Caroling around the piano, visits from local choir students and candlelight dinners. Just a few of many activities to help keep the holiday spirit alive for seniors in care homes around Moose Jaw.
 
In addition to extra scheduled activities for residents, this is also the busiest time of year for visitors, however not everyone has that luxury, "it's a hard time of year when your family is not around so the more we can for them to put them in the festive spirit and let them know there's still people out there that care for them and want to make it as fun and eventful as possible." Explained Melody Norberg, Office Coordinator at West Park Crossing.
 
While most staff members in senior communities have families of their own to spend Christmas with, the experience of being with tenants over the holidays can be very rewarding.
 
"We've developed relationships with our residents as well," Norberg added, "especially when you see the gleam in their eye when the grandchildren come to visit that maybe they haven't seen in a few months or an old neighbor drops by with some Christmas baking, I think that sort of [makes them think] there's still someone out there who really cares for me and is still thinking of me."
 
For those who have family in town, they will spend the day out of the building celebrating the holidays, Norberg noted "for those that don't have family around, of course it's tougher, obviously receiving lots of cards and getting lots of phone calls and stuff from family members that can't be with them. We try to make it easier for [the residents] we give them a little gift on Christmas Eve full of goodies."
 
Residents, guests and family will gather on Christmas day for a traditional holiday feast at West Park Crossing.