Surpass Living: Sample Monthly Theme Week Outline:
January
Themed Programming Special Events:
January Marketing Event
Winter Scene Paint and Sip
January Family Event
Chef-led “Chili Cook-Off”: Dining Services Team Members facilitate a chili tasting; community members are invited to submit their recipes for Soups, Cornbread, or Chili, culminating in the compilation of a Recipe Book
Daily Programming Outlines
Sunday – Welcome to Winter Wonderland
● Music/Movement: “Snowflake Stretch & Sing” – gentle seated yoga with scarves to classic winter music (Vivaldi’s Winter, Let it Snow, Winter Wonderland).
● Art Viewing/Discussion: View and discuss Winter Scenes in Art (Monet’s Snow at Argenteuil, Breugel’s The Hunters in the Snow). Discuss: “What do you love or dislike about winter?”
● Chef Culinary: Comfort Casseroles Reimagined: one savory, one sweet; residents vote on a favorite
● Resident Culinary: Coconut Snowball Energy Bites
● Intergenerational: Grandkids help make paper snowflakes, and residents hang them in common areas.
● Volunteerism: Knitting Circle - Afghan Squares
● Spiritual/Emotional: “Reflections on Renewal” – small group discussion or guided meditation on new beginnings and gratitude for simple joys.
● Staff Morale: “Warm Welcome Station” staff receive a cup of cocoa and a thank-you card from residents. Hot Cocoa Bar launch peppermint, caramel, and cinnamon toppings.
● Optional Sensory Program: Winter WonderLounge
Monday – Cozy Cabin
● Music/Movement: “Gather ‘Round the Fire” Folk songs and gentle rhythm instruments; use fireplace or flameless candles for “firelight.”
● Art Viewing/Discussion: Cabin Life View Thomas Kinkade Winter at Lamplight Manner
○ Extension Program: Mixed media collage “Windows of Light”
● Featured Chef Culinary: Chef’s Chili Cook-Off with cornbread tasting. Share comfort food memories.
● Resident Culinary: Shake & Make Cinnamon-Maple Butter for fresh biscuits
● Volunteerism: Knitting Circle - Afghan Squares Continued
● Spiritual/Emotional: Gratitude Tree hang “gratitude mittens” with written blessings.
● Staff Morale: Flannel Day, staff invited to bring in soup, chili, and cornbread recipes
● Optional Sensory Program: Cozy Cabin Lounge
Tuesday – Sparkle & Light
● Music/Movement: Light through Music
● Art Viewing/Discussion: Ice and Glass – Dale Chihuly, frozen lakes.
● Chef Culinary: White Chocolate and Coconut Tasting
● Resident Culinary: Sparkling Citrus Parfaits
● Spiritual/Emotional: Guided Imagery Session (Golden Light) or Poetry of Light
○ Extension Program: Sparkle Stones of Strength
● Volunteerism: Knitting Circle - Afghan Squares Continued
● Staff Morale: Hall Hockey
● Optional Sensory Program: Sparkle & Light Lounge
Wednesday – Arctic Adventure
● Music/Movement: Gentle stretching with forest sounds and bird calls.
● Art Viewing/Discussion: “Animals in Winter,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiKVpMGIMaE
● Chef Culinary: Salmon with lemon-dill or lentil stew for a heart-healthy theme.
● Resident Culinary: Make simple bird feeders with peanut butter and seeds (or sunflower butter).
● Spiritual/Emotional: Nature Meditation – guided imagery: “Imagine walking through a quiet forest as snow gently falls.” Focus on peace and stillness.
● Volunteerism: Knitting Circle - Afghan Squares Continued
● Staff Morale: “Wild About You” board – residents write notes of appreciation to staff.
● Optional Sensory Program: The Arctic Calm Lounge
Thursday – Fireside Traditions
● Music/Movement: Drum circle or rhythm group imitating the crackle of a fire.
● Art Viewing/Discussion: Winter Storytellers – Norman Rockwell, TimeSlips with “Grandpa & Me”
● Chef Culinary: Mulled cider demo.
● Resident Culinary: S’mores themed trail mix creation with choice of nuts, marshmallows, graham cracker chips, dried fruits, pretzels, or Chex, yogurt chips, and chocolate chips.
● Spiritual/Emotional: Fireside Poetry Sort
● Volunteerism: Knitting Circle - Afghan Squares Continued
● Staff Morale: “Cozy Sock Day” – staff wear fun socks
● Optional Sensory Program: The Fireside Lounge
Friday – Snowfest Spectacular
● Music/Movement: Indoor “Snowball Toss” with soft pom-poms and upbeat music.
● Art Viewing/Discussion: Learning & Discussion Program: Snow-Day Sing-Along
● Chef Culinary: Chef demo – carnival treats like mini funnel cakes or soft pretzels.
● Resident Culinary: Homemade Cocoa
● Spiritual/Emotional: Creative Writing Prompt: “If snow could talk, it would say”
● Volunteerism: Knitting Circle - Afghan Squares Continued
● Staff Morale: “Mittens & Marshmallows: Resident vs. Staff Snowball Challenge” – laughter and light-hearted competition.
● Optional Sensory Program: The Snowball Lounge
Saturday – Winter Reflections
● Music/Movement: Gentle chair tai chi with soft instrumental “Falling Snow” background.
● Art Viewing/Discussion: Winter Finish The Phrase Discussion Program
● Chef Culinary: Golden Glow - Butternut Squash Soup (Warm after the Snow)
● Resident Culinary: Citrus-infused water
● Spiritual/Emotional: “Shine On” Inspiration Collage
● Staff Morale: “Snowed-In Scavenger Hunt”
● Optional Sensory Program: The Winter’s Whisper Lounge
© Inspired Memory Care, Inc. 2025 | Winter Wonderland Theme Week – Program Outline 3