If you thought care homes were all about quiet days and early nights, think again. Catherine House Care Home has just pulled off a Christmas celebration that had everyone talking and smiling. Residents (fondly referred to as family members), relatives, and even some curious passers-by got involved in a day packed full of fun and proper Christmas time energy.
From a cosy Santa’s grotto glowing with fairy lights to adorable donkeys dressed in Christmas outfits, the day was packed with unique experiences. A carnival-style Christmas float, bustling stalls, and a live animal area added to the excitement, while generous donations made the event even more special.
Santa’s Grotto Steals the Spotlight
The star of the show was nonother than Father Christmas himself. He set up shop in a cosy grotto, spreading smiles and taking photos with and visitors who loved every moment. The grotto, decked out with fairy lights and Christmas decorations, was a hit with all ages.
Wilma the Donkey: The Real Crowd-Pleaser
One of the stand-out moments of the day was the live animal area, where donkeys Wilma and her companion, dressed up in Christmas outfits, captured everyone’s hearts. Family members, children, and relatives enjoyed meeting and feeding the donkeys, with Wilma quickly becoming a favourite.
From a cosy Santa’s grotto glowing with fairy lights to adorable donkeys dressed in Christmas outfits, the day was packed with unique experiences.
Bringing the Party to the Streets
Outside the care home, a Christmas float, organised with help from Little Devils Carnival Club, brought music, costumes, and decorations to the local streets. Performers dressed as reindeer, accompanied by festive music, drew plenty of smiles from passers-by, bringing the Christmas spirit to the wider community.
Stalls, Tombola, and a Touch of Generosity
Back inside, family members and relatives enjoyed stalls selling cakes, crafts, and a tombola run by Ruby and her daughter Jackie. But it wasn’t just about celebrating, a local woodcarver joined the event to raise money for dementia awareness, a cause close to his heart after his recent diagnosis.
Why Events Like This Mean So Much
Moments like these, show why bringing the community together can make such a difference. It’s not just about festive fun; it’s about creating connections, supporting meaningful causes, and reminding everyone of the power of coming together. Whether it’s through sharing stories, supporting a neighbour, or simply enjoying a slice of cake, events like this strengthen bonds and brighten lives, for family members, relatives, and the whole community.
One family member, Glenda, had such a great time she didn’t want to stop, she danced and laughed her way through the day, even skipping her lunch to keep enjoying the celebrations. Another family member, Steven, couldn’t wait to get involved, heading straight to the stalls as soon as they opened.
The care home activities co-ordinator Sharon said: “The whole day was just brilliant. Seeing our family members enjoying themselves so much, and relatives and local people joining in too, really made it special. Events like this show how much care homes can bring people together, and that’s what we’re all about.”
To top it all off, generous donations of Christmas cakes will be saved for the big day itself, ensuring the celebrations carry on well into the rest of December.
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