Five Unexpected Joys of Spending the Holidays in a Senior Living Community
It’s beginning to look a lot like holiday time, with its feelings of excitement sprinkled with nostalgia—and spirits are particularly bright at senior living communities like The Village at Germantown. Everywhere you go, people are mingling with friends, welcoming visiting grandchildren and admiring whimsically decorated trees and twinkling lights.
Here are five ways in which retirement communities—and The Village in particular—make the holidays a celebration of life, tradition and family-like bonds.
1. Stress-Free Entertaining
While preparing a large holiday feast from scratch can be meaningful, it also adds up to lots of work year after year. On the other hand, senior living communities let you create warm holiday memories without worrying about cooking, cleaning or scrubbing pots and pans.
At The Village, one popular tradition is “Home for the Holidays,” where residents can order a chef-prepared prime rib, ham or turkey with all the trimmings to serve to visiting family members. Our dining venues, too, overflow with fresh culinary creations and seasonal treats from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, and our residents say that our food holds its own against Germantown’s finest restaurants.
When Christmas Day arrives, people flock to our dining room to feast on a bountiful brunch—often with multiple generations of family members by their sides. It’s always a treat to see the generations come together, and everyone can spend more time enjoying each other’s company while our staff handles the details.
2. Traditions Old and New
Living in a retirement community doesn’t mean you have to give up cherished traditions—in fact, communities such as The Village encourage residents to keep their favorite customs alive while also embracing new experiences that quickly become treasured memories.
While the centerpiece of our holiday display is a king-sized Christmas tree artfully decorated by florist extraordinaire John Mark, residents bring their own holiday decorating traditions to our community. Our independent living apartments, for example, each have an alcove next to their doors, and residents really go to town. From life-sized singing Santas to a miniature Christmas village to menorahs and dreidels, the creativity is in full bloom.
Another well-loved tradition is the annual holiday concert performed by our resident-run Village Choir. These talented musicians never fail to inspire as they lift every voice and sing a selection of carols and other favorite songs of the season. The program also features a performance by resident Joy Brown Wiener, a former Concert Mistress for the Memphis Symphony.
3. Social Connections Built Right In
One of the greatest year-end joys is celebrating with friends and loved ones—which also cultivates social wellness after retirement. And when you reside at a senior living community, you don’t have to go over the river and through the woods to fill your schedule with parties, performances and other opportunities to connect with other vibrant people.
Holiday merrymaking at The Village feels more like a family gathering, because everyone cares so much for one another. The season’s biggest soiree is the First Horizon holiday party for Village residents, where neighbors gather to marvel at the beautiful decorations and spread good tidings. From lively music to scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, it’s one party no one wants to miss.
Perhaps the year’s most meaningful social event is our employee talent show, which is also a chance for residents to show their appreciation to our staff members—who many consider their “adopted” children and grandchildren. The Village doesn’t allow tipping, but every year, residents pool their money to give our valued employees a holiday bonus. In return, staff members put together a lively talent show featuring skits, musical numbers and comedy routines. It’s a heartwarming display of mutual gratitude, and a great time is had by all.
4. Cultivating Wellness During the Busiest Time of the Year
Even dedicated wellness buffs can find themselves overindulging in rich foods, skipping exercise and battling emotional stress during the holidays. The good news is, most senior living communities offer wellness-centered programs that keep you energized, active and in balance—so your holidays can be as healthy as they are joyful.
Wellness is a priority for The Village staff—not just at holiday time, but all year through. While our seasonal buffets, dinners and cocktail hours have their share of diet-busting treats, our chefs also offer some healthier alternatives. Our personal dieticians also do a great job educating residents about eating healthy without sacrificing fun. And when it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, our two-story fitness center is standing by with state-of-the-art equipment plus an expert wellness staff.
As a community that values residents’ diverse faith traditions, The Village offers plenty of opportunities to observe the spiritual side of the season. On Christmas Eve, residents from all denominations gather for our traditional candlelight service featuring hymns, carols and scriptural meditations. It’s a sacred time together that also strengthens communal bonds.
5. Celebration Without Worry
Icy sidewalks. Barely shoveled parking lots. Blinding storms. Winter weather is treacherous at any age and can be an even greater concern later in life. But senior living communities are designed with safety in mind, and hazardous chores like de-icing the sidewalk and shoveling snow are taken care of for you. Most communities even offer transportation to shopping venues, making holiday shopping a breeze.
The Village at Germantown takes it a step further by bringing the holiday shopping experience right to our residents. Every December, a Christmas Carousel of Shops rolls into our community, bringing diverse vendors offering wares such as candles, hand-crafted pet products, homemade cinnamon rolls, knitted blankets and jewelry of all shapes and sizes. By the end of the day, residents have made a huge dent in their shopping lists for their family, friends and neighbors who feel like family.
See What Makes Our Germantown Senior Living Community Shine
Looking for a warm, welcoming place to celebrate the holidays—and every season of life? The Village at Germantown offers the gift of a tight-knit community of neighbors bound by deep connections and well-loved traditions.
To schedule your tour and see John Mark’s glorious decorations up close, call us at 901-737-4242.