December: Christmas and New Years Eve
“Christmas is neither a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas”. Calvin Coolidge
This time of year is a very busy one for all of us at Norgarden Estates, but especially for Wilfred, Kathleen and Chef Shawn. The kitchen goes into full gear baking and cooking seasonal items (think cookies and treats and Christmas day dinner, and New Year eve dinner). Wilfred and Kai spend the last week of November and the first week of December decorating both building and grounds with lights, and creating a “winter wonder lane”. Kathleen spends hours decorating the inside of both The Norgarden and Peninsula, completely transforming them for the month of December. And then there are the activities!
Kathleen kicks it all off December 1st with the Nativity Display. It is a remarkable display of over 700 crèches on loan from families on Vancouver Island. Well worth a visit. Please sign up at the front desk for this, and click here to check out more information.
On the 4th Kathleen will be leading the tree trimming at The Peninsula, and then Norgarden will follow the next evening. Tree Trimming starts in both buildings at 7pm. There will be live entertainment and snacks and of course Christmas Cheer.
On the 6th 2pm at Norgarden, local artist Helen Mason will lead a group in her unique style. The number of participants is limited so please register early! Open to both buildings, and the class will take place at Norgarden, you don’t need any experience to participate, it’s about the Joy!. For more information on Helen and her techniques, please check out her website. https://www.artangels.ca
Join us on the 7th for a journey back in time in fashion. Each year Heritage Production Fashion Show comes to our buildings and takes our residents down memory lane as they model fashion from the 1850’s to 1960’s.
Kathleen will take you out shopping on the 12th to Tillicum Mall to pick up any last minute gifts (for yourself or others!). Be ready to go at 10am and please sign up at the front desk.
The Gentlemen will hold their last outing of the season at Norgarden on the 15th, while J.O.Y. will head out to the Surly Mermaid on the 28th.
The Christmas light tours will take place on the 18th and 21st. This is always a hugely popular event, so please sign up early. The bus will head out at 7pm and hot chocolate and cookies will be served along the way (once the bus has come to a complete stop of course!).
On the 25th Christmas dinner will be served at 12 noon on the 25th to allow servers and kitchen staff to be with their families for dinner.
we wrap up December on the 31st with our New Year’s Eve Party with a lovely dinner, champagne and live entertainment. Dinner is at 5:30 and the “after party” will start up at 7pm, when the ball drops at 8:30 the corks will fly and the champagne pour to welcome in 2018.
There are many, many more activities this month so please see the calendar below. And please click on it to enlarge.