CHICKASHA, OK — Tribal citizens gathered in a festive celebration Saturday to welcome the holidays with food, prizes, and gifts for the children! Participants signed in at the registration table to receive a raffle ticket, a t-shirt, and a goodies bag, from Delaware Nation Staff.

The Christmas dinner started at 11:00 AM (CST) with a warm prayer by Committee Member Terry Williams. Guests lined up to receive a delicious traditional holiday meal with turkey, dressing, gravy, green beans, and mac & cheese prepared by Cracker Barrel with pecan pie or Cinnamon rolls as dessert choices. Princess Serenitee McCasland and tribal staff served the elders and the remaining guests.

After the meal, all the children and parents gathered around Santa Claus next to the Christmas tree to receive their gifts, handed out by Princess Serenitee McCasland and the ladies of the Cultural Preservation Department. Happy children opened their presents and filled the arena with laughter and joy. Santa even made adults sit in his lap!

In the finale, Tribal Administrator Janice Maddox and Information Technology Director Joshua Farley drew and announced the winners of the raffle prizes. Smiles and warm hearts flooded the crowd as families fellowship in light of the Holiday season. Something COVID-19 was unable to stop, as there was a record-sized crowd large enough that Delaware Nation staff had to set up additional chairs and tables to fit the capacity!

Wanìshi to the hard-working staff that made this event happen, to Santa Claus, and to the citizens of this great Nation! More photos at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.680353086834951&type=3

By Wesley Boone Public Relations 12/3/2022 | Photos by Wesley Boone

President Deborah Dotson with guests at Christmas Party