Care providers share their Christmas celebrations
09 Jan 2026
3 min read
This #GoodNewsFriday a number of care providers have shared with us how they spent the festive period.
Thistle Court Care Home Christmas market
Thistle Court Care Home hosted its annual Christmas market, welcoming the local community into the home for a festive event that proved to be its biggest and most successful to date.
The event featured an array of Christmas gifts on sale, including items made in-house alongside products from local small businesses. The market offered an opportunity not only to shop locally but to chat and spend time together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Food played a central role in the afternoon, with Christmas cupcakes freshly baked by Head Chef Claire, proving a particular favourite, while hot chocolate was available throughout the home for everyone to enjoy.
Residents (who the home fondly refers to as family members) living at Thistle Court were at the heart of the event. Joining in with Christmas-themed ball games and card games and cheering along as competitions ran throughout the day with a range of prizes to be won. The Christmas raffle was the largest the home has ever hosted, made possible by the generous prize donations from local small businesses. Adding to the day was a visit from anxiety therapy puppy, Dora the Explorer, who belonged to one of stall holders, Abbie's Creations. bringing smiles, laughter and moments of calm connection.
Team members embraced the festive spirit, with several arriving in Christmas fancy dress, including Home Manager Sarah Butfield and Administrator Tracey Baker. Their involvement reflected the strong relationships within the home and the importance placed on approachability and visible leadership. Sarah also being a local author signed copies of her nursing and travel memoir series, offering an opportunity to engage in conversation around shared experiences of care, travel and life stories.
Sarah says:
Our Christmas market is about far more than a seasonal event. It鈥檚 about opening our doors, strengthening relationships with our community, and creating opportunities for people to connect in meaningful ways. Events like this supports wellbeing and reminds everyone that Thistle Court is a home at the heart of its community.
All proceeds raised through the sale of handmade items and the Christmas raffle went towards the Thistle Court Community Fund, which supports activities, experiences and initiatives designed to enhance quality of life for those living at the home. In total, £311 was raised.
Sundial Care Home crafts Christmas cards for local school
Sundial Care Home has enjoyed crafting handmade Christmas cards for the children at Tipton St John Primary School as part of their ongoing connection with the local community.
Residents, who the home fondly refers to as “family members”, took time to craft, stencil and write messages in the cards, wishing each key stage a Merry Christmas from everyone at the home. For many, writing and sending Christmas cards has been a routine part of the festive season, and this activity has encouraged family members to continue that tradition.
Family member Marion and team member Liz Hunt took a walk to Tipton St John Primary School to hand-deliver the cards. Children from the school have visited Sundial Care Home in previous years at Christmas time to sing carols, and have also made Christmas and birthday cards, helping to build a familiar and lasting connection between the two generations. The school is already planning its next visit, with pupils looking forward to coming into the home to read to the residents.
These intergenerational activities support residents in remaining a part of their community while sharing traditions with local children supports a sense of purpose, belonging and continued participation in community life.
Spellman Care celebrates 35th Christmas
Spellman Care marked its 35th anniversary this year, and the Christmas period has been a wonderful opportunity to continue to foster a "home from home" atmosphere while ensuring residents remain at the heart of local life. The provider has run several Christmas events and activities.
A musical and therapeutic countdown
The run-up to Christmas saw the homes transformed into vibrant hubs for local talent. Residents enjoyed a varied programme of music, ranging from the youthful energy of school choirs and dance troupes to much-loved professional entertainers.
By seeking out both established touring groups and talented local stars, the homes ensure that residents have access to high-quality entertainment that reflects their diverse interests.
Beyond the music, the arrival of KL Pony Therapy provided a unique therapeutic experience. The miniature ponies visited residents in their rooms and lounges, sparking conversations and offering a gentle, tactile connection that proved to be a highlight of the season.
Traditions and the spirit of family
At the core of these celebrations is a deeply-rooted family ethos. Since Mick and Tony Spellman founded Steeton Court thirty-five years ago, the group has remained family-run, maintaining a focus on high-quality, personal care. This sense of family was particularly evident throughout December, with lounges across all four homes filled with relatives and friends sharing in the traditions that make the season special.
From the annual Christmas Cake Competition—won this year by Steeton Court’s "Spellman Express" bake—to the simple joy of a shared afternoon tea, the focus has remained on inclusive community activities.
Steven Spellman, Director of Spellman Care, said:
For 35 years, our family has focused on creating an environment that doesn't just provide care, but provides a community. Having so many families visit us over Christmas is what truly makes our homes feel complete. These festivities are about much more than a busy calendar; they are about preventing the social isolation that can be so common in winter by keeping our residents connected to their loved ones and the wider world. It is that sense of belonging that turns a care home into a true family.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day highlights
Residents at all four homes enjoyed the joy of opening gifts from loved ones and the Spellman Care teams, followed by spectacular traditional Christmas dinners. At Craven Nursing Home, the day was made even more special as they welcomed back Santa Claus for his much-anticipated annual visit, bringing smiles and gifts to the whole home community.
The energy continued into Boxing Day, which remained just as busy with Fascinating Rhythm performing at Springbank and bingo sessions held at Ghyll Royd. These moments of laughter and personal connection have ensured that this 35th anniversary Christmas was one of the group's most memorable yet.
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