Christmas means different things to different people. For some, it is about tradition and family. For others, it is about quiet moments, music, or simply feeling settled and cared for. Across Splendid Healthcare care homes, the festive season is shaped around familiarity, choice, and creating moments that feel meaningful for every resident.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, each home celebrates Christmas in its own way, reflecting the people who live there and the community around them. From gentle activities to lively social events, our teams focus on making the season warm, inclusive, and reassuring.
Christmas at Upper Mead Care Home
At Upper Mead Care Home, Christmas is a lively and social time of year, with plenty of opportunities for residents to come together if they wish.
Festive preparations often begin early, with residents helping to decorate communal areas, trim the Christmas tree, and create handmade decorations that give the home a personal feel. Creative sessions such as card making and festive crafts allow residents to take part at their own pace while enjoying relaxed conversation.
In the lead-up to Christmas Day, Upper Mead hosts seasonal entertainment, including carol singing and visits from local community groups. These events are a highlight for many residents and help maintain strong links with the wider community.
Christmas Day itself centres around a traditional festive lunch, prepared by the in-house kitchen team and tailored to individual dietary needs. Families are welcome to visit, and residents can choose whether to dine socially or enjoy quieter time with loved ones. The day is unhurried, allowing residents to enjoy Christmas in a way that feels comfortable and familiar.
Christmas at Derwent Lodge Care Home
Derwent Lodge Care Home places a strong emphasis on creating a calm and reassuring Christmas environment, particularly for residents who prefer structure and routine.
Festive decorations are introduced gradually, helping residents feel settled while still marking the season. Small-group activities such as baking, reminiscence sessions, and festive music afternoons are popular and designed to encourage gentle engagement rather than overstimulation.
One-to-one time plays an important role at Derwent Lodge during Christmas. Care teams take time to talk with residents about past traditions, favourite memories, and what Christmas means to them personally. These conversations often shape individual activities and help residents feel understood and valued.
On Christmas Day, residents enjoy a carefully prepared meal with familiar flavours, served in a relaxed setting. The rest of the day remains flexible, with options ranging from festive films and music to quiet reflection and conversation.
Christmas at Ullswater Cottage Care Centre
Ullswater Cottage Care Centre offers a homely and intimate Christmas experience, with a strong focus on creativity and togetherness.
Residents are actively involved in festive preparations, from decorating the home to taking part in arts and crafts sessions that produce handmade decorations and gifts. These activities are particularly popular with residents who enjoy hands-on creativity and provide meaningful keepsakes for families.
Seasonal baking sessions fill the home with familiar Christmas scents, while festive music and sing-alongs create a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Smaller group sizes allow staff to tailor activities closely to residents’ interests and abilities.
Family visits are an important part of Christmas at Ullswater Cottage. Loved ones are encouraged to spend time together in shared spaces or private areas, helping residents maintain close connections during the festive period. Christmas Day is unhurried and personal, shaped around residents’ preferences rather than a fixed schedule.
Supporting Residents Through the Festive Season
While Christmas brings joy for many, it can also stir emotions such as nostalgia or sadness. Across all Splendid Healthcare homes, care teams are attentive to emotional wellbeing, offering reassurance, familiar routines, and additional support where needed.
Residents are never expected to take part in activities, and quiet moments are always respected. The focus remains on dignity, comfort, and ensuring everyone feels safe and supported.
Looking Beyond Christmas
The festive period does not end on Christmas Day. Gentle New Year activities provide an opportunity for reflection and social connection without pressure. Whether residents choose to mark the new year with music, conversation, or peaceful time, our teams support each person in welcoming the year ahead in their own way.
A Christmas That Feels Right
Across Upper Mead Care Home, Derwent Lodge Care Home, and Ullswater Cottage Care Centre, Christmas is shaped around the people who live there. By balancing tradition with personal choice, Splendid Healthcare ensures the festive season feels warm, respectful, and genuinely meaningful for every resident.
Families choose Splendid Healthcare because we provide:
- Person-centred care tailored to individual needs and preferences
- Supportive, welcoming communities with meaningful activities all year round
- Calm, festive environments that prioritise comfort, dignity, and connection
If you would like to find out more about life in a Splendid Healthcare care home or see how we support residents during special occasions such as Christmas, we would be delighted to help.
If you have any questions about Christmas celebrations, visiting arrangements, or care options, contact our friendly team today and we will be happy to support you.
