If you can't wait until December for Christmas you're not alone: a merrymaking group of Alice Springs seniors will be celebrating Christmas in August as part of the NT Government's Seniors Month 2009.
"Christmas is such a fun time that we thought we should celebrate it twice this year," said the event organiser, Pat Pate.
Seniors Month, coordinated by the Department of Health and Families, is held every August to promote greater awareness of the positive aspects of ageing and to increase participation by older people in social and recreational activities.
So far this year, NT Seniors have been involved with a damper morning tea, bocce bowls, card making and much more. Tonight, Friday 14 August, they will be gathering around the piano at St Philips College from 3.30 pm to sing some familiar favourites.
And the singing will continue this Sunday night with Christmas in August-an event supported by DHF's Office of Senior Territorians.
Festivities kick off from 4.30 pm at the Seniors Club Rooms on Wills Terrace where the attendees will be entertained by the Shimmering Sands Belly Dancing Group and performances by guitarist John Garner and pianist Leisel Gordon.
The seniors will feast on a cold buffet that includes traditional Christmas pudding, fruit salad and mixed fruit platters.
For more information on Seniors Month activities call 8999 2552 or visit: http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Aged_and_Disability/Senior_Territorians/Seniors_Month/index.aspx
Media contact: Cameron Jackson 0401 114 113