A Special Advent Calendar
St John’s has gifted a very special large Advent calendar to The Field House Care Home. Alison Browne has created the beautiful material calendar and Catriona Foster has created 24 thought-provoking insets to go in to each pocket along with a small gift. Each of the 24 insets is on a different Christmas theme, providing some opportunity for discussion/reminiscence as well as something to think about. Themes include, ‘Christmas during the 2nd World War’, ‘Carols’, ‘Tinsel’, ‘The Wise Men’, ‘No Room’, ‘Christmas Dinner’, ‘Mary’, etc. Each theme has 4 short sections:
1. ‘I wonder…’ These are ideas to engage the residents in conversation and the sharing of memories.
2. ‘Did you know?’ This is an interesting fact about the day’s theme.
3. ‘Thought for the Day’ This is a short, inspiring thought based on the Christmas story.
4. ‘A Prayer’ To end with, there is a very short prayer based on the theme.
Some of the gifts are linked with the theme, for example, mini crackers, a Christmas pudding tree decoration, star shaped chocolates, etc. Other gifts include bookmarks and sweets. The filled calendar was sent with an accompanying letter to the staff encouraging them to use it as a daily activity, and thanking them for all that they do and wishing them a happy Christmas.
The idea, including the wording, has been shared around the country and is being used by a number of people who have links with Care Homes. It can easily be adapted to suit different situations. Please do pray that this will be used and enjoyed, and that it will be inspiring and helpful for residents and staff.
Catriona Foster
Pastor for Older People