Alice loves Christmas, she loves to sing and she loves to dance.

She danced with Santa at the Mansion Christmas Party. She even danced with me during a boat ride to Lake George last year. Getting up and dancing is difficult for Alice now, but she is always game.

I feel Christmas more acutely at the Mansion than I do in other places. There’s no hype, marketing or special sales there, it isn’t a commercial holiday but a deeply personal one.

This holiday has a special meaning for them, it is a celebration in and of itself, it also speaks to the loss of their homes and many of their family members and friends.

Last night, several of the Mansion aides and I had a bit of a cry over the people who left the Mansion this year, or who died there.

For so many of the residents, it’s a time of loss and loneliness, one reason I want to be there on Christmas morning. The residents with families are usually gone for the day, the residents who are left behind are in need of some attention

If you wish to write to the Mansion residents over the holidays, here is a list of the residents who wish to receive your letters. I should caution you that many of the residents can’t write back, some will need help reading the letters. Please don’t assume you will hear back, although many of the residents try hard to respond.

I am not permitted to disclose sudden changes in their condition, or extreme illness, even death, without special permission. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don’t.

The letters should be sent to The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. The names are Winnie, Ellen, Matt, Mary, Gerry, Sylvie, Diane, Alice, Jean, Madeline, Joan, Allan, Bill, Blanch, Helen, Barbara, Alanna, Peggie, Dottie, Tim, Ben, Art, Jacqueline, Wayne, Ruth.

I think Brenda would appreciate getting letters this Christmas.

Also, please consider keeping the Mansion Fund healthy.  This work depends on your support, and I did spend a lot of money over the holidays, for the residents and the Mansion aides. The fund is getting low.

Thanks for your support.

You can contribute by going to the Support The Army Of Good button at the bottom of every post, or  via Paypal, [email protected], or by mail: Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Donations in any amount are welcome, large and small.

And I thank you for making these small acts of great kindness possible.