Christmas starts with Santa coming round to all the residents after a hearty breakfast. All residents get a present and this is done in the main lounge. It’s lovely to see the residents who want to attend (most do!), come together and open their present. 

Mince pies, chocolates and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served, and everyone’s good health is toasted.

One of the highlights of the day is the St Mary’s Church Choir in Barton, based a stone’s throw away from the home, singing for the residents at 10:15. The residents love a choir and for them to be sung to on Christmas Day, truly is one of the most magical things to see. 

Bucks fizz starts the Christmas lunch celebrations off, followed by a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding with cream or custard. The tables in the dining room are set with Christmas decorations and everyone eats together where possible. 

After lunch, Christmas films, games and music are played into the evening with plenty more delicious festive food and drink available throughout, as well as residents’ families popping in during the afternoon and getting involved. 

This is Activity Coordinator Jackie’s first Christmas – “I joined Townsend in September, and I am excited to be part of their Christmas Day celebrations. We have so many exciting things planned for the day, I just know the residents will have a fantastic Christmas.”

Laura Berry, Home Manager, is popping in in the morning as the residents are her second family. She loves seeing the residents smiling, enjoying the magical Christmas morning and them opening their presents.

We asked some of the residents what they were most looking forward to for Christmas.

Joan: “I am really looking forward to Christmas! I have loved the activities we do here leading up to the day, they have brought me to life!”

Lillian: “I always look forward to Christmas, I love seeing everyone having fun. I am excited to sing and dance and listen to the carols. I love being at Townsend House, I am going to dance my socks off”

Vince: “There’s not much I don’t like about Christmas. I love singing, dancing and having a lovely day. I’m hoping for snow this year”. 

There’s a lot of festive spirit here, so Christmas Day will truly be a magical day for everyone at Townsend House.