December and January were a very busy and festive time at Rest Haven Lodge.
In December, we hosted three days of Holiday High Teas for residents, families, and friends. We served the Teas in the dining room complete with dainty sandwiches, assorted sweets, and choices of tea. Each day we had musical entertainment, including Caroling by our Adult Day program members.
Throughout December, residents were able to have their photos taken by the Christmas Tree, and then made cards to send out to their families. On Christmas Eve, Santa’s team of elves put together a Christmas bag for each resident, which were delivered on Christmas Day. A wonderful Christmas luncheon was served to our residents, and all staff on duty, on Christmas Day. Our cooks put together an amazing feast!
Along with our fun activities in December, we experienced several days of very heavy snow. It was a beautiful sight and we made sure our resident bird population was well fed while we enjoyed the sight from beside the fire. On December 31, we rang in the New Year with a Happy Hour and games in the lounge.
January brought in several unusual celebrations such as National Bird Day – where we made bird cookies and did a little bird watching. National Bubble Bath Day was celebrated by watching an Armchair Travel video about Hawaii and playing with bubbles. National Popcorn Day was of course celebrated with a movie and popcorn. We also had a fun visit from one of our favourite puppies … Hank!
We celebrated Chinese New Year on January 23. The residents made some very beautiful lanterns to decorate all three floors. Our celebration included snacks such as spring rolls, and several types of Chinese sweets. We then turned our hand to painting Chinese characters, and flower arranging. We now have very creative new flower arrangements throughout the Home. As February approaches, we have started planting some of our seeds in boxes, ready for the Spring garden clean up and planting. We have started tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and several types of squash. We are also getting ready for Valentine’s Day, Pink Shirt / Scarf Day, and Random Acts of Kindness Day.
