‘Tis the season for gift giving, festive attire and caroling and there was no shortage of all that and more as Naval Branch Health Clinic-Albany’s active-duty Sailors, civilian personnel and guests kicked off the holiday season, Dec. 15.

The event, which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Albany, Georgia, contained all the hallmarks of what this time of the year represent; a beautifully trimmed tree, formally decorated banquet tables, including stockings stuffed with holiday candy for each guest and loads of colorfully wrapped boxes and gift bags, both large and small.

Plated dinners were served to guests, who dined to music being played by two disc jockeys; there were intermittent door-prize drawings as well as “White Elephant” gift exchanges, which brought cheers and roars of loud laughter from participants as well as onlookers of the activity.

Shebreaka Clyde, clinical nurse, NBHC-Albany, who also served as co-emcee for the celebration, discussed details on the annual event.

“Each year our celebration gets bigger and better,” Clyde said. “There are plenty of laughs and a good time that everyone looks forward to. We provided on-site childcare this year to allow the staff with children to not have to worry with the hassle of childcare; the parents loved (that convenience). The kids were entertained with a holiday party of their own (in another room of the hotel).”

“The time spent in planning to make sure that everything was perfect is my way of giving back to the staff and showing appreciation,” she added. “Boosting morale to make for a great working atmosphere is always important.”

“There were great door prizes, giveaways, and no one left empty handed,” Clyde pointed out. “The smiles and participation showed me that everyone had a good time which warmed my heart.”

Clyde gave accolades to her NBHC-Albany colleagues, Clarissa Bryant, executive assistant, and Petty Officer 2^nd Class Chloee Ward, radiology technician, for partnering with her in coordinating the event and contributing to its success.

Petty Officer First Class Kirby Boudreaux, radiology technician, NBHC-Albany, showed off his comedic skills on mic and also doubled as the co-emcee for the occasion.

Boudreaux commented on the celebration and the impact of the event on him and his fellow-Sailors.

“Within the past three to four months, we’ve had a lot of new personnel to report to the Clinic,” Boudreaux said. “I feel the (celebration) brought us closer together as a team and it has boosted the camaraderie here. It has been great.”

The evening continued with dinner, dancing and a group of NBHC-Albany personnel performing a selection of acappella holiday carols.

The night ended with everyone leaving with some gift or keepsake to commemorate the celebration and in the unanimous voices from the staff as well as guests, “a good time was had by all.”