Red Andrews Christmas Dinner

BLOG NOTE: If you would like information about donating to the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner or volunteering at the 2009 event, click here for an article with all the info.

The annual Red Andrews Christmas Dinner is a tradition in Oklahoma City. And covering the dinner is the traditional Christmas morning photo assignment at The Oklahoman. This year Jim Beckel, as he has done many times in the past, photographed the event. Below are some of his shots. To see a photo gallery of more pictures from the event, click here.

Reaching up from her seat in her stroller, Hannah Thomas, 1 1/2, feels her way for another bite of food at the annual Red Andrews Christmas Dinner at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008.  She was there with her mother, Shelby Thomas, Oklahoma City. BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

Thayne Holtsoi, 2, puts his face next to his piece of pumpkin pie so he can lick the topping while eating with other members of his family at the annual Red Andrews Christmas Dinner at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

Jessie Ross, 7, smiles while having her picture taken with Santa Claus at the annual Red Andrews Christmas Dinner at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

Volunteers assist diners as they move through the food serving line at the annual Red Andrews Christmas Dinner at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN