The spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah filled the Pines over the holidays, with residents’ decorated doorways, spreading a mood of fun and joy.

The decorating was done primarily by staff members with help and oversight, on occasion, by the residents. The doors were entirely covered in colorful paper with themes of the season. The designers favored witty Santa designs, strings of golden bells, stockings hung by Santa’s fireplace, bright Christmas lights, and the North Pole adorned with strings of bells. Other designs included ice skates hanging from the door top, gift packages carrying words of Joy, Peace, and Faith. One door was decorated with pictures of the owner’s two cats poking out from the holiday paper frame.

A  contest for the best decorated door offered the designer-contestants  the prize of $25. There were enough outstanding doorways to choose from that three winners were chosen.  Those doors were shown on an ongoing video in the Club Center lobby for all residents and holiday guests to enjoy with the community.

The concept for this holiday artistry originated with our Activities Director Kris Snyder. “We are trying to encourage a staff-patient relationship beyond physical care. It’s a cultural change beyond the physical setting to encourage the fun and creativity of our residents.”  The colorful stroll through the Pines hallways is proof of that success.