A Kansas businessman is keeping the Christmas spirit alive by helping provide meals to those in need for 21 years, despite his own health struggles.
“This tradition wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community,” said Shawn Holiday, wife of Doug Holiday, the co-owner. “Our boys have grown up with this tradition, it’s all they’ve ever known.”
Doug and Shawn Holiday started this tradition in 2004 at their barbecue spot in Lawrence, Kansas, after being approached by the First United Methodist Church for help.
Preparing meals on Christmas Eve has become an annual tradition for the Holidays. Shawn explained their process of getting the turkeys ready for smoking, which includes staying overnight in bad weather to ensure everything goes smoothly.
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Doug Holiday and his family have served meals to the Lawrence, Kansas, community on Christmas Eve for 21 years. (Shawn Holiday)
This year marks their 21st year of preparing meals for the church. Over the years, they have cooked over 1,300 turkeys and fed more than 20,000 people.
“That’s quite a record,” Doug said with a smile.
Despite facing health challenges, including a recent prostate cancer diagnosis, Doug remains dedicated to the tradition.
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