Due to the fact that winter, it seems, has finally kicked in, I walked into the Chenango Valley Home for my first effort at “Delivering Christmas” with my trusty new nylon-string guitar, my camera and notepad, a file folder filled with favorite holiday tunes and a set of frozen fingers.

However, thanks to the warm and inviting atmosphere, which always seems to be present at the 24 Canasawacta Street nursing home, I was soon able to feel my appendages once again. After a few minutes of conversation with the approximately 20 residents in attendance, I was ready to spread some holiday cheer.

Through the years, I’ve always enjoyed performing for these lovely ladies and gentleman, even before I became a staff writer here at The Evening Sun. The residents are always so attentive and appreciative, it would be hard not to. Even better are the times when I can tell they’re moved by a particular song, or I catch one of them singing along, and that was certainly the case this time around.

I tried to take my time running through my short set of holiday classics – “Silent Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Silver Bells,” “White Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – and I made sure to take some time in between songs to chat and answer any questions the audience may have had. These people love conversation and, in all honesty, that aspect of “Delivering Christmas” is nearly as much fun as the actual performance.