Typically, during the Christmas period the home welcomes entertainment and plans various trips out. Due to the current COVID restrictions, we cannot allow external entertainers into the home. So, staff and residents have been very creative preparing for the Christmas period ahead, exploring different ways in which they can celebrate Christmas during this pandemic. Going to see a Pantomime is very reminiscent of Christmas time for our residents, therefore the Activities team have written a version of Goldilocks and Three Bears. We have kindly been donated some great costumes from The Winton Players (local Amateur Dramatics Society) for our staff to get into character! We have a lot of work ahead with learning scripts, making props and scenery for the day. Another tradition of Steep House’s involvement with the Community is to welcome the Salvation Army in for a Carol Service. This year we plan to hold our own Carol Service on Christmas eve accompanied with the piano.
One of our annual outings was to visit Petersfield Methodist Church to view an exhibition of local and community groups nativity displays – one of which is always made by Maintenance Manager Mr Martyn Ball. This year we brought the nativity scene to the home. Our Maintenance Manager has created a wonderful Winter Wonderland at Steep House Nursing Home. Martyn Ball has been particularly busy building this Christmas Grotto for our residents!
The Grotto was opened on the 9th of December with residents and staff singing carols. Staff gathered many residents into our main lounge where we arranged all the chairs to face the window into the garden. Staff drew all the curtains and turned off all the lights ready for the cue for the unveiling. Our residents had a wonderful day getting into the Christmas spirit.
