Care homes across North Yorkshire come together to celebrate the festive season

Residents and colleagues at care homes across North Yorkshire are embracing the festive spirit in style. From crafting Christmas decorations and singing carols, to decorating trees and baking festive treats, each activity is bringing smiles, laughter and a sense of togetherness.

These celebrations are a wonderful reminder of the positive impact creativity and community can have on people’s wellbeing during the festive season.

Kirkley Lodge, Borrage House, Firth House, Gills Top, The Manor House Harrogate, The Manor House Knaresborough, and The Mill House Skipton kicked off their festive celebrations with their spectacular Christmas light switch-ons. The annual tradition is a much-loved moment in the lead-up to Christmas, bringing joy to residents and the local community. Residents have also been busy creating their own decorations to hang on their care homes’ Christmas trees. 

This year, The Manor House Knaresborough took festivities to new heights with a memorable series of special events. The home installed a ‘Letters to Santa’ postbox, inviting local children to send their Christmas wishes. They also hosted a bustling Christmas fair complete with a magical grotto that drew families from across the area. And, in a particularly memorable touch, Father Christmas paid personalised visits to each resident. 

Klara Spatenkova, Home Manager at The Manor House Knaresborough, said:

Christmas is always a memorable time across Anchor care homes for everyone involved. It’s a time when residents, their families, and our colleagues come together to celebrate, reminisce, and create new memories. From the light switch-ons to the quiet moments sharing stories over mince pies, it's been amazing to see how much joy is being shared across our home and beyond.

Joy, resident at The Manor House Knaresborough, said:

I’m loving every moment of the celebrations. There’s such a feeling of togetherness in the home. I’m very grateful that all the visitors have been taking the time to join in these moments with us. Everyone is working so hard to make Christmas so special for us here at The Manor House Knaresborough.

We are proud of the real community feel each of our care homes have, where people interact with fellow residents, families and friends, and are supported to continue doing all the things they enjoy. Christmas is a special time of year for so many reasons and colleagues always take this great opportunity to organise some extra special activities. Find out more about our approach to wellness here.