Karaoke, dancing, raffle prizes and a decadent holiday lunch were the highlights of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center's ‘Karaoke Kristmas' party held Dec. 24.

That and a whole lot of camaraderie, as volunteers, staff and seniors mingled amidst live music provided by local band ‘N Motion in a dining room set with festive poinsettias and strands of golden garland.

"We try to do something different every year. It's fun to do something that includes audience participation," said Robin Clough, director of recreation and volunteers at the center. "Some people are shy at first, so we've had to draw them out to sing."

Kathy Konbunck, 65, of Newhall, was the first brave soul to pick up the karaoke microphone, belting out "You Light Up My Life" with gusto. She's honed her singing skills over the last year during the karaoke nights held once per month at the center and wasn't shy to share, even though it was her first time at a center holiday event.

"The song's an old favorite. It means so much to me. We should tell everyone that they light up our life every day," Konbunck said. "I love this party. It really brings people together in good spirit."

Dorothy Katz, 67, of Newhall, a regular at the center, sang along to "White Christmas" as part of a duet with Clough as her husband Bernie Katz watched with affection.

"I love to sing, but I'm not a singer. I just joined in because Robin was by herself. I saw a chance and I took it," Dorothy Katz said. "This is fantastic. It's great for people. For a lot of seniors that come here, this is their Christmas."

Prior to the karaoke, more than 50 wrapped prizes donated by the First Christian Church in Canyon Country were handed out by Tess Carolos, June Micu and Carin Impionbato.

Impionbato, who lives in Canyon Country and volunteers at the center four to five times a month because the joy she gets from serving the elderly, was looking particularly festive in a get-up that included a blinking red Rudolph nose.

"I am having fun. It's kind of corny with the nose, but once you put it on, you become the character," she said with a laugh. "When you're giving, you're also receiving. The smiles I've got today make me feel good."

After guests enjoyed their meal of glazed ham, yams, peas and onions, frosted sheet cake and ambrosia salad, it was time to dance to the oldies such as "Johnny B. Goode" and "Rock Around the Clock." Some dancers donned Santa hats and others were sporting snappy red suits and accessories.

Staff member Lucy Reynolds Hockett, who facilitates the weekly "Live, Laugh, Love" support group at the center, watched with a smile. Earlier that morning, she and other staff had made calls to clients as part of a telephone reassurance program.

Clients were asked, "How are you today?" followed by wishes for a happy holiday. Reynolds Hockett said many were surprised to be on the receiving end of their efforts.

"A few people told me that they wouldn't be able to see their family this year, because they were out of state. Many said they had experienced a particularly tough year and were praying every day for things to turn around. Some cried and said it was so nice that we called," she said. "This can be a very lonely time of the year."

Dorothy and Bernie, who are awaiting the birth of a grandson in Arleta, will be staying home this holiday and enjoyed spending Christmas Eve with their fellow seniors at the center.

"This is family," Bernie Katz said. "So many people don't have a family. We consider ourselves family."

The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is located at 22900 Market St., Newhall. (661) 259-9444 or www.scvsc.org.