For the students, it was a chance to showcase their talents in front of their elders.

For the crowd who watched and listened, it was music to their ears.

As all would agree, Slatington Elementary School’s 39th annual Senior Citizens Holiday Program and Holiday Dinner held on Tuesday was clearly a win-win situation.

School Principal Scott Pyne said the program was one of the school’s favorite activities of the school year.

Tim Weaber, one of the teaching coordinators, added that this year’s program was attended by 175 elderly residents.

“It is the hope of the staff and students that, through the program and meal, we will be able to bring joy to the lives of our respected and valued community seniors,” Weaber said. “They are the ones who have contributed so much to making the Northern Lehigh Community a great place to live and grow.”

Weaber then honored retiree Marlene Simock, who he said started the program back in 1980.

He said the program has grown from its modest beginnings of five senior citizens the first year.

This year’s program got underway with the fourth grade, which sang “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “Turn Off That Nose” by Teresa Jennings.

From there, the Trebel Makers performed “Cold Snap,” “Wintersong,” and “Jing-A-Ling.”

Next, third-graders read the poem “Snowball” by Shel Silverstein, followed by renditions of “Penguin Polka” and “Jingly.”

Afterward, sixth-grade students read the poem “Christmas Spirit” by Paul Moosberg, and performed “If I Were a Reindeer.”

Next up was the Intermediate Band, which played “Clip Clop Clap,” “Jinglying and Jollying” conducted by student Sarah Garcia.

The fifth grade read the poem “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore, and then performed “Hark Hear the Bells.”

After hearing holiday songs, poems and jokes, the senior citizens were treated to a full turkey dinner with all the fixings, dessert and coffee, a child-made craft and place mat, and homemade cookies made by the students’ parents, among other holiday amenities.

Resident Gloria Newhard of Walnutport said she’s glad she once again decided to attend the program.

“The kids were excellent,” Newhard said. “I think the kids are very talented, and the teachers and administrators do a very efficient program that went smoothly.”

Sixth-grader Katelynn Barthold said the students were more than happy to treat the senior citizens not only to the dinner, but also to a day complete with holiday songs, poems and jokes.

“I think it’s really a good way to spread cheer,” Katelynn said. “I think it’s really great that we can help them.”

The program was open to senior residents in the Northern Lehigh community along with grandparents of the students.

“This is to honor you and show you the respect you deserve,” Weaber said.