MERRY CHRISTMAS IN PARIS Lifetime of Memories: Paris seniors recollect during the Christmas season

Submitted by Caroline Casey

PARIS - In the spirit of spreading Christmas cheer and fostering a sense of community, Caroline Casey, Recreation Therapist of the ARTC County Program, embarked on a heartwarming endeavor. Casey delivered "What Christmas Means to Me" submission packages to various senior communities, including the Paris Seniors Club, Park Lane Terrace, Queensview Retirement Community, Telfer Place Retirement Residence, and Grand River Estates

The goal was to gather heartfelt sentiments from the seniors, capturing the essence of the holiday season in 150 words or less. While Casey faced some challenges with the Paris Seniors and Grand River Estates, she remained undeterred, ensuring the participation of every senior group was sought after.

The response from the participating communities was overwhelmingly positive, with Recreation Managers expressing their appreciation for the inclusive initiative. The submissions provided a glimpse into the cherished traditions and memories that make Christmas special for these seniors.

1. Love and good cheer. Christmas is here. Sending best wishes. To all that are near. Norma H, Telfer Place Retirement Residence

2. Jesus’ birthdate, eat turkey, would use a pillowcase instead of a stocking, enjoy Christmas lights, Christmas pudding, Caroling with church, snow, music, family traditions, food sales, fruitcake, safe and healthy

~Linda, Telfer Place Retirement Residence

3. Family get togethers and spending time with family ~Bill K, Telfer Place Retirement Residence

4. Family, love, enjoyment, celebration, closeness, putting up the tree and decorating the house ~Judy F, ARTC County Program

5. Being with family, meaning of Christmas, Santa Claus, singing Christmas Carols and gift of giving ~Fred H, ARTC County Program

6. Family times, happy times, seeing people we haven’t seen in a while, and lots of good food ~ Unknown, ARTC County Program

7. When the family gathered in front of the television and you would lose yourself in Christmas shows like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the animated one with Boris Carloff, and the one with Jim Carrey, very funny. I also enjoyed watching the 1951 black and white version of the Christmas Carol by Charles Dicken ~ Mike J, ATRC County Program

8. Christmas is a time of family and giving Being together with some people you may only see that one time of the year. It’s about forgotten grudges and spreading joy. Enjoying seeing all the generations of family together. You can watch your children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren celebrate the day as one big family. I thank God for that every Christmas ~Gerry. C, Park Lane Terrace

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