RINGING—AND SINGING —IN THE HOLIDAYS THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF SAN ANTONIO WELL-DECKED HALLS
THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE.
Everyone has their own holiday traditions, and while the particulars may vary, almost all revolve around family, friends, and the feelings of warmth and joy. In this issue, we’ll look at how we celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” here at Blue Skies of Texas, across San Antonio, and around the world. Enjoy and happy holidays.
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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
HANUKKAH
In the Alsace region of France, Jewish families use a double menorah with space for 16 lights, so a father and son can each light a candle.
CHRISTMAS
On Christmas Eve, people roller skate through the streets of Venezuela on their way to church.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
At midnight, many Guatemalans eat twelve grapes, each representing a wish or intention for the coming year.
THE VILLAGE VOICES AND HANDBELLS RING IN THE HOLIDAYS.
You’re invited to join us as the sounds of the season once again fill the air at Blue Skies of Texas. The Village Voices, our beloved community choir, will be spreading holiday cheer with performances on Thursday, December 4, at Blue Skies East and Friday, December 5, at Blue Skies West, both at 2:00 p.m.
The choir began in the 1970s under Col. George Howard, retired U.S. Air Force, who was, at one time, the leader of the U.S. Air Force Band. Today, the group is directed by Nancy Jones Sowada with accompanist Marianna Tanguy. The choir continues to grow each year, welcoming new singers and celebrating friendship and joy through song.
Nancy Sowada also directs the Blue Skies West Handbell Choir, whose bright, harmonious tones always add a magical sparkle to the season. Founded in 1990 through the e orts of the late Nona Whitlatch, the choir performs with handbells that have been engraved with the names of residents whose generosity helped make them possible. The group’s holiday concerts are scheduled for Thursday, December 11, at Blue Skies East and Friday, December 12, at Blue Skies West, both at 2:00 p.m., and they would love to see you there.
At Blue Skies, holiday music is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of community, connection, and the joy of
SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HOLIDAYS MERRY AND BRIGHT.
Maintain healthy habits
Just like you should throughout the year, be sure to get your exercise, get your sleep, and eat a healthy diet. You’ll feel better, and it can balance out some seasonal overindulgence.
Don’t overschedule.
As your calendar fills up with invitations and events, prioritize the ones that matter most to you. As for the others, suggest getting together in the new year, when you can spend quality time together without all the holiday hubbub.
Stay connected.
This is an excellent time of year to reach out to others. Call a friend, chat with a neighbor, or join a volunteer group. It’ll boost your spirits—and theirs.
The holiday season is a joyous time, although sometimes all the gathering, cooking, shopping, caroling, and eating can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help make sure you fully enjoy the wonder of the season.
Set a budget.
Between all the gifts, decorations, travel, food for gatherings, and other expenses, holiday costs can quickly add up. Maintain financial peace of mind by determining a realistic budget and sticking to it.
Practice gratitude. Accentuate the positive, acknowledge your achievements, count your blessings, give thanks for what you have, and let others know how thankful you are for them.
Manage expectations.
You want your holidays to be perfect,
You want your holidays to be perfect, and usually they are. But if your plans start to go sideways, just focus on the moments and the people that bring you happiness.
BRILLIANT IDEAS.
Every year, the holiday season magically springs to life with brilliant displays of dazzling, colorful lights, and San Antonio o ers an abundance of spectacular showcases. Here are some that truly shine.
SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK
If you want to celebrate the history, culture, and charm of San Antonio, look no further than the River Walk. During the holiday season, the renowned network of walkways sparkles with 100,000 lights dangling from its majestic cypress trees.
WINTERFEST SAN ANTONIO
Everyone’s face will light up when they frolic in 80,000 pounds of freshly imported snow. Immerse yourself in a frosty carnival atmosphere filled with music, shopping, food, and more.
WINDCREST LIGHT UP
Head slightly northeast of downtown to the city of Windcrest, where residents go all out, decking their homes with brilliant lighting and extravagant displays.
ZOO LIGHTS AT THE SAN ANTONIO ZOO
Embark upon an extraordinary adventure at the zoo’s most captivating annual celebration. It’s a festive journey filled with holiday magic for the whole family.
ILLUMINATE AT THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Feast your eyes on handcrafted lanterns, glowing trails that wind through the Garden’s natural beauty, and largerthan-life sculptures that transform the night into a world of wonder.
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK AT SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS
Treat your family to a winter playground crackling with holiday energy—ride some of your favorite rides, stroll amongst the twinkling lights, take in a festive show, and more. amongst
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR THE DECORATING COMMITTEE TO HIT ITS STRIDE.
In the days after Thanksgiving, the Blue Skies of Texas Decorating Committee starts on its first task of the season: decorating the 30-foot tree in the main lobby of West Campus.
The committee is comprised of 40 to 50 volunteers and is co-chaired by Pat P., Brenda P., and Ellen S. “After you’re here for one holiday season, you want to be involved,” Pat says. “So, we volunteered, and over the years, we became the three co-chairs.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
AGING IN PLACE LUNCH & LEARN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 | 10:30 A.M. Blue Skies West Campus
Discover the comfort and confidence that comes from knowing you have access to next-level care right here at Blue Skies should you need it.
The committee decorates 15 to 20 trees throughout West Campus. And in our co ee bistro, Brenda says, “one of the residents likes to set up a miniature ceramic village. Every year it expands. One year, there’s a train, then a fountain, then ice skaters—it just keeps growing.”
WELLNESS LUNCH & LEARN
Hear how the Blue Skies holistic approach to wellness can help you stay independent, active, and live your best life.
Be
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 | 10:30 A.M. Blue Skies West Campus
BLUE SKIES PROFILES
Teresa Santana
Assistant Director of Resident Services (West Campus)
Teresa Santana has been part of the Blue Skies family for 22 years and serves as the Assistant Director of Resident Services for the West Campus. She is dedicated to supporting residents’ well-being and enhancing daily life through personalized assistance and community engagement. Teresa’s warmth and experience help ensure that every resident feels connected and cared for at Blue Skies.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
Knowing that my presence makes a di erence in people’s lives every day.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
My trip to Nashville.
What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?
What was the first concert you attended?
Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford.
What was your first motor vehicle?
A Ford F-350 diesel truck.
What’s the most San Antonio
thing you can do?
Stroll the River Walk.
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by The Beatles.
What talent would you most like to have?
Painting.
When you choose Blue Skies of Texas, you enter a community of possibilities, a place with a deepseated culture of encouragement where “what if” becomes “why not?” Here you can count on steadfast support while you pursue whatever passions matter most to you.
