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Christmas Day gathering in Georgetown
In Georgetown, people came together for a special Christmas morning gathering on the square to enjoy each other's company and to give back.
GEORGETOWN, Texas - You might say the true meaning of Christmas was alive and well in Georgetown on Wednesday. People came together for a special Christmas morning gathering on the square to enjoy each other's company and to give back.
"Donuts, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and merriment," said "Santa" Phil Gingras, the Georgetown Beard Club president.
That about sums up Christmas morning in downtown Georgetown.
"It's a magical place. It really is," said musician David Crawford.
The second-annual Coffee and Hot Chocolate on the Square drew about 100 people to the steps of the courthouse.
"I just saw it on Facebook and I kind of surprised her," said Julie Edwards of Georgetown, who brought her daughter.
"We were pleasantly surprised that there were so many people out. Just shows the Christmas spirit," said Bonnie Heinrich of Round Rock.
It's hosted by the Georgetown Beard Club, a nonprofit focused on community service, with some help from local businesses.
"Lulu's Pie Shop donated pastries. Lamppost coffee donated the coffee. Jimmy Vega Smokehouse donated the hot chocolate. And then we just ask people to bring food," said Georgetown Beard Club co-founder Rob Kiddie.
Neighbors, families, friends and total strangers enjoyed a hot drink, a sweet treat, and plenty of holiday conversation.
"Oh, it's wonderful out here. A lot of people," said Round Rock resident Gary Heinrich.
"It's beautiful. I think it's nice that everybody gets together and gets to know each other," said Edwards.
"In today's technology-driven society, I think we miss that common touch with people. So, I mean, people are laughing and having fun," said Bonnie Heinrich.
Meanwhile, Beard Club members gave away coats, blankets, hoodies and cold weather bags to those in need.
"This is our Georgetown. Yeah, we love our people, and we take care of each other," said Gingras.
There was also some live Christmas music to serenade those gathered.
"Me being a musician, the positive experience that you get from playing here and the smiles. I love people going by, and they're smiling," said Crawford.
Despite Georgetown being named the fastest-growing city in the country, three years running, organizers say events like this keep the tight-knit feel of this community.
"We try to keep it small by doing stuff like this and forming a community on this square," said Kiddie.
The Beard Club says they'll definitely be back on the square next Christmas.
The Source: Interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak