Christmas Day is normally a day to spend in the warmth of your own home, surrounded by friends and family.

For the congregation of the Central Church of Christ in Hamilton, however, it is a day to make sure that those who do not have family, friends, or a home here in Bermuda still get a taste of Christmas - by providing a free Christmas dinner to those in need.

"We served dinner to the needy, the homeless - you name it, they were there," said church member Denika Davis.

The dinner, held in the old Mason's building on the corner of Victoria and Union Streets in Hamilton, was scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Christmas Day.

"It was the traditional Christmas dinner," said Ms Davis. "Turkey, ham, macaroni, veggies, bread, desert - cake and lemon tarts.

"This was the first time we've done it, but it will be an annual event. It was pretty good for the first time, we were pleased with the turnout.

"Someone had said they didn't think there was a need for something like this in Bermuda, as it's too small. However, more people turned up than expected."

Ms Davis suggested that the cold Christmas Day weather may have driven people to the warm room for a while. More than 70 plates were served at the dinner.

In fact, so many people came that the organisers ran out of stocking stuffers for everyone. "

"Dunkley's Dairy donated cases of soda, and Bermuda Hotels Supply provided small bottles of lotion," said Ms Davis.

The soda and the lotion, together with a razor for the men, and small sample perfume for the women, and some candy, made up the little gifts that were handed out.

Four volunteers from the public turned up to assist with the church activity, she said. "Three had answered our ad but one just turned up - she said she looked for something like that to do every year. She was looking forward to coming back next year."