2023 New American Christmas: A Celebration of Peace
On Saturday December 9th, nearly two hundred guests gathered at the First United Baptist Church in Lowell, Massachusetts to celebrate this year’s annual New American Christmas celebration. This event played host to dozens of new American families of a diverse background. Cultures represented that were in attendance included African, Asian, Afghan, Latino, Bhutanese, Burmese, Nepali, Haitian, and many more. MBMM & ACE Center’s New American Christmas Party played a pivotal role in welcoming all to come together and enjoy an evening filled with great food, fun for all ages and holiday cheer.
Over the course of the evening, those in attendance were encouraged to participate in the evening’s festivities. The party began shortly after 4 p.m. with an opening welcome from Rev. Mar Imsong. In his opening remarks, Rev. Mar emphasized the importance of peace, and the ability peace has to bring us all closer together. This sentiment was and the theme of peace was displayed throughout the night, as all who attended on Saturday celebrated not only the beginning of the holiday season, but unity as well.
The party was then kicked off by cultural dance performances by Alex, Arvin, and Tshomo. Following this, a Christmas sing-along encouraged those in attendance to join in with holiday classics including Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, and Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. A special guest was also in town over the weekend, as Santa Claus himself made an appearance during the evening, hand-delivering gifts to young boys and girls. After dinner, the evening was capped off with the giving of more gifts to children. Additionally, a raffle was held where those with winning tickets walked away with prizes that included bedding sets, a Disney themed coffee maker, and even a new flat-screen T.V. Lastly, representatives of each family were asked to take home gift bags with winter apparel and blankets provided.
This year’s New American Christmas Party provided those of all ages an evening of fellowship, unity and peace. Everyone at MBMM and the ACE Center are beyond grateful for all of our selfless volunteers, helpers and the guests themselves that contributed to the evening’s success. We hope to see everyone again for next year’s celebration!