School children join Chelmsford care home for journey into Christmas past

Old festive traditions have come to life at a care home in Chelmsford, where residents welcomed school children for a day of seasonal activities. 

Care UK’s Manor Lodge, on Manor Road, joined forces with young visitors from St Michael’s Junior School to revisit customs from Christmases past.

Working hand in hand with the residents, the students carefully crafted 1940s-inspired Christmas wreaths. Each one was made to reflect the era’s nostalgic charm, using classic materials and decorations, including egg boxes and tinsel. The wreaths were then proudly hung on the residents’ doors.

Resident Daisy Taylor said: “I loved sharing stories today. Celebrating old Christmas traditions keeps our memories alive.”

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

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

Maggie Ziemianska, Home Manager at Manor Lodge, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories from residents’ childhoods of making and hanging wreaths.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring different generations 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 Michael’s Junior School for joining us and making the day so joyous for all involved! Their presence brought an extra sparkle to the day.”

For further information on Step into Christmas, visit careuk.com/Step-into-Christmas.

Manor Lodge, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, is a modern care home that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.