Like many, we at Ardenwoods are doing all that we can to creatively integrate holiday memories in a safe yet meaningful way. Our Community Life Services Director, Kari, and her team have pulled off quite an ambitious feat. A riddle was shared on our activities calendar and throughout the month, activities and surprises were planned corresponding to a different gift given during the Twelve Days of Christmas. Each of the resident-led committees had a chance to shine throughout the month. Here are all the fun things we’ve done to celebrate, from eggnog ice cream to swans in the swimming pool!
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a partridge in a pear tree! The Activities Committee packaged and delivered gift bags with a pear and a holiday-themed paper mask. Residents have been showing their masks off all month long!
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: two turtle doves! We were treated to a dove release by High Mountain Doves. As an extra treat, one resident got to release a dove in celebration of her birthday!
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: three French hens! Horns, not hens! A trio from Biltmore Brass performed during dinner one Friday night.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: four calling birds! Our calling birds took the shape of carolers circling the community during the dinnertime hours, serenading the residents as they came to or from dinner.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: five golden rings! The Building and Grounds Committee hosted a game of horseshoes with, you got it, golden horseshoes!
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: six geese a laying! Geese lay their eggs in a nest and to us, a nest is a home. So, we had a showing of the classic Christmas film, ‘Home Alone!’
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: seven swans a swimming! A few swans appeared in the swimming pool one morning, to the surprise of a few of our regular swimmers.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: eight maids a milking! A delivery of eggnog ice cream found its way to the residents’ doors.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: nine ladies dancing! The Wellness Committee presented a new fitness class titled “Sit, Step, Sing,” which integrated singing and dancing into a work out.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: ten lords a leaping! We streamed Flatrock Playhouse’s virtual Christmas production for our residents!
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: eleven pipers piping! How about piping-hot chocolate! Residents enjoyed a hot chocolate bar hosted by our Food and Beverage Committee!
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: twelve drummers drumming! We enjoyed a community read aloud of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
May your holidays be filled with love and friendship, and may you have a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!