HO ,HO, HO! Cheery staff at Skelmersdale’s Birch Green Care Home made sure the festive season was fun, fun, fun for resident’s right throughout December.

The arrival of advent was celebrated on December 1 with a communion service conducted at the home by Rev Mick Neal of Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre.

During the weeks following, residents have enjoyed countless opportunities to go out Christmas shopping escorted by staff.

And many have enjoyed the chance to be creative by decorating Christmas cakes and producing their own personal handmade cards.

Eight residents enjoyed a  trip to nearby St John’s Primary School followed on December 9  where they tucked into a Christmas dinner as they were entertained by brass band music.

All the residents received a gift and Mildred Johnson won the raffle prize of a poinsettia plant.

On December 10th, St John’s Primary School brass band visited Birch Green where the youngsters performed carols, shared chocolates and chatted happily with residents.

The following day it was the turn of St James’ Primary School pupils to entertain residents. Carols were performed by the choir and brass band and the children handed out gifts of calendars, gingerbread men and mince pies.

On December 14th, singer Damon Noone, whose mum Joan is a resident, performed a festive concert which proved very popular.

A Christmas mass kindly arranged by St Francis RC Church was performed at the home on December 15.

The following day it was snowballs, sherry and a turkey buffet for residents attending the annual Christmas party when seasonal entertainment was provided by Gerard Scott.

Four residents enjoyed a trip to watch the panto at St Francis of Assisi School on December 18th and on December 21st Emma Holmes, the niece of resident Nellie Flynn played guitar and sang at the home.

A carol service arranged by Rev Mick Neal was held on Dec 22nd followed by Christmas bingo on December 23rd and a Christmas Quiz on Christmas Eve.

General Manager Catherine Shawarby said: “Christmas is a very special time for our residents and quite a hectic one for staff! We all do our best to ensure they enjoy every minute of the festive season.”