There’s no place like home, and this month, Back Home for the Holidays is the theme of the Port of Call program! Each month, the participating affiliated communities will host a Port of Call program. This interactive program will take the residents to a different country or city through engaging games, fun activities, and enjoyable food!
December’s theme is Back Home for the Holidays, which means the residents will explore the joys found within their local hometowns. Whether the residents live in a bustling city or a quiet suburban metro, they will focus on the importance of family and friends. The residents will be celebrating the holiday traditions that they have enjoyed for years.
Back Home for the Holidays
The holiday season is a special time because it is a season of giving, spending time with loved ones, and honoring tradition.
There are many fun Christmas traditions that Americans will celebrate! Here are some special traditions many people will enjoy this year:
- Giving and receiving presents
- Decorating a Christmas tree
- Going to church for a Christmas service
- Baking cookies for Santa and other holiday treats such as fruitcakes
- Watching holiday movies with the family
- Placing an “Elf on the Shelf” around the house
- Warming up by the fireplace
- Enjoying Christmas dinner with the family
- Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar
- Sending and receiving Christmas cards
- Building gingerbread houses
- Decorating the yard with beautiful lights and decorations
- Wearing Christmas sweaters
- Drinking eggnog
- Eating holiday sweets such as candy canes
- Making wreaths for the door
- Reading holiday stories
- Making unique ornaments
- Enjoying hot chocolate
- Singing Christmas carols
- Decorating the home with poinsettias
- Writing letters to Santa
- Going sleigh riding
Holidays and Family
The holiday season is a time for family to come together and spend quality time. Many families will have their own traditions and memories that they will enjoy and remember on Christmas.
We encourage you to reach out to your family members and loved ones this season. Plan a few fun get-togethers and try new experiences to make new memories. Some ways you can get involved include looking for local seasonal events around town, volunteering, or planning your own fun activities.
Activity Plans for the Port of Call
Each month, the talented Life Enrichment departments at the affiliated communities will put together fun activities and games based on each destination. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the activities the Life Enrichment departments are planning around the holiday season! The activities at participating communities are subject to change.
Dresher Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center
Dresher Hill has lots of fun festive holiday plans, including baking cookies, watching holiday movies, enjoying sports, and singing carols. They will be having a party with Santa Steve and a special entertainer as well! The American Boy Scouts, along with Santa, will visit to deliver presents.
Autumn Care of Biscoe
Autumn Care of Biscoe plans on taking two groups on an outing to the Highland Creek Farm to see the Holiday light display, tour the country store and have their choice of cider, hot chocolate or homemade ice cream.
Caring Heights Community Care & Rehab
Caring Heights is doing a weekly cooking class of resident holiday favorites! They are also having a discussion on Pittsburgh holiday traditions such as the large creche display, the “Hornes” tree, and more.
Liberty Ridge Health and Rehabilitation
Liberty Ridge is doing a Christmas Light Tour of Lynchburg, VA and taking residents on a bus ride to see all the Christmas lights. The residents will also sing carols and drink hot cocoa!
Diplomat Healthcare
Diplomat Healthcare will host a festive holiday party for the residents. They will have caroling, live entertainment, gifts and an ugly sweater day for staff.
Spruce Manor
Spruce Manor plans on enjoying a PA Dutch style Christmas! The residents will cozy up with classic Christmas movies while enjoying warm chicken pot pie, festive apple cider, and a delicious slice of pumpkin pie for dessert. The residents will also embark on a visual tour showcasing Pennsylvania’s most beloved wonders, attractions, and historic sites.
