Having grown up in the long-term care business, the holidays, especially at Christmas, were especially challenging for our residents who didn’t have family nearby. Thus, it became a family tradition for our family (my parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles) to bring those residents who had no family nearby to our homes. I have very fond memories of sharing our Christmas with those elders who lived in one of our homes. It was a blessing to learn of their traditions, joys, and heartaches.
Which leads me to my purpose in writing – what is Christmas like at The Baptist Homes? There are many events, large and small, that go into making Christmas meaningful in our homes.
First, and most importantly there are multiple worship experiences unique to each campus – Hanging of the Green, Christmas Hymn Sings, Advent Worship, and many other events.
Second, each campus goes to great lengths to ensure that every resident receives gifts for the Christmas season. This year, each campus is participating in the “Giving Tree” program. Through this program, we invite friends and supporters to select a resident’s name and provide a gift personally requested by that resident. Then, there is a celebration in which the gifts are delivered – maybe even by some jolly fellow in a red suit.
Third, each campus will host a holiday meal that celebrates both Thanksgiving and Christmas, in which we invite resident families to join their loved ones for a time to share a meal and fellowship together.
Finally, there are a series of events that represent the various traditions of each campus and each region of the state. These include groups coming to our homes to sing carols and visit with our residents, trips to see Christmas lights and decorations, and visits with families throughout the month.
I hope this information will cause you to remember our residents in their adopted home and their families who now must do unique things to visit with their families. Most importantly, I hope it will lead you to pray for our residents, their families and our staff as we all seek to make the Christmas season a worshipful and meaningful season.
Merry Christmas from the families of The Baptist Homes.
