Anaheim’s Christmas Eve brunch spreads holiday cheer no matter the weather

The rain wasn’t going to dampen the Christmas magic.

As the skies darkened ahead of Christmas Eve, volunteers shifted and set up for the annual community brunch hosted on Anaheim’s West Center Street Promenade in a nearby parking structure instead.

For years, families and those in the community in need of some holiday cheer have attended the brunch. There is breakfast and activities, Santa Claus makes a visit and presents get handed out the children.

It is a tradition that was started by K&A Cafe and Catering owners Kathy and Art Cervantes nearly two decades ago and has grown with the help of community sponsors and volunteers.

In recent weeks, volunteers gathered for two different wrapping sessions and on Wednesday, children eagerly opened the presents. They also took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, munched on pancakes and, bundled up against the wet, played in the rain.