Winter Wonderland brings Christmas magic to Highcliffe Nursing Home

Snow might not appear on the balmy south coast too often but residents at Highcliffe Nursing Home can always be certain of a white Christmas.

Sure enough, as festive music heralded the start of the Kingsley Healthcare home’s Christmas party on Saturday (12th), snowflakes began falling outside.

Kingsley operations manager Tracey Millar bought a snow machine four years ago and, since then, Christmas celebrations at the home in Stuart Road, Highcliffe, have always been made of the white stuff.

She said: “The residents love it. As it gets dark we turn the lights off in the lounge and open the curtains. Residents are greeted by the sight of a winter wonderland.”

As well as falling snow, there are “lights everywhere in the courtyard” and lit-up festive figures of reindeer, snowmen and Father Christmases.

While residents stay in the warm, staff go outside and celebrate the season in the snow.

Mrs Millar said: “This year it was extra special. It’s been a dreadful year with residents unable to see their families for long periods because of the coronavirus lockdown and we wanted to put on an event to cheer everyone up.”

The residents’ favourite singer, Jo Geraty, AKA Retro Rita, dressed up as Father Christmas to switch on the winter wonderland lights and perform a selection of Christmas songs.

“Staff and residents had so much fun and everyone enjoyed a Christmas buffet to finish the afternoon,” said Mrs Millar.

Last week, staff enjoyed taking part in Kingsley Heroes Day, a celebration organised by Kingsley Healthcare to honour the amazing service of staff during the pandemic.

CAPTIONS: Winter Wonderland photographs and staff dressed up for Kingsley Heroes Day.