Christmas dinner for the lonesome

It goes without saying that many young anglophones, particularly students, have parents who live out-of-province. Such being the case, most flee Montreal at Christmas to spend quality time with the parental units over the holidays. Others would like to do just that, but for whatever reason (money, past-due term papers, work) can't, and are left on their own for Christmas.>> If that's you, there's one place you should be on Christmas day. Face-à-face, a downtown friendship and referral centre, is organizing its fifth annual Christmas party--and what a party it is. Far from the usual slice-of-turkey and plop-of-potatoes Christmas meals served at most community centres, Face-à-face serves up an all-you-can-eat buffet. Last year, they served 700 people; this year, they're setting the table for 900. "This party is for anyone stuck in Montreal over Christmas," says organizer Joanne Ness. >> Dinner is served from noon to 7 p.m. at the Church of St. James the Apostle, 1439 Ste-Catherine W. (corner Bishop) on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. If you would like to volunteer, Ness needs people with cars on Dec. 24. Info: 934-4546. --Philip Preville