December 23, 2022
The Holiday Season is upon us and at The Madison Senior Living, we are celebrating in a big way! Many of the residents who call our community home spent decades of their lives creating memorable holiday traditions with their families, and it is our goal to celebrate all sorts of traditions to make our residents feel at home. Moments like these are what make the holiday season extra special.
We kicked off the 45 Days of Holiday Cheer on Thanksgiving with a Gratitude Book that allowed residents and staff to share thoughts on what they are most grateful for. In the weeks since, we have gathered to light the candles of the Advent Wreath to reflect on its blessings, enjoyed a cozy hot cocoa happy hour, polished our shoes for St. Nicholas, and learned about the Yule Lads, among other things! Our December Story Corner featured the children’s book, “A World of Cookies for Santa” and cookie recipes from around the world.
While many of the days are now behind us, the holiday cheer will continue through the end of December and into the first week of January, allowing our residents to enjoy plenty of classic Holiday traditions as well as new and exciting moments created by Arrow Senior Living and our own community team. To round out the 45-day extravaganza, the culinary team will take us on a special daily dining experience to highlight dishes themed around the 12 Days of Christmas!
What could say “old-fashioned Christmas,” better than sitting around listening to Christmas music and doing a fun craft or activity with those you appreciate? Therefore Thursday, December 8th, when we strung natural Christmas tree decorations out of cranberries, popcorn, and other dried fruit was the day I most enjoyed with my residents. During this time of year, being able to breath, take in, and think about nature, is the best gift one can give themselves. Slowing down, caring, and giving should be the trifecta of the holiday season.
When I think about Christmas traditions, two ideas come to mind. As a mother, long ago, I decided to teach my son about the importance and respect of nature and the gift of service in everyday life. Even though we went through some “less-fortunate” times, this idea was also conveyed through the holiday season. It was soon pointed out that no matter how much or how little you have, you can almost always find something to give someone else and give to help nature. So, every year, during the season, we would do things together, like string popcorn and cranberries for the birds and wildlife to have during the cold, make peanut butter pine cones, and put fresh water out, ring the bell at the entrance of shopping centers for the Salvation Army, and choose items to donate for food banks, animal shelters, and toy drives. I am proud to say that even today, my son, as an adult, remembers those less fortunate than himself, by offering help and providing meals to older and ailing neighbors. He has become a man who values and respects nature, as a beekeeper and gardener. These values are important year around, but more so during the holidays.
We hope you have been following along on Facebook and Instagram as this joyous holiday adventure has unfolded, but even if you haven’t, it’s not too late to start!
Instagram.com/MadisonSeniorLiving
The Madison Senior Living in Kansas City, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St Luke’s South/ Menorah with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Top Golf, Park Place Shopping Center, Worlds of fun/Oceans of fun, Kansas City Zoo, Union Station/Crown Center, National WWI Museum and Memorial, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Arrow Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
