Linda (aka "Sashay")

Hatsisters then shared meaningful stories of Christmases past:

Nancy

Becky

Nancy

...culminating in Kathy explaining her generous gift:

....followed by the night Santa Claus really DID come to John's house...

Here is the ornament followed by a photos of the three lucky Ladies holding the winning tickets!

"Each year I buy one Significant ornament from a place I visit or a special moment.  In January this year, I realized that this year is the 20th Anniversary of the Hat Ladies of Charleston.

 I always wanted a Hat Lady Christmas Ornament and wanted to honor the commitment, love of Hats, and the work done behind the scenes of both Archie and John!  I found an ornament with Hat Ladies on Amazon that could be customized." 

Kathleen, Archie, Maggie

Jean

Michael, Kathleen's beau, reads the prayers as Hatsisters line up to light the candles. They symbolize the eight days it took to replace the oil needed to rededicate the Temple that had been defiled.

Archie changes hats and tells the history of Hanukkah, which fell early this year and coincided with our Luncheon.  It is fitting and proper to do so, because it is a Holiday to SHARE!

Betsy

Everyone listens intently, for the story is unfamiliar to many

Nancy

Norma

Rosie

Gladys

Eileen

Jakki

If you're looking closely and counting, there are only seven candles lit (plus the one that lights the rest, known as the "shamash)." There is still one day left to Hanukkah.

And if you're still looking closely, that IS a "Hat Ladies Menorah."  Over the years they have moved from being works of art to funky creations. This one was actually purchased at a local Temple.

One cannot have too many menorahs...or hats!