Celebrating the Holidays at Pennswood Village
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, marked by all sorts of seasonal events for everyone to enjoy. At Pennswood Village, there was lots of holiday cheer to warm up the chilly winter air. From carols and cookies to stringing lights and Santa visits, it seemed as though there was always something festive going on last month!
To kick off the holiday season at Pennswood Village, residents collected funds for the annual Employee Holiday Fund. A portion of this fund is given to all employees at Pennswood as a way for residents to support and thank the staff members for the work they do all year round. This season, residents raised over $90,000 and were pleased with 91 percent participation from all residents.
Pennswood Village residents, staff, and family members also donate to the Fellowship Fund, a fund for residents who outlive their financial assets, in honor or appreciation of someone special. The honoree receives a holiday card letting them know that they are being thought of during this season of giving.
As for fun, festive events, the Tree Trim Party on December 1st was a delightful way to get the community in the holiday spirit. Residents were joined by the pre-kindergarten children from Newtown Friends School who came to help decorate the tree. Santa Claus and one of his elves made a special appearance, while several residents put attendees in the spirit by leading Christmas carols with accordion accompaniment and singing. Delicious cookies and punch were served up to help sustain the decorators.
At Pennswood Village, we believe that our residents and the local children benefit greatly from intergenerational activities. Area children stopped by the community in December to help spread the joy and wonder of the season. Our first visit was from the Wrightstown Friends School Nursery who dropped in to share some of their favorite holiday songs. Then, both the Newtown Friends School String Ensemble and the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County came to perform their holiday concerts. We were also joined by the sixth graders from Newtown Friends School for a holiday sing-a-long. Pennswood Village is also providing residents the opportunity to attend the holiday concerts of nearby schools, and the George School dance program’s holiday performance, by providing transportation to each of these wonderful events.
In a community like Pennswood Village, where culture abounds, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without more singing! Cantus Novus, an auditioned chamber choir based in Bucks County, held Pennswood’s annual holiday concert in a packed Penn Hall on December 6 with residents and members of our Priority Reservation List and the PennUltimates, a close harmony group made up of Pennswood residents, are set to perform during the Woolman Holiday Tea event.
This year Carols by the Fire, a longstanding tradition here at Pennswood, had a unique opportunity to celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah experiences together. The evening of December 24, was both Christmas Eve and the first night of Hanukkah. The theme was: “Christmas and Hanukkah: Mysteries, Miracles and Memories.” Residents were asked to share personal stories about what has been memorable in their celebrations of these traditions. With piano accompaniment, it was a warm and welcome evening for all.
The holiday season would not be complete without the Hanukkah Celebration of Lights, which took place on December 28 with a program and celebration followed by a festive dinner in all of our dining areas.
In between the festivities, there is holiday shopping to be done. Pennswood Village takes the worry away by providing transportation to the local malls and shopping centers. This means that even in inclement weather, you don’t have to worry about driving yourself to get all of your holiday needs. Transportation will also be available for residents who wish to attend worship services outside of the community.
To help ring in the New Year, there will be a New Year’s Eve Jazz Concert by the Eric Mintel Jazz Quartet for residents to enjoy. After the concert, residents and families are invited to drop by the café for light refreshments.
The cheer of the season, and the spirit of generosity that is evident each day at Pennswood Village, ensures that each person here will have a wondrous and joyful holiday.
If you want to learn more about spending the holidays at Pennswood Village, call us today at 866-740-4977 for more information or to schedule a visit!