Christmas cheer quickly spreads throughout town
In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, the staff at several area nursing homes provided special treats for their residents. Most chose to transpose their activity rooms into brightly decorated settings with traditional lighted trees, wreaths and boughs of greenery and gaily wrapped gifts.
Christmas music – from “Silent Night” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” to “Jingle Bells” and “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” – could be heard throughout and many shut-ins were fortunate to have groups of carolers come by for brief but entertaining visits.
A bus loaded with children from Tammy’s Little Tikes day care arrived Dec. 18 at Raintree Manor to share hugs, songs and handmade Christmas cards with those assembled in the activity room. The intergenerational experience was organized by Sharon Bennett and Carson Rust, Raintree activity directors.
At Fannie B’s, residents tried to identify the names of songs being played before enjoying punch and cookies provided Dec. 17 by Intrepid Home Health. Bessie Green won a prize bag containing a Santa hat and other goodies.
Approximately 50 residents and guests were expected on three separate evenings when NHC provided its annual Christmas Candlelight Dinner. The ladies in attendance were presented fresh carnation corsages made especially for them by members of McMinnville Garden Club.