Do you dream of a white Christmas, like Bing Crosby? Perhaps you brace for a blue Christmas à la Elvis Presley? Bing (bearing an uncanny resemblance to Bob Henson, Communications) and Elvis (looking suspiciously like Peter Thornton, CGD) performed dueling versions of Chrismas at the 7 December holiday party, backed by the ever-energized UCARolers. When the contest dissolved into a duet, Elvis suggested that the two master entertainers launch a Las Vegas act. "I can see it now: The King and Bing,"he said—disregarding his partner’s remonstrance that the billing should be: "Bing and the King." Preceding the act, and adhering more carefully to musical convention, were the Papillion Chamber Players. This experienced string quartet (which includes, from left to right, violinists Susan Hall and Linda Wolpert, cellist Yoriko Morita, and RAP’s Becky Ruttenberg) performed such holiday favorites as selections from Handel’s Messiah and "Let It Snow."

Did Elvis and Bing win over the crowd—or did the traditional quartet touch more hearts? UCAR president Rick Anthes, true to form, presented a tongue-in-cheek critique of the afternoon’s entertainment before moving on to weightier matters. "I’d like to begin by thanking the string quartet and acknowledging the UCARolers," Rick said, "for, on the one hand, a fine performance and, on the other hand, a performance." (Photos by Carlye Calvin.)

UCARolers Susan Siders and Susan Montgomery-Hodge square off over the color of their carols.