School joins Leamington Spa care home for a journey into Christmas past

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

Care UK’s Priors House in Blackdown, joined forces with young visitors from North Leamington School 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, residents and students sang traditional carol songs such as Jingle Bells, White Christmas and swapped stories of Christmases gone by.  

Resident Valerie Walters said: “I’m always happy to see the children who visit the home. I enjoy their company and love exchanging stories about how Christmas celebrations have changed over the years. It also brings back fond memories of being at home with my grandchildren.”

Resident Pamela Wright added: “It’s good to remember the old Christmas traditions and for me, Christmas was always a time for family gatherings.”

Some traditional celebrations that they shared with the young generation to keep them alive is making handmade gifts and decorations, baking mince pies, carol singing around the fireplace, and going to church.

In addition to the activity, Priors House also ran a Christmas shoebox appeal, social gatherings, and lots of entertainers who enjoy coming in for the residents.

Francine Summers, Home Manager at Priors House, said: “Hearing residents and the students sing together filled the home with such joy. For many residents here, these carols are cherished songs from their own childhood and sharing them with the younger generation was a beautiful way to keep tradition alive.

 “The activity really brought out the true spirit of the season and we are so grateful to North Leamington School for joining us in bringing the festivities to Blackdown.” 

 Priors House, which is rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the 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.