Residents at The Lawn, our Alton-based residential care home, have got into the Christmas Spirit with a ‘Holly Jolly’ visit from the Big Man himself, Santa Claus. “We wanted the residents’ Christmas frivolities to start as soon as possible, to get everyone in the festive spirit,” said Steve Swift, the care home’s Registered Manager. “Having ‘Red One’ visit and spend time with the residents was absolutely ‘Fa-la-la-la-tastic.”Santa, who was accompanied by one of his cheeky elves, took up residence in his very own Fantasy Grotto at the care home and not only met the residents, but also their families, grandchildren and friends, who visited to say Merry Christmas to Saint Nick.
“The residents really look forward to Christmas and totally enjoy all of the Yuletide activities we have going on in the build up to the big day,” added Catalina Constantin, The Lawn’s Activities Coordinator.
“This year, to make it extra special, I arranged for two Christmas Donkeys to visit as well, which was the icing on the cake – or should I say, the star on top of the Christmas Tree?” “The residents and children adored meeting the Christmas Donkeys,” continued Steve. “One of the residents surprised me with an interesting fact about Donkeys and Christmas. “Of course Donkeys are synonymous with The Nativity as Mary rode one on the journey to Bethlehem, but what I didn’t know was that a Donkey called Dominick helps Santa to deliver his Christmas gifts to the children in Italy as the Reindeer cannot climb the country’s many hills. As always, the residents never cease to amaze me.”
“Everyone who visited Santa in his North Pole’esque Grotto have a ‘Santa-tastic’ time,” added Catalina. “There was a wonderful, Winter Wonderland array of delicious Christmas delights for everyone to enjoy including scrummy traditional mince pies, yummy hot chocolate and, for the adults, mulled wine which all went down exceptionally well.”
“The Christmas Magic has definitely arrived at The Lawn,” continued Steve. “The residents are now counting down the days until Santa returns overnight on 24th December and are looking forward to a joyful and wonderful Christmas Day.”
Find out more about The Lawn care home by calling 01420 84162 or emailing [email protected].