Schools join Hertfordshire care homes for journey into Christmas past

Old festive traditions have come to life at two care homes in Hertfordshire, where residents welcomed local schools for a day of seasonal activities. 

Knebworth care home, on London Road in Woolmer Green, and Snowdrop House, on Baldock Street in Ware, joined forces with young visitors to revisit customs from Christmases past. 

Children from Knebworth Primary and Nursery School paid residents at Knebworth a visit to perfect their letters to Santa during a writing workshop.

They stayed for afternoon tea, tasting treats such as biscuits, and received selection boxes from the residents.

Resident Valerie Keeling said: “It was a delight to hear how excited the children are for Christmas, and we had a lovely afternoon helping them write their letters to Santa.”

Over at Snowdrop House, Kingshill Infant School also completed a letter writing workshop followed by a traditional Christmas story reading of The Toys Night Before Christmas by resident Mollie Butler.

Mollie said: “It was lovely to see all the children’s happy little faces when I read to them, and they made beautiful cards.”

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

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

Daniel Grab, Home Manager at Knebworth, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and our letter writing workshop allowed us to honour memories from residents’ childhoods. 

“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.”

Clare Crow, Home Manager at Snowdrop House, said: “The letter to Santa workshop was a wonderful opportunity for creative sparks to fly.

“It was lovely to see residents' faces light up as they shared memories from Christmases celebrated in their youth while teaching the children crafts, they themselves learned decades ago. 

“It’s activities like these that keep traditions alive and ensure they are celebrated for generations to come. I’d like to say a big thank you to Kingshill Infant School for coming along and making the day one to remember!”

Knebworth and Snowdrop House are state-of-the-art care homes that provide full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care homes incorporate plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies and have their own hair and beauty salon, café and gardens.