Calendar to spread festive cheer

A Sevenoaks care home has kick-started the holiday season in impressive style by building a giant advent calendar for its residents.

Nesbit House Care Home, just off the Orpington By-Pass, unveiled the festive calendar at a special launch event attended by residents and well wishers. Instead of chocolate behind each advent door, residents will find community-focused activities to participate in, such as making a papier-mâché nativity scene or performing a pantomime together.

Christmas can sometimes be a lonely time for older people and the calendar is designed to bring generations together and spread festive cheer throughout the home and the wider community.

Home manager Chrissie Heyes says: “Christmas is a very special time of the year and we wanted to go all out to make sure our residents’ enjoy celebrating right from the start.

“With a new activity each day, we never know what’s going to come next – it’s a really fun way to build up to Christmas and enjoy the festive season together.

“It’s also a great way to make new friends and socialise - trying something new or taking part in an activity you wouldn’t normally do.”

Other activities include a Christmas Jumper Day, a festive film screening and wreath making – the rest must remain a surprise!

For resident Beryl Butcher it’s an excellent chance to have plenty of Christmas fun and also enjoy meeting new people. She says: “I’m looking forward to finding out what’s behind the advent calendar door each day, it’s a month of surprises!

“It’s quite the social occasion – there’s lots of activity in the home. I’ve especially enjoyed making props for the pantomime. I think it’s great!”

Nesbit House is part of Hamberley Care Homes, a group of luxury homes opening across the UK.