As we can’t take our residents out to our usual Christmas Market at the Friars, our Recreation and Well-Being Champions Paula and Hayley decided to bring the Christmas Market to all our residents at Loose Valley Care Home instead!
On Wednesday 25 November they set up an outside German-style market, laying the tables with gifts for our residents to choose from. These included shower gels, cookies, gingerbread cakes and chocolate reindeer!
We had a hot chocolate stall, with treat toppings – marshmallows, cream and flakes. We also served warmed mulled wine, with orange slices and everyone was wrapped up warm in jackets, hats and blankets; our gazebo has a roof and we also had snow covered conifers as a back drop to keep the wind at bay.
As part of the event, we were filmed for a special Nellsar Christmas video, which was very exciting!
Paula looked fantastic dressed up in a Bavarian-style dress for the first half of the filming and we recorded a German Christmas soundtrack to play outside during the event. Two of our residents, Jean and Phylis, were interviewed and said they were a little nervous at first, but afterwards felt like film stars! We were so proud of them for doing it.
Later we moved into our lounge and our splendid fireplace in our old rectory house made a fantastic focal point. We picked a beautiful lit wreath with red poinsettias and baubles, to set the scene along the top of the fire surround, next to our red and gold decorated Christmas tree with presents wrapped underneath.
With a tray of sherry and a cheers, we sang carols and had a wonderful singalong. Santa joined us with his presents, and Paula changed into her Little Miss Santa outfit!
Our Chef was a great help in getting the day prepared with plenty of mince pies, Panettone bread and stollen, all deliciously prepared fresh on the morning, including a special gluten free option for one of our ladies.
Such a memorable day, full of fun, festivities and filming – we can’t wait to see the finished video!
