Harrington Thomas, a bubbly and affable senior citizen, has one wish for Christmas.

“I wouldn’t mind winning the lottery and I even ask God to help me [although] I know that God not into gambling, but I really wish that all Jamaicans would have a peaceful holiday and spread love and harmony,” said the 78-year-old elder who was among 41 senior citizens feted Wednesday at Vale Royal in Kingston during the annual Christmas dinner by the Office of the Prime Minister.

Harrington, who is also called “Soljie”, was the life of the party as he showed off his skilful dance moves and entertained his peers as they sat awaiting the start of the dinner.

While the budding singer rocked and dipped to the music that was being played, he told the

Jamaica Observer that he was looking forward to enjoying the festive season and was delighted for another opportunity to dine with his peers. “I always look forward to the unity of the elders…,” he said.

But while peace and harmony were high on Harrington’s wish list, that was not the case for some of his peers from Maria Atkins Home and Vineyard Town Golden Age House.

Lester Henderson, 71, said, “I want about $500,000 to buy some things like shoes, clothes, soap and things like those.”

He added: “That is my wish… so that after the Christmas I can be independent. But if I don’t get all of it I will satisfy with whatever I get.”

Jemima Moffat and Eva Tsang, who was born in Hong Kong but ended up in a home after her Jamaican husband died and her home was destroyed by fire, both wished for a home of their own.

For Hyacinth Williams, her wish was to see her four children — two daughters in England and two sons in North Carolina in the US — whom she has not seen in about 20 years.

“Seeing them would make a big difference,” said the 64-year-old who is visually challenged.

According to her, she took sick and her life fell apart in 2006 after her eldest son was shot and killed in the United States. “I didn’t want to live, it shattered me,” she told the Observer.