It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the winter’s first snowfall dusted the shoulders of the 150 homeless children from across the city arriving at UFT headquarters on Dec. 9 for the biggest and most exciting holiday party of the season.

Like guests at a posh city restaurant, the children’s coats were taken and they were shown to their reserved tables by the scores of volunteers from the UFT and the Coalition for the Homeless that together host the annual celebration.

And what to the guests’ wondering eyes should appear but Shanker Hall transformed to a party wonderland, with dazzling decorations and a DJ playing seasonal music.

Clutching gift bags they were eager to explore and smiling ear to ear, the children settled in at each table. As their initial awe and shyness wore off, the party moved into high gear as the kids jumped up to explore the games and activities set up around the hall.

Isaiah declared a thumbs down at the face-painting station favored by all the girls. “I’m not doing that,” he said, and headed instead for a tattoo, choosing a dragon while Jonathan chose a reindeer.

Six-year-old Angela, delighted with the floral wreath painted on her forehead, went back to her table to pack and repack her gift bag and to wrap her stuffed bear’s arms around a tiny plastic Santa. The lines grew at the bag toss when children discovered the prize was a snap-on bracelet. Jaime showed off an armful of winnings.

At the Zingo word-builder game, volunteer Dawn McDonald, a teacher at PS 284 in Brownsville, encouraged each player. “I’m totally enjoying this, perhaps more than the kids,” she said.

Lunch was just a momentary distraction from all the fun, except maybe for the make-your-own ice cream sundaes that got some attention.

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Miller Photography

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Miller Photography

The full-throttle energy and skyrocketing noise level were reduced only twice during the three-hour festivities. First, when the magician held the wide-eyed children spellbound by his feats as they all sat cross-legged around him. Then, a visit from Santa brought everything to a standstill as children lined up to whisper their wishes in his ear.

At the end of it all, with coats on and the snow still falling, there was one last surprise: a brightly wrapped, age-appropriate gift for each child, all donated by UFT members.

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Miller Photography

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Miller Photography

“With so much that’s negative in the news, it’s days like our holiday party that remind us of how special our children are and the promise that lives within them,” said UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford, who organizes the annual event. “Their smiles and festive spirits brighten our day.”