Gordon Colling House
It has been a busy month at Gordon Colling House trying to be innovative in planning Christmas with our communal areas still closed.
Christmas has always been a fun time here as the majority of the residents celebrate and even those that do not still like the atmosphere it creates.
A beautiful Memorial Christmas tree was made following an idea with a care worker and a senior, we have always had a heart and ensure that the subject of death is not taboo- indeed we regularly talk and remember those who are no longer with us. Due to the year we have had we felt a Christmas tree shining brightly with initials of these special people would be a wonderful way to reflect. I was on annual eave when this was created but I was made aware as each bauble was placed a memory was shared for each person- it is beautiful.
We have also lots planned with our 12 days of Christmas advent- Christmas eve boxes where us and the housing provider are working together to create. Lots of socially distanced singing and dancing and delivery of hot chocolate, mince pies etc- carol singing at each door for those who are unable to join in outside.
St Bedes
Christmas planning has become a bit of a competition between our schemes and I am in the middle wanting all to win as it ensure our service users have nothing but the best and who wouldn’t want the best for their service users. Nothing wrong with a little competing!
So our team at St Bedes looked at what the service users liked there and one gentleman already being famous singing along to grease with me could not wait for this secret idea…… a CD created with any service user wanting to sing a Christmas tune, of course staff took part too, it is beautiful and the money raised as agreed with service users is going to Christmas eve surprises too. One service user said ‘this is so far already the best Christmas he has had’ And that’s in the middle of a pandemic at Christmas time.
The coordinator has also been taken photographs as part of their special surprise with a backdrop – they are beautiful pics and a thoughtful idea for people to share with their families- one said I cant be with mine this year but they can hear me on the Cd and see me in the pic!
Wootton Vale House
Well after many weeks of panto prepping sadly due to covid we are unable to use the communal areas so no panto well not this side of Christmas but would that stop team Wootton- oh no it wont- I heard them cry…. So a parade it is then… the dame is still coming scrooge or Mrs Christmas will be there too depending on what mood she’s in!!!
We are singing Christmas songs, doing the conga around Wootton Vale (socially distanced and asking if they want more- oh yes they will! Sorry couldn’t help myself
In addition the Christmas eve boxes are empty on the tree at the moment but watch this space and lets see what magic Santa can do- you can still believe at any age you know!
