A Month of Christmas
Christmas at Mayflower is a wonderful experience, filled with good cheer, good times and lovely memories to be made and shared, with each facility enjoying numerous festive events throughout December.
At Mayflower Reservoir, Lifestyle Coordinator Helen dressed as Mrs Claus while staff member Gautam and his son Sid dressed as Santa and Santa’s little helper. The vibrant trio spread some Christmas joy handing out a gift to each resident who received their gift with a with a warm smile and joy, reflecting the essence of the season.
Leading up to Christmas, our Reservoir residents had the pleasure of being entertained by singer Sam Milan, joining in Christmas caroling with the local school children as well as enjoying fabulous Christmas themed games and bingo.
Helen said “Our residents really look forward to our Christmas celebrations, particularly the special visit from Santa and entertainment by Sam Milan. It was so rewarding seeing everyone get into the Christmas spirit.”
At Mayflower Brighton, residents relished a private performance from Buddy England of Seekers fame and sang and danced to some of the Seekers greatest hits such as “Georgy Girl,” “Five Hundred Miles” and “California Dreamin’.”
As a popular attraction, the bridge between the Rennolds building and Rasmussen House was decorated with a traditional Christmas theme, complete with 14 metres of garland and hand-cut stained-glass windows painstakingly fashioned out of black cardboard and cellophane.
Teresa, Brighton’s Lifestyle Coordinator said “It was the first time we have decorated the bridge for Christmas this way. I wanted to go with a more traditional theme and tell the Christmas Story through silhouettes in stained glass windows. I was inspired by traditional church windows and the Myer Christmas windows from years ago.”
When asked further about the stained-glass window decorations, Teresa explained “the reason we decorate the bridge is to give something back to our residents which is special and something they can enjoy. We received such wonderful feedback about our Christmas in July and Spring themed bridges, and many residents brought their friends and family to have a look and watch the decorations grow, so we wanted to do something really special for Christmas!”
Elizabeth from our Brighton Independent Living Units won the raffle, much to her delight, “I’ve never won anything in my life!” says Elizabeth “I will share my hamper with my grandchildren!”
On Christmas Day staff and visitors helped residents get into the spirit at each location, donning festive costumes, t-shirts and reindeer antlers galore. A traditional Christmas lunch was served, and the Christmas bon-bons were a hit amongst friends and family.
