We don't mention Christmas unless the family bring it up first, as we know it’s not a time to celebrate for everyone. Sometimes we treat it as a normal day. And at other times we go the extra mile to make it special.

Whether they want to celebrate Christmas or not, many people with an illness that can’t be cured or treated choose to spend their final days at home. We help them stay at home safely, taking professional hospice care and support to where they live. Last year, we cared for 632 people in this way - more than ever before. The team and residents come together and support each other ensuring they go that extra mile. Nothing is too much trouble the atmosphere is lovely." Terri Eakins, Activity Lead at Rowan Lodge Last year, Covid rules still applied. This year, we can make it more personal and interact with family members." Mariya, Kitchen ManagerI am sure that this year (2022), Christmas will be as before the pandemic and there will be a lovely atmosphere as everyone will receive presents which usually puts a smile on your face." Octavian Stanciu, General Manager It was a laborious process, because he was literally playing the keyboards with two or three fingers. Person-centred care - making sure everything is perfect at such an important time of year." Mariya, Kitchen Manager

Last year we were still quite restricted, fingers are crossed that this year we can support as many families, friends and individuals to feel connected and spend time together." Terri Eakins, Activity Lead at Rowan Lodge Even during Wham!’s heyday, Michael remained uncomfortable with the trappings of pop star life, especially being on camera. The Last Christmas video saw his insecurities flare again. After the shoot, Hill remembers speaking to Wham!’s other manager, Jazz Summers, who was worried “people wouldn’t know what was going on” after Michael “made Jazz cut so many scenes out because he was so adamant that there were certain angles that he didn’t like on his face”. Completing the rotas ahead to cover all shifts. Presents/clothes being given and not being named at Laundry service first." Julie Mullen, Resident Experience Manager Covid has lessened so more visitors and less restrictions can build a more positive time for the residents." John O'Mera, Registered Nurse

Credits

Making sure all residents enjoy Christmas and we are able to make it how they like Christmas. Doing whatever special things they did at Christmas." Carol Clayden, Unit Manager Charles Bramesco (6 November 2019). "A coal-lump twist can't dampen the fleabaggy charms of Last Christmas". The A.V. Club . Retrieved 29 December 2021. Eating and drinking well, opening their presents, spending time with their loved ones as well as enjoying the festivities." John O'Mera, Registered Nurse

We start celebrating Christmas at Parris Lawn long before Christmas Day with many festive activities throughout December – explain Elf Day, Panto, staff concert, shopping trips, Christmas jumper day, arts and crafts, table decorations making, Christmas Party, outsiders coming in to entertain…. Being welcomed into someone’s home to help care for them when they need it most is a privilege. And never more so than at Christmas. After spending the night with Tom, Kate begins taking small steps to improve her life; taking care of her body, setting up Santa with a Danish man who loves Christmas as much as she does, apologizing to Marta and her girlfriend, and singing Christmas songs to busk for money for the shelter. After a few days she runs into Tom again, who says he has something important to tell her, but she preemptively asserts he is fearful of commitment and walks away. New residents and new team members who have never experienced how we do things here. They are in for a wonderful surprise!" Jesse Holden, Customer Relations ManagerAs we've said, in 1984 it peaked at number two, with Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas Time' (featuring George and co) at the summit. Charles Bramesco of The A.V. Club called the film "a guilty pleasure" but criticised the plot twist as predictable. He praised Clarke for her performance, saying "she succeeds in the only real meaningful test of rom-com skill, in that she makes us want her to be happy." [34] They will celebrate their Christmas together with all of the residents, sharing foods etc." Christine Barrimen, Carer 2. What makes Christmas at your home special? Famillies will pop in, residents will open presents, Santa will visit, traditional Christmas lunch" Syndys Bekaj, Administrator

Some staff miss being with their family on Christmas Day. Transport to and from work. Empathy - that the Residents do not see as much of their family as they would like." J Cox, Home Manager All of December, activity groups and clubs make cards, crafts, and presents. Gift wrapping service. 12 days of Christmas include 12 shows including school choirs, nursery visits, Elvis in the building, and many more." Julie Mullen, Resident Experience Manager Christmas spirit and atmosphere. Residents and staff still believe in magic on Christmas periods." Syndys Bekaj, Administrator 4. What are the main challenges of working at Christmas? Let's hope that there will be no more restrictions on visiting and all residents can receive visits from their loved ones." Octavian Stanciu, General ManagerLast Christmas is a 2019 romantic comedy film directed by Paul Feig and written by Bryony Kimmings and Emma Thompson, who co-wrote the story with her husband, Greg Wise. Named after the 1984 song of the same name and inspired by the music of George Michael and Wham!, the film stars Emilia Clarke as a disillusioned Christmas store worker who forms a relationship with a mysterious man ( Henry Golding) and begins to fall for him; Emma Thompson and Michelle Yeoh also star.