It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at many TriCare Aged Care Residences as the decorations were unpacked, the social calendar started to fill up and a sense of Christmas cheer settled across the communal areas. Residents, staff, family, and friends made the season bright from early December onward with everything from handmade decorations to hearty carol-singing.
Deck the Halls
‘Tis the season to get crafty! Christmas means sparkle and shine, and residents went all out to spruce up the halls and walls with bright, smile-inducing adornments. Some residents took matters into their own hands, quite literally! Concentration and dexterity were essential skills at Sunnybank Hills as the ladies helped thread the string through the baubles, ready to hang on the Christmas tree. And at Mermaid Beach, residents created mini Christmas trees in their arts and crafts club. All they needed was a stand, some pipe cleaners, and some metallic beads! As can be seen in the photos, they all turned out amazingly and everyone was really pleased with their creations.
At Mt Gravatt, the residents were ready and rearing to celebrate Christmas! One of the residents, Rita, created some fabulous diamond art and used it to decorate her wing. She has great skills and finesse and always shows us fantastic art and craft jobs. Staff also helped out with the decorations, and teamwork (and a Christmas star) came out on top!
The celebrations continued after hours at Cypress Gardens, where the residence lit up the night with a Christmas Courtyard Night Light tour. Residents reveled in the Christmas festivities with music, drinks and plenty of laughs. There were lots of compliments received by the Lifestyle Team from both residents and families for the wonderful decorations around the facility – they really outdid themselves.
Oh Come, All Ye Faithful
Getting together and sharing fun, laughter and joy are hallmarks of the festive season and our residents have enjoyed a range of social gatherings in recent weeks. At Kawana Waters, residents enjoyed a three-course Christmas lunch in two areas of the Residence, with 80 guests in each area – it was a jam-packed party! Everyone came together for some great laughs, Christmas crackers, drinks, and great company. And of course, what would a Christmas get-together be without a visit from Santa with gifts for everyone? Residents are still talking about the fabulous food and how much they enjoyed themselves.
Not to be outdone, the residents of Sunnybank Hills attended the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Party at City Hall – and WOW did the residents have a wonderful time! The food was fantastic, and the entertainment was superb. Even the taxis turned up on time! Now that’s a Christmas miracle!
Stafford Lakes residents were treated to a special morning tea and entertainment provided by their local Councillor, Fiona Hammond. Fiona is a long-time supporter of Stafford Lakes, and she made the time to come and enjoy the morning with residents. Everyone enjoyed sandwiches and cakes with a cuppa while listening to Christmas carols played by John Ritchie. Members of the local Rotary Club also came along to help serve the morning tea.
There was a lucky door prize of a beautiful Christmas hamper, won by a lucky resident. A wonderful sense of community was on display at this festive gathering!
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Without a doubt, one of the best things about Christmas is the music. Especially when listening to songs that we’ve grown up with, this can take us right back to our younger years and we can re-live the joy and magic of the season. At Annerley, residents had a very special Christmas concert with their very own Santa, Mark Day. He brought the Christmas cheer to the whole building with his rendition of Christmas carols that everyone enjoyed.
At Mermaid Beach, talented pianist, Richard Ham, paid a visit and played a concert full of classical hits and, of course, plenty of Christmas carols for over an hour. The residents were absolutely wowed and were still talking about the concert and Richard’s talent days later.
It was fun for the whole family at Stafford Lakes as they hosted their Family Carols by Candlelight event. Residents and their families were treated to an evening of beautiful music that created the most magical Christmas mood. The choir consisted mostly of residents from Stafford Lakes Retirement Community who performed their repertoire of Christmas classics brilliantly. Everyone in attendance – including those performing – thoroughly enjoyed the show. All this carol-singing certainly lifted everyone’s spirits!
The Most Famous Reindeer of All?
Just when you think Christmas has been enjoyed every way possible, someone comes along and creates a new and wonderfully fun activity! The ever-creative Lifestyle Team at Cypress Gardens would like to introduce you to Reindeer/Horse hunting. Residents had a great afternoon playing this interactive game with Nerf guns, face shields for safety, a giant inflatable costume, and an obliging Lifestyle Coordinator. Residents had an absolute hoot trying to shoot at the inflatable Briana, and of course every precaution was taken for maximum safety AND maximum fun. While it sounds like everyone had a blast, I’m not sure if Rudolph would want to join in this reindeer game!
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Thanks must go to all our residents, staff, community members, family, and friends who invested time and energy in making the festive celebrations across all our Aged Care communities so memorable and enjoyable! We wish all of you the blessings of the season and a wonderful New Year!
