The Christmas and holiday season can be difficult for some people in under-served parts of our community. We’re especially thinking about nursing home residents. For some people, it may be their first Christmas in a nursing home and away from their family. And with the seasonal rise in increased health precautions, many residents may not be able to see their families at all.
The Last Few Years Have Been Rough!
Thinking about the last couple of Covid Christmases, the holiday season has really changed for nursing home residents. It can be a really sad and lonely time. So if anyone could use a little cheer, we think it’s them.
Despite all the challenges, experts and nursing home carers emphasize that it’s important for their residents to mark the celebration, acknowledging and celebrating it, even if it’s limited. And that’s where your beautiful handmade wreaths made with love can come in.
A Gesture Close to Our Hearts
If you’ve been following along with Laurie for a few years, you’ll know that this is an effort close to her heart.
A great way to make a nursing home feel more “homey” over the holidays is to make a homemade wreath or centrepiece to spread cheer and make the nursing home look more festive.
Donating a wreath (or two or more) is such a thoughtful gesture and means the world for these residents. Giving a little of your time and effort to the people in a nursing home in your area can turn a potentially stressful and dark time into the bright and happy time it’s supposed to be.
Put A Smile On Some Faces
Just think about how every time the residents look at your wreath it will put a smile on their face. Your time and caring can make them feel included, cared for, and remembered – and that’s exactly what the Christmas season is supposed to be all about!
If you have a parent, grandparent, or loved one in a home, you could choose to give some wreaths there, or you could find a residence in your local area. Either way, this is your chance to make the holiday season a little more special for them. Just think about the holiday cheer you could spread to don’t have any family. We promise you, any caring gesture you make over the holidays would be appreciated.
A beautiful, hand-made wreath shows those in a nursing home that they haven’t been forgotten and that someone cares about them. They’ll so appreciate the thoughtfulness and love that went into creating your homemade DIY wreath.
One of the great things about a Christmas wreath is that it can brighten up a whole common area, becoming a point of conversation for the residents. Lots of people will be able to see what you’ve made and be cheered by it, too.
Your creativity and effort will show you care, and it has the side benefit of getting you more into the Christmas spirit!
Think Local
If you are donating to nursing homes where you do not know anyone, but want to bring joy to everyone, check with your local nursing home to ensure they are accepting decorations. Most will be happy to hear from you but it’s always good to double check. Nursing home caretakers appreciate your efforts too, as they know how much it will mean to their residents.
This can also be an opportunity for your whole family to get crafty together and then deliver the finished wreaths as a special activity in the right holiday spirit.
Check online for nursing homes near you that could benefit from your time and care. Canadahelps.org has additional resources to help you.
We'd Love To See Photos 📷
Please, if you do share wreaths with your local nursing home residents, we would love to see photos! Join the Unique Wreath Creators group and drop some pictures for us. It would mean so much to Laurie and all of the team here.
Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season,
Team Unique