Residents at Collington Park Lodge care home in Bexhill have been reflecting on Christmas traditions from their childhoods, from carefully crafted paper chains to the excitement of leaving out mince pies for Father Christmas.
Sheila Benham (86)
For Sheila, Christmas morning came with strict instructions: “As children we were told not to wake up too early on Christmas morning,” she recalled. But, despite the long wait, Sheila also said “We always got presents that we loved and suited us.”
Sheila remembers Christmas dinner fondly. Everything in the meal was homemade by her mother, and all treats were saved for the big day. Sheila said, “My favourite was always the pudding, but I did like the stuffing too.”
Now, Sheila says the best part of Christmas is spending time with her grandchildren and pulling crackers together.
Elsie Gent (96)
Elsie most remembers the magic and anticipation of Christmas Eve. She said, “We would always leave mince pies and a drink out for Father Christmas. Mince pies with cream are still my favourite Christmas treat.”
Rather than shop-bought decorations, Elsie’s family would opt for a more personal touch. Elsie added, “We made our own paper chains for decorations, and had lots of family round.”
These days, what she enjoys most is seeing her son over the holidays and keeping a long-standing tradition alive: watching the Queen’s – now King’s – speech every year.
Carol Franks (82)
For Carol, childhood Christmases were lively and full of people. Carol said, “Christmas at home was always busy! It’d be me, my brother, my mum and dad, and my aunt and cousin used to visit.”
Carol’s father always cooked the Christmas dinner, and she recalls enjoying all the food, especially the pudding and the traditional selection box of chocolate.
Each year, Carol remembers receiving a gift that became a tradition: “I always opened the Girl Annual every year that it was published. I loved reading it, but I think the most special gift I ever got was a dolly’s pram.”
Like Elsie, Carol continues to watch the royal speech every year, followed by some Christmas specials on the television.
As well as family time and Christmas classics, the residents at Collington Park Lodge are enjoying a month filled with festive celebrations with the local community. You can join everyone at Collington Park Lodge for a panto performance of Aladdin on Tuesday 16th December from 14:00, where all are welcome to enjoy the show and light refreshments.
For more information, call 01424 533445, email [email protected], or drop into the home on Collington Lane East, Bexhill, TN39 3RJ.
Collington Park Lodge care home in Bexhill offers 24-hour residential, dementia and respite care for up to 66 people. With ensuite bedrooms, beautiful social spaces, and landscaped gardens, Collington Park Lodge offers an inclusive fee to give peace of mind to its residents and families.
