Christmas at PH is traditionally a very busy and bustling time with lots of family visits and external entertainment, as well as a residents and relatives get together over a glass of sherry and a mince pies.

This year however, things have been very different due to the restrictions imposed upon all of us by the Coronavirus pandemic which has involved suspending all external visits to the premises.

Nevertheless, every effort was made to make this Christmas just as festive and special for all our Residents, thanks to the hard work of all our staff.

Residents were still able to communicate with their family members and loved ones over this festive period, albeit virtually via Facetime, Skype and WhatsApp and over the phone, with the assistance of staff members.

During the past week, in addition to the everyday activities of having their nails done, Knitting & Nattering, playing on the Magic Table etc, a variety of other events and activities were organised in house to keep the Residents excited and motivated and to create a festive atmosphere within the Home.

This began with the decorating of Christmas trees in all the lounges and in the hallway, which the residents helped with – including making decorations to go on to the trees; the Residents had their own sherry and mince pie afternoon; they ‘attended’ a Cristingle service recorded especially for PH by our dear Canon Annette Reed and decorated symbolic Cristingle oranges as demonstrated by her during the service (see photos); they watched and joined in the singing of the Christmas carols performed by The King’s College Choir on TV and watched children from the Winhills Primary School read out the cards and poems written especially for them.

Finally, the Residents were treated to a live virtual performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ streamed from The Old Vic Performing Arts Theatre in London on Christmas eve, seated in the dining room with an old-fashioned screen and projector and additional speakers to create a ‘cinema-like’ atmosphere and a special experience. Residents enjoyed the show tremendously, and also enjoyed the tea, biscuits and chocolate served to all during the show, which went down a treat. We would like to extend a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the Old Vic for most kindly making this performance accessible to Care Home Residents nationally.

This year, Residents received record number of gifts from their family and loved ones, and these were distributed after a hearty Christmas lunch. The gifts brought much delight and happiness to the Residents and proved a lovely end to a joyous few days at Paxton Hall.

Below are images of some activities leading up to Christmas.