What makes Christmas and New Year’s special are the traditions that take place at each location – in our nursing homes, assisted living residences and independent living buildings.
“Traditions provide a sense of belonging and help residents form new memories of holiday joy while still being able to reminisce about the past with their families,” says Nichol Davis, supervisor of activities and health information management at Good Samaritan Society – International Falls in International Falls, Minnesota.
The sights, sounds and scents of the season are something that resonate with residents, and they look forward to the fun weeks of celebration.
“We always put the Christmas tree up the week after Thanksgiving. We also turn on Christmas music and have people come in to play the piano. Residents also pick out ornaments to hang on the tree,” says Pamella Millsap, activities supervisor at Good Samaritan Society – Scotland in Scotland, South Dakota.
Keeping traditions alive is important as staff members help residents enjoy the season.
“We have smart speakers in each house that play Christmas music. We play ’50s Christmas music. At teatime, one of the activities assistants reads short Christmas stories,” Nichol says.
A feeling of anticipation
If you ask residents about the holiday season, most are enthusiastic about the activities and events.
In International Falls, the whole building is decorated.
“Our residents get excited. As soon as the trees come, they gather around and some that are able to help, help decorate the trees and they love it. We have a tree in each house.
Just even to watch their faces glow. They start talking about when they were a child and what they did back then,” says Nichol.
At Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani in Kaneohe, Hawaii, they have a lighting ceremony to kick off the season.
“The choir sings and it’s a big sing-along. We have a blessing from our pastor and then the foundation brings lots of goodies. We have a reputation of having the best Christmas lights,” says Joanne “Jo” Cinter, activities director at Pohai Nani.
The maintenance team decorates the building and puts up a large Christmas tree.
“They really go all out and our residents just absolutely love it. The energy here is just excitement. A lot of our residents have family who live on the mainland and they come for the holidays. It’s always fun to have the energy of the kids coming to see grandparents,” Jo says.
Holiday fun and food
Whether it’s decorating, listening to music, watching movies, making crafts or baking, there is always something taking place to help residents get in the Christmas spirit.
“Every year, we make ornaments for the trees or for the residents to give to their family members. We have Christmas movies on the big screen and residents either have popcorn or cookies and drinks. We try to have one set of carolers a week come in” Nichol says.
Residents also have a chance to give to others.
“We do a card-giving type of thing where the residents write cards to each other or a staff member writes a card to a resident,” says Nichol.
This year, Pohai Nani did something new.
“We had residents decorate their walkers. We helped them or they could do it on their own. We put beautiful garland on them with lights and bells or whatever they wanted, and they came out so nice,” says Jo.
The staff at Pohai Nani come together to create and perform a holiday show for the residents and each department participates.
Residents had fun singing in Scotland. They call the activity Christmas karaoke.
“We don't have a karaoke machine, but we turn on YouTube on our big screen TV and pull up a karaoke program where you can see all the words. I don’t put anybody on the spot or make them hold a microphone, but we all sing together and if anyone wants to have a solo, they sure can,” says Pamella.
Another holiday activity at Scotland is baking. Any resident who wants to help can join in the two-day baking fest where they make goodies like chocolate-covered cherry bars and Chex Mix in preparation for their big party.
“We have a popcorn machine here, so we make some Christmas crunch, which is white chocolate popcorn,” Pamella says.
“Our big activity is our Christmas party that's in the dining room. Families are all invited to come. Santa Claus and his elf show up, and they bring everybody Christmas presents. All the residents get presents,” Pamella says.
Amazing support
It takes a village to create an amazing season for residents. Within Good Samaritan, this village includes volunteers, family and staff members.
In Scotland, loved ones and volunteers are welcome to stop in anytime to enjoy the season with residents.
“A new thing we’re doing this year is a Christmas photo booth. We have it up in our lobby and are inviting family and friends to stop in and take a picture with their loved one and then send us a picture if they want,” says Pamella.
Staff members are grateful for the support of family and volunteers and how they help make the holidays brighter for everyone.
“The volunteers we have are amazing and the families are so great at making sure that if there’s something we need and we don’t have and the residents want it, they’ll go and get it,” says Nichol.
“Our volunteer group is called the Friends of Good Samaritan – Scotland, and they provide money for us to buy all the residents a Christmas present. They fundraise throughout the year and come and help us with the party,” Pamella says.
Good Samaritan staff members also go the extra mile to make the season special for residents.
“Our staff are wonderful here. They sing with residents to their favorite Christmas songs. They’ll pick out their clothes that might have Christmasy stuff. Or if they’ve got some Christmas jewelry, they’ll help them put it on. They really hype up the holiday too,” Pamella says.
Staff members are also there to support residents who might be feeling down.
“My staff are very aware that residents might be having struggles, and they go out of their way to help. There is this feeling of ‘ohana where everybody looks out for each other.
It’s a really warm environment for the residents,” says Jo.
“I feel like we're kind of like one big family and I’m very grateful for that,” Nichol says.
