Family Traditions: The Village Is Home to the Best Holiday Celebrations in Germantown
Do you see what I see? Halls decked out in vibrant color, courtesy of one of the country’s finest florists. Folks searching for the perfect artisan-crafted gift. Seniors connecting with friends and loved ones at parties and religious services. It must be holiday time at our Germantown senior living community!
Resident Services Director Kaylee Jackson couldn’t be more excited about the planned festivities, which feel more like family gatherings. “Everyone’s out and about, exchanging greetings and sharing stories,” she says. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a more tightly knit group of people who care so much for one another.”
As we usher in the most wonderful time of the year, let’s grab a fresh glass of eggnog and take a peek at the best holiday celebrations for seniors in Germantown.
Renowned Florist John Mark Sharpe Brings His Artistic Magic to Our Village
Even before folks unwrap their Advent calendars, florist John Mark, founder of John Mark Enterprises, is hard at work transforming our community into a winter wonderland. Inspired by his grandmother, this talented artist has spent the last 15 years building a reputation as the best of the best. His work has even been featured in Christmas displays at the White House!
“John’s so whimsical and his creations look like they could spring to life at any moment,” Kaylee beams. “Every wreath, light and string of garland gives each room its own unique look and feel.”
The centerpiece of our Germantown retirement community’s display is a ginormous Christmas tree graced tip to trunk with ribbons, snowmen and an abundance of sparkling ornaments. By the time John’s finished, you can barely see the tree itself. “It simply radiates joy,” Kaylee says.
There’s plenty of amateur decorating going on as well. Kaylee says that one of the season’s highlights is the annual door display contest. “Our independent living apartments each have a door with an alcove next to it, calling out for décor,” she explains. “Some residents create an entire Christmas village, and one lady puts out a life-sized singing Santa. Jewish residents also share their traditions by displaying treasured menorahs and dreidels.”
“All the creative energy really brings our community together, even though it does get a bit competitive at times,” Kaylee laughs.
Singing, Shopping and Spirituality for Seniors
Grand decorations are only the beginning of our seasonal celebrations. One of The Village’s most popular traditions is a holiday concert performed by our resident-run Village Choir, who inspire and delight with their selection of hymns and other songs of the season. The program also features a performance by resident violin virtuoso Joy Brown Wiener, who just happens to be a former Concert Mistress for the Memphis Symphony.
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a bustling bazaar, and in our Germantown senior living community we call it the Christmas Carousel of Shops. The market features diverse vendors offering wares such as candles, hand-crafted pet products, homemade cinnamon rolls, knitted blankets and jewelry of all shapes and sizes. Our Loops of Love knitting club and resident woodworkers will often contribute items as well. “By the end of the day, folks have made a huge dent in their Christmas shopping lists,” Kaylee says.
At The Village, we also understand that spirituality is a key to living a full life. That’s why, as a faith-based retirement community, we offer plenty of opportunities to observe the spiritual side of the season. On Christmas Eve, folks from all denominations gather for our traditional candlelight service featuring hymns, carols and readings from scripture. “Our Spiritual Life Committee deserves big thanks for planning the service,” Kaylee says. “This sacred time together seems to grow more meaningful each year.”
Holiday Soirees Reflect the Essence of Giving and Gratitude
Celebrating with family and friends is one of the greatest joys at this time of year, and it also helps cultivate social wellness for seniors after retirement. There are plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle at our Germantown senior living community, but Kaylee says that two particular events stand out.
“Our big bash of the year is the First Horizon holiday party sponsored by First Horizon Bank, which is the bank of choice for most residents,” she explains. “And boy, do they go all out with the music and hors d’oeuvres! Not only is it one of the best holiday celebrations in Germantown, it’s also an opportunity for the bank to show how much they appreciate our residents’ business.”
The second highly anticipated social event is our employee talent show—a long-standing tradition. The Village doesn’t allow tipping, but every year residents pool their money together to give our valued staff members a nice Christmas bonus. To show their gratitude for our residents’ generosity, employees put together a fun, festive talent show.
“It’s always a packed house,” Kaylee says. “People sing, dance and act out skits based on stories like Frosty the Snowman or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. One year, I performed I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas while another member of our department pranced around dressed like a hippo. The residents love it … even if some of us are a bit lacking in talent.”
Dining to the Nines
An abundance of great food and festive treats is a must during the holidays, and our dining venues are overflowing with both between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. “Residents tell us there’s no better food anywhere in Germantown,” Kaylee says.
One of the most popular dining traditions is “Home for the Holidays,” where residents can order a chef-prepared prime rib, ham or turkey dinner to serve to visiting family members. And when December 25th rolls around, our traditional Christmas brunch is always filled to capacity. “The food is so amazing; most residents would rather bring their families here than take them out to a restaurant,” Kaylee says, “And folks just love meeting everyone’s grandkids—and great-grandkids. The generations truly do come together!”
Another not-to-miss culinary event is our New Year’s Eve dinner, featuring entrees like steak and lobster. The feast is followed by one of Kaylee’s favorite holiday traditions. “We do a New Year’s countdown and champagne toast, complete with a ball dropping,” she explains. “Then, everyone forms a Conga line as the band plays When the Saints go Marching In.”
“What a lively way to welcome the new year with our Village family!”
Our Germantown Senior Living Community Can Be Your Home for the Holidays … and all Year Through
Gracious amenities, an active, vibrant lifestyle and all levels of on-campus healthcare are all part of the package at The Village at Germantown. But the best gift of all is our tight-knit community of neighbors bound by deep connections and well-loved traditions.
Schedule your visit today—before John Mark returns to take down his spectacular decorations. Call us at 901-737-4242.