Christmas is for spending time with the people we cherish, swapping gifts, and enjoying good food together. For many people it’s a period of religious celebration. For all of us it’s an opportunity to reflect with both sadness and joy on the people who are no longer with us, but who we remember for the ways they’ve shaped our lives.
Christmas at Swarthmore reflects the many facets of the festive season, and our aim is to create a holiday period that includes everyone, no matter your faith, beliefs, or religion. Our staff team work to create a cosy atmosphere (even cosier than usual), that invites residents and their families to celebrate in the way they feel most comfortable throughout the holiday period.
Families and Friends Are Part of a Swarthmore Christmas
We’re very much aware, at Swarthmore Residential Care, that Christmas is a special time of year for residents and their families, too. Some families will join us for lunch on Christmas day, some residents will spend time in the homes of friends and family. Whatever the plan, we do all we can to support and accommodate it.
There are no restrictions on visiting throughout the holiday period. Its always helpful to let us know of any visits so we can plan care around visits so you can enjoy your time together around the festivities.
Activities Leading Up to the Festive Period
There are plenty of opportunities for everyone at Swarthmore to get in the Christmas spirit throughout December. Residents will be helping Ann Marie (our Activities Coordinator) and staff decorate the home with Christmas trees. There’s a visit to a local school to enjoy their Dress Rehearsal for the Christmas Nativity play, and a traditional pantomime performed at Swarthmore by a professional company.
And of course, we’ll be singing carols! There’s a Christmas carol service for those who wish to attend, and a get together with friends and families for tea and carols on 22nd December.
How we spend Christmas Day at Swarthmore
Mornings are always busy times in residential care homes and Christmas is no exception. It being a special day, we recognise that residents may want to wear a particular outfit for the day, so Swarthmore staff take extra care to ensure everyone feels extra special in preparation for the celebrations. Staff will celebrate by wearing Christmas hats!!
It’s a Swarthmore tradition that during the morning, Father Christmas visits every resident in their room or in a communal area delivering gifts for everyone.
Christmas lunch is enjoyed at one large table so that the event becomes a big party that everyone can celebrate together. There’s a lavishly decorated table (thanks to our residents’ efforts), embellished with crackers and sherry for those who enjoy this tradition. Carols are sung, crackers are pulled, delicious food is eaten and a wonderful time is had by one and all.
After lunch, gifts are opened and enjoyed, with the care team on hand to help with stubborn sellotape! Then we all sit back and enjoy our favourite Christmas movies together. Some of us may doze off – after all, we’ve had a big meal and a very busy morning!
We can’t wait to enjoy the holidays with residents, their friends, and families at Swarthmore. This year, as every year, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho!!
About Swarthmore Residential Care Home
The staff at Swarthmore love the Christmas festivities and ensure that it’s a special time for residents and their families or friends. For the past 70 years, our independent care home in Gerrards Cross has been offering care for respite and for long-term residents. Situated in beautifully landscaped gardens, we’re just a short walk away from the town centre.
The staff at Swarthmore consider it a privilege to offer person-centred care to residents. We care deeply about the environment we provide, and we love showing people around. If you are thinking about residential or respite care, come and experience the special atmosphere at Swarthmore.
Would you like to speak to someone at Swarthmore Residential Care Home about residential or respite care? For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663.
