December brought a flurry of festive cheer to Lent Rise House Nursing Home when employees from AbbVie arrived to help decorate for Christmas. Armed with baubles, tinsel, and plenty of goodwill, the volunteers transformed the home into a cosy holiday haven. Four Christmas trees were carefully dressed in lights and ornaments, and banners and fairy lights brightened up the home.

It’s such a lovely day, there were new people to meet and chat with about the things I like.

said Joyce, one of the residents.

The day wasn’t just about decorating. The volunteers got stuck in with activities the residents loved. Bingo had everyone smiling and laughing, with small prizes handed out to delighted winners. Later, gingerbread decorating turned into a fun, messy affair, with cookies covered in icing and sprinkles and plenty of jokes about who was the best decorator.

Jill, one of the volunteers, was struck by the warm atmosphere.

You can tell this home is so lovely and warm, you can see it in the staff that they really care for the people living here.

The highlight of the day was carol singing. Residents and volunteers sang classic Christmas songs together, filling the home with music and memories. For some, the songs brought back special moments from their past, adding an extra layer of joy to the day.

By the time the volunteers left, Lent Rise House was aglow not just with Christmas lights but with the happiness shared between residents, staff, and volunteers.

As Joyce looked at the twinkling tree that evening, she summed it up perfectly:

Today really felt like Christmas.