School children join Edinburgh care home for a journey into Christmas past

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

Care UK’s Lauder Lodge in Portobello, joined forces with young visitors from The Ripple Project 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 younger generation. 

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

On the day, Lauder Lodge residents teamed up with The Ripple Project to create 1950s-inspired Christmas cards using vintage designs and decorations. 

Resident, Sister Alda said: “I loved spending time with the children and seeing their excitement and enthusiasm as they made Christmas decorations.

“For me, being with family has always been one of the most important parts of Christmas, and that has never changed.”

Anees Riaz, Home Manager at Lauder Lodge, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories from residents’ childhoods of hand‑making Christmas cards.

“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 The Ripple Project for joining us and making the day so joyous for all involved! Their presence brought an extra sparkle to the day.”

Lauder Lodge care home, which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, has been specially designed to support residents in living active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and has its own cinema, hair and beauty salon, café and namaste rooms.

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