Sedalia pours a Cup of Christmas Tea

Ragtime or raspberry-cranberry tea was the only question up for debate Saturday at the Katy Depot during the annual Cup of Christmas Tea.

Men and women were greeted with holiday wreaths and garland as they enjoyed a variety of finger foods and desserts during the event.

For many, the tea has become a family tradition in preparing for the holiday season to come.
Trish Delap, of Warrensburg, attended the tea with her mother-in-law, Laurie Delap, and grandmother-in-law, Pat Weyer.

“I absolutely love it,” Trish said.

Saturday was Trish’s third appearance at the tea and since attending, she has began drinking tea more.

“This is how we start our Christmas every year,” Weyer said.

Guests were served six finger foods and six desserts along with the two types of teas.

“It’s a debate with which one they like the best,” said Rhoda Christian, one of the Katy Ladies who served the guests.

Patty Reiff and her daughter, Sarah Reiff, both of Marshall, could not decide on their favorite tea. Sarah preferred the raspberry cranberry tea, while Patty enjoyed the Ragtime tea.

“She always looks forward to it and we’ve already signed up for next year,” Patty said.

“It gets us in the Christmas spirit,” Sarah said.

Avid tea drinker Colleen Kauble, of Lincoln, showed off her collection of tea infusers during the event.

“I like tea and I like the concept of having tea in the afternoon,” Kauble said.

Each day between 2 and 4 p.m., she and her husband sit down over a cup of tea to discuss their day.

Linda Hunter, manager of the depot store and event coordinator, said a Cup of Christmas Tea began in 2002 as a fundraiser.

“It’s a way to kick off the holiday season for them,” Hunter said.

More than 60 people attended this year’s event and there are already people signed up for next year.
Byron Matson, of Sedalia, read the book, “A Cup of Christmas Tea,” by Tom Hegg and guests left with an angel ornament to remember the day.

Trudy Aldridge and her sister-in-law, Lisa Aldridge, of Sedalia, said the tea was fun.

“This is the beginning of the Christmas season and it’s a wonderful thing,” Trudy said.