Local children join Windsor care home for a journey into Christmas past

Old festive traditions came to life at a care home in Windsor, where residents welcomed two local schools for a day of seasonal activities.

Care UK’s Mountbatten Grange, on Helston Lane, joined forces with young visitors from St Edwards First School and 1st Dedworth Rainbow Unit to revisit customs from Christmas past.

The event was part of Care UK’s ‘Step into Christmas’ initiative, which aims to revive residents’ festive traditions, encouraging them to share memories with the local community and the younger generation. 

By blending storytelling, crafts and carol singing, the events create a space for meaningful intergenerational connection. 

On the day, residents were joined by children from St Edwards First School for a heartwarming festive activity, sharing their favourite Christmas stories in a cosy reading session. Laughter and smiles filled the room as the children read aloud, creating a magical atmosphere that everyone enjoyed. 

Later, the 1st Dedworth Rainbow Unit joined the residents for a creative craft session, weaving colourful Christmas paper hearts to complete a traditional festive paper train. There was a special connection for one of the guests, as Sunshine Leader Alicia’s mum, [Rosemary, is also a resident at Mountbatten Grange.  

Resident Maureen, 83, said: “What a lovely treat to have the children visit! It was so wonderful to hear the noise of children enjoying themselves, and really reminded us all of the magic of Christmas.”

Resident Margaret, 87, a retired teacher, also said: “The crafting brought back such lovely memories of making cards and decorations with my own family when I was younger. It was fantastic to be able to share these moments with the younger generations.” 

Debbie Winwood, Home Manager at Mountbatten Grange, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories from residents’ childhoods of reading stories and crafting with their own families. 

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring different generations and the local community together for a day of festive cheer. It was truly heartwarming to watch residents reminisce and share stories from Christmases gone by. 

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to St Edwards First School and 1st Dedworth Rainbow Unit for joining us and making the day so joyous for all involved! Their presence brought an extra sparkle to the day.”

For more information about Step into Christmas, visit https://www.careuk.com/Step-into-Christmas.  

Mountbatten Grange provides residential, nursing and short-term respite care, as well as specialist dementia care. The home features 72 en-suite bedrooms and enables residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. It has its own pub, hair and beauty salon and cinema.