Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2012 by J.B. -
The chimps were so excited for the Christmas party this morning. We hung the tree (still decorated with beads, trolls, and cowboy boot ornaments) and placed all the presents underneath. Many thanks to Jayne Roepke, Jeff and Lori Anderson, Lori Kiers, Dick and Robbi Brown, and Patti Simms for supplying the amazing gifts and decorations.
On the menu this morning was Field Roast with bean gravy, baked yams, cranberry sauce, and pomegranates. We also put out some of Denice’s beautiful cranberry-stuffed mini-pumpkins and cups of sparkling cider.
Burrito and Jody loved the pumpkins.
As soon as they finished all the food, it was time to open presents. The gifts had started the day under the tree but by the end of the morning, the entire pile had moved ten feet as Jamie went through each and every bag.
Annie’s not much for toys, but there’s always a chance that we might have hidden a few snacks in with the gifts.
And we all could have guessed who would end up with the Christmas pinata, right?
Foxie got a bunch of new trolls this morning but her favorite, which she has been sharing with us throughout the day, is also the most appropriate for today.
Pictures don’t do justice to the excitement of the party, so here’s a short video. Our thanks again to all of you that helped make today special, and to those who helped support us throughout 2012. We’d also like to thank our dedicated team of volunteers. There are no days off here at the chimp house, and we couldn’t make it through the holiday season (or any time of year) without your help.
11 Comments
Subscribe to the Blog and
Get Notified of New Posts First!
If you like what see, be sure to subscribe. Personally written by the caregivers themselves, 365 days a year, you’ll get an insiders glimpse of all the goings on at the sanctuary. Follow us!
Precious every one of them! Merry Christmas and thank you for brightening my days with many more to come!
What a great celebration! I especially loved how everyone got so excited, and the pant hoots were priceless; especially when the caregivers joined in.
Thank you for sharing the party with us. Merry Christmas to everyone!
and Merry Christmas to you!
Now, this is a party. I am still in awe of the dedication of every one who is involved with this sanctuary. Just look how happy the “7” are. Thank you.
Santa and his elves have nothing on the CSNW staff and volunteers. You are all clearly Christmas angels to these wonderful chimps. What an amazing job you have done (again!!). 🙂
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Chimp hugs to all!!
Having experienced much loss over the past decade or so, Christmas can be very hard for me. So seeing the Che Elum 7 so happy today really warms my heart. It reminds me that we all have been wounded in one way or another, but they remind me that we all can heal and find things that bring us joy. It inspires me to continue to support them in my modest way in 2013. I won’t change the world by supporting seven chimps, but I can be part of the larger community that is changing their world. I know that I am doing more than taking up space by being part of the folks that want to help these seven glorious creatures that I will probably never meet but who have touched my heart and soul forever.
thumbs up on this comment
wishing 2013 to be a better year for everyone
thanks again CSNW for being an outstanding organization in every way and to all who partake
I love the hanging tree!
what a blast! Exactly the way Christmas should be…filled with anticipation for the surprises and joy that await. Well one C-7!
Merry Christmas and Here’s to a year ahead even more joyous than this year. May there be no fires, no serous fights with injuries, no illness…only better health for burrito, deeper friendships, more courage and adventures out on Young’s hill, and plenty of love and laughter.
Thank you for bringing us such Joy!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! How wonderful to hear the joy, laughter, and love in the squeaks and pant hoots! It just keeps getting better each year and a big thank you goes to you, the caregivers for your never-ending thinking of ways to make the Cle Elum 7 happy and content. Thank you just doesn’t cover it but there isn’t any thing else to say other than Pant hoots to you all, too! What a wonderful video.
I absolutely love this video,, so wonderful that the chimps have so much predictability in their lives,, they know all the gifts are for them and they know you all respect and honor them,, they’ve never been so loved, honored,respected and been treated with such kindness and special care, like they matter,, they KNOW that they worthy and that they are treated with such love and given so much support, that in itself empowers them to heal and to feel safe,,thank you ,,