The Sights and Sounds of Christmas

The LeChee Senior Citizen Center is nestled in a beautiful, painted canyon. The distinguishable red roof complements the landscape and makes the building very easy to locate. The LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation is located on the northern border of Arizona, just south of the Utah boundary. It is easy to tell how this area received its Navajo name of Lichi''ii (Red Plant — Indian Paint Brush).

The Navajo name of this area is Lichii''ii (Red Plant — Indian Paint Brush).

The center was one of the recipients of the CIN Program's Christmas service. Through this service, Elder stockings are provided to thousands of tribal Elders residing on Indian reservations in the Southwest.

When we visited, the center's staff was clearly prepared for the holidays.

The center rocked when Rex took over the microphone.

Guests were first greeted by a family of caroling snowmen belting out "Have a Rock 'n Roll Christmas," but the real holiday cheer rested within the walls of the Senior Center. Once we entered, we were welcomed by staff and Elders waiting for their special holiday event to begin.

Once everyone arrived and was in place, it didn't take long for the festivities to kick off. All the staff — from the cooks to the drivers — approached the microphone without hesitation and began singing a few Christmas carols to the appreciative crowd.

Some of the Elders even joined in, but it wasn't until Rex stood up and took over the microphone that things really started rocking! Rex was seen earlier sporting a baseball cap, but as he hit the stage, he became Santa himself!

He started off with "Silent Night" in English, but it's when he led the Navajo version, that the crowd really united in voice! Rex then followed up with another holiday favorite, "Jingle Bells," and then finished with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." But, before relinquishing the microphone, Rex offered a cunning smile and said, "I'll be taking requests all day!"

Annie was thankful for her holiday stocking.

Many of the Elders were a little shy to open their stockings, but once a few of them peeked inside and started pulling their goodies out, several followed suit.

Two sisters, Annie and Gloria, traveled all the way from Shonto, a community about 90 minutes from LeChee. Their community does not have its own senior center, so they participate at LeChee and Inscription House Chapters when their budget allows the travel.

When Annie opened her stocking, she was pleased to find two blankets, a laundry bag, socks and much more. Her sister said, "I'm glad we decided to come out today!" The laundry bags would be put to immediate use. Once the holiday program was over, the sisters planned to stop on their way home to pick up some groceries and do their laundry.

Annie and Gloria offered their thanks and were very grateful for their gifts. They also appreciated the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with friends and family.

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