Looking back at the holidays: Festivities at the Family Tree Assisted Living of Morgan

Much to the delight of all those involved, a full holiday schedule was planned for the residents of Family Tree Assisted Living of Morgan during the month of December. Family Tree started the festive season off with a bang hosting a resident and family Christmas party. One of their favorite music groups, 'Stampede,'' came and performed a music program followed by a jolly visit from Santa Claus. With refreshments of hot cocoa and donuts, this activity has been done for the past several years with the residents and their families alike relishing it.   

Of that joyous celebration, Family Tree shared in a social media post, “This week, we celebrated our annual Christmas party, and what a magical day it was! Our lovely residents, their wonderful families, and our dedicated staff came together to create unforgettable memories. The lobby was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree that reached towards the heavens.

The highlight of the day was when our residents and their families gathered together. It was a heartwarming sight to see generations come together, sharing love and happiness.”

While the party was a big, preplanned event, several smaller-scale things happened throughout the month due to the benevolence of the community who wanted to help residents enjoy even more of that holiday spirit. Several reached out to Family Tree wanting to come in and visit, perform, and service. “Our Director Tawnia Lunt had scheduled and organized some amazing programs,” said Stacie House. “We had so many from the community that wanted to come and Christmas carol, play games or just come in and visit with the residents.” 

House, who has been working at Family Tree for 14 years and loving it, initially started as a CNA before advancing to the Resident Care Coordinator and current position as the new Administrator for Family Tree. Through that experience, House has had the opportunity to observe and participate in the holiday season celebrations over the years and develop meaningful relationships. “The connections and friendships we have made with our residents and their families over the years are priceless; they will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Last year, Family Tree did a Christmas-giving tree organized by the amazing office manager, Brenda Heiner. It was such a huge success that it was repeated this year. The staff went around and asked the residents for two things: what they needed for Christmas and a wish. Examples of things they needed were everyday items such as slippers, a coat, a sweater, or even an extra pillow. The wishes were “really quite fun” as House said. Some items requested included a case of whoppers, OJ, and a stocking cap. “It's amazing how the word got out that we were doing this and the people that showed up to grab a name off our tree were absolutely amazing, the names went so fast people wanted to know what else they could do we decided to do another round so the staff put more tags together of what the residents needed, and again the community were here getting more tags off the tree. Some families brought in blankets that they had made for each resident. Rice bags were also made for every resident along with a lot of other amazing things. The outpour of love and holiday cheer brought into our building was greatly appreciated by all,” enthused House. 

Of the holidays, a resident commented, “I enjoyed the month of December. We had a lot of activities to do. I got a good feeling from all the concerts and performances.”

The celebrations and activities filled the assisted living center with light, laughter, and new life. One resident shared how when you are alone, “you start thinking back to when your kids were there. I miss that but yet had a lot of them come visit with me and it made me feel a part of it.”

All around, December was a month at the Family Tree filled with love, holiday cheer, and giving. Family Tree concisely surmised, “At Family Tree Assisted Living, we’re not just a community; we’re a family. This week's celebration was a beautiful reminder of the bonds we share and the joy we bring to each other’s lives.”λ