Christmas at Collington

By Frances Kolarek —

Frances Kolarek-150 wideChristmas! Shopping. Gift-wrapping for some of our needy neighbors. Parties. A gorgeous 10-foot tree in our main lobby. Add Hanukkah ceremonies — lighting candles in the Menorah at 5:15 each evening.

And a most successful party for our staff, attended by some 200, at an off-campus venue. Generous door prizes, underwritten by Board members, capped an evening of abundant food, drink, dance and festivity.

To our new residents, many of whom who have joined in community activities with much enthusiasm, a warm welcome with our Christmas wishes.

One of our new arrivals uncovered in our Woodshop an antique electric train, complete with a village enclosed in its oval tracks. Set up on a platform near the Christmas tree, it allows for close examination of its interesting details by those of us with creaky joints.

Among other joys of the season are reunions with children, grandchildren and great-grands, of whom Collington residents boast an abundance.

There’s no end to our celebrating right through New Year’s Eve when a party is scheduled with dancing and champagne.

New Years resolutions? Well, most of those I asked smiled a bit ruefully and admitted they had stopped this charade because they never kept them anyway. My favorite response? Asked about New Year’s resolutions, one old gal drew back in mock dismay, and replied ”Why? Do I NEED any?”

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.