the Formoso Community Christmas Dinner it felt weird to think we were just showing up even though we knew several people who expected would be there. It was only the three of us so it didn’t make sense to prepare a big holiday meal at the house. A few years later, we added Ray and I helped LaVernia Peters do dishes while Ray and Dorothy Sjolander had a few laughs. Fast forward to this year and the Formoso Community Dinner was on the official agenda of our trip south fro Minnesota for Christmas. 

We were welcomed as always at the Formosa Fire Hall with tables decorated for the season. We got a sneak peak at the homemade goodies on the dessert table as we headed to the serving window. Ray eyed the cherry pie (big surprise, hah!) and I spotted Ritz cracker sandwiches with a peanut butter filling hand dipped in chocolate. There is nothing better than the mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory and crunch in these delectable treats which only seem to magically appear at Christmas. 

The community elves served our choice of ham or turkey, corn or green beans, mashed potatoes (real ones, not from a box), perfect stuffing along with homemade gravy and a soft white dinner roll. Then we helped ourselves to a table laden with delicious salads. Although several of the strawberry and Cool-whip confections seemed more like dessert! A beautiful green salad with mandarin oranges, nuts and cranberries and feta was presented in what I consider the best salad hack to date, a 9 x 13 dish, rather than a bowl. So much easier to make sure the fruit doesn’t sink to the bottom. Genius. I will be serving more salads in this fashion at home.

As we enjoyed the delicious meal, it was fun to visit with people. While Ray enjoyed his cherry pie, I was sent on picture duty so Dad would have something for his Courtland Journal newspaper this week. I assured the group they would make the paper!

As I mingled around it was truly great to see so many people I recognized and knew. I hadn’t seen Robin Carlson in forever and I suspect she was the instigator on getting her family to wear their Christmas PJ’s to dinner. In true Kansas fashion, it took forever to say all the necessary goodbyes and thank yous to the volunteers.

As I hugged Kandi, I said this is hug for your mom. We both had a tear in our eye but we knew in our hearts Dorothy was a big reason everyone was gathered there, Yes traditions continue and evolve. This wonderful Christmas dinner ensures no one has to be alone on Christmas and where believers gather there is love, even if you don’t know the people sitting next to you. 

Hours and miles later, I remembered the Ritz delight I had wrapped in a napkin and slipped into my purse on the way out. Good thing I remembered because it had started to melt! As I savored every bite and calorie I thought of my mom and all the times she had made these treats at Christmas. I thought of how she showed me the way to find joy in Christmas in a fire hall surrounded by neighbors, friends and strangers whom I’ve only not met.