RUMFORD — Pastor Sam Maruca believes Christmas can be the most wonderful of family days, or it can be the loneliest.

The leader of the Rumford Baptist Church, together with members Clemma and Jim Nichols and several others, aim to make this Christmas a people-filled one for everyone.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the doors of this historic church at Washington and Plymouth streets will be open to whomever wants to come on Christmas Day. There will be snacks, carols, games, a couple of Christmas movies and other activities for everyone to take part in. People can come and go as they wish.

The events will be held in the fellowship hall, which is handicapped accessible on the Plymouth Street side of the church.

The idea began, in part, when the church held its first Thanksgiving dinner for the community last month. At least 45 people attended, and 20 additional meals were delivered to those who were housebound, people working the holiday at the Rumford Police Department, Mexico Fire Department and Med-Care Ambulance Service.

“It was so much fun,” said Clemma Nichols, the clerk of the church. “Christmas is about family, and there are a lot of people who don’t have family here,” she said.

She remembers, as a child, that Christmas Day included a relaxing afternoon playing the newest game brought by Santa.

Maruca and his wife, Ruth, are new to the area, too. They come from the Virginia/Maryland area and won’t be returning there for Christmas.

“I want to be part of the community and the church to be a part of the community,” he said.

The ladies group at the church will have the fellowship hall decorated for Christmas. Clemma’s daughter, Heather Hodsdon, found lots of bright red, Christmas plates, cups and napkins for serving the day’s snacks. And the family began decorating the tree with gold balls, garlands and stars earlier in the week.

At least one other area church plans to take part in the day’s events, Clemma said.

Jim Nichols looks forward to the day and plans to bring his elderly mother.

“This is a good idea for people who don’t have a place to go,” he said.

The church will also hold a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24.

[email protected]