A Peek into the Langsford Holiday Party

Every year in December, Claudia and Stephen graciously invite all of the Langsford staff and their families into their home to celebrate the holidays. A gourmet dinner, prepared by Stephen's mother, Callie, is served. The house is always beautifully decorated for the holidays, and a good time is had by all.



In the past, we always had a white elephant exchange, and boy, did some crazy gifts show up for that! This year, we shifted and everyone brought small genuine gifts to exchange.



It has also become a tradition that the staff donates money to some charity in Stephen and Claudia's name. This year, we decided to donate to Gilda's Club, which helps cancer patients and their families. We did this in memory of Carolyn Oakley, a staff member who lost her battle with cancer this year.



Two of our staff members sang a beautiful duet, to our delight. The evening was also capped with a funny poem, written by a staff member, that we have decided to share:

T'was the Night of the Langsford Holiday Party

T'was the night of the party and all Langsford was there,

Eating and drinking and forgetting their cares.

The tree was all decorated, with presents all wrapped

People were glad that, this year-no crap!

They'd go home this time with only good things,

no urinals, or junk, or someone's old bling.

Claudia in her boots, and Stephen in his sweater,

All settled in to listen to this letter.

When out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter,

Claudia sprang from her seat to see what was the matter.

Callie was in there, cleaning up from dinner.

Just like every year, she'd concocted a winner!

All of the guests were stuffed and sipping on cider,

Claudia sat down, with Stephen beside her.

Looking around, she felt very proud.

The party had resulted in quite a big crowd.

There was Margaret, and Mike, and over there Sarah,

Linda and Kristin, Merwan and Tara....

Gemma and Jenny, Marsha and Tony,

Karen and Kim, Kathleen and.....more Toni's!

And then all of a sudden you could hear from the back

Leslie laughing and crying and just talking smack!

Claudia smiled to herself, feeling a wave of joy.

We may be all crazy, but we're her misfit toys.

We teach kids to read, that's just what we do

And maybe make them more confident too.

It had been a good night and the party was done

People were leaving, having had lots of fun.

As I went out the door, Hark! I think I heard Stephen say...

If Rhonda wrote that on worktime I'm gonna dock her some pay!

Hahaha....Happy Holidays to Everyone!!