Festive activities at luxury retirement homes Essex
Winter in luxury retirement homes Essex means togetherness, joy, comfort and a sprinkle of seasonal magic! At this time of year, there’s always a festive activity on offer to enjoy with friends and family, or to simply indulge in by yourself!
In fact, if you live locally why not take a look at our recent blog posts on Christmas things to do in Essex or our round-up of the best Essex Christmas markets in 2024.
When we retire, it’s important that our pastimes bring us joy, but also challenge us from time to time. This keeps our minds sharp and allows an outlet from the daily routine.
Why not try something new this winter? This week, the team at Burnham Waters detail just some of our favourite activities for those in luxury retirement homes Essex to enjoy over Christmas and the winter season.
Merry and bright baking
Christmas and the kitchen go together like Santa and Rudolph! Contrary to what we’re often told, around this time of year, homemade treats don’t have to be too extravagant – it’s all about those simple wintery bakes and cinnamon infused flavours! Baked gingerbread, chocolate chip cookies, or a Victoria sponge with a cup of tea will always go down a treat on a cold afternoon.
With freshly baked goods comes a crowd! If your neighbours haven’t already caught a sniff of what’s cooking, it’s the perfect excuse to host a little get together and brighten up a chilly Monday morning! Likewise, an indulgent homemade treat makes festive afternoon tea with loved ones extra special. Why not get the grandchildren round to decorate and ice the gingerbread cookies? It should keep you all busy for a few hours, before you all get to sit back and enjoying the fruits of your labour!
Snowy snifters
It wouldn’t be Christmas time without a few novelty concoctions! Why not try a bit of mixology in your festive abode? You can create by yourself or get your friends and family together and have a go at making some tinsel-tastic tipples. It can be as easy as a bucks fizz, but if cocktails aren’t your drink of choice, indulge in a homemade mulled wine recipe. Remember, a hot chocolate with all the trimmings is also always well received on a winter’s night!
Winter wreath making
We love wreath making at Burnham Waters! Wreaths mark a change of season and are the perfect homemade accessory to create in retirement villages this winter. You can get hold of a wire wreath frame to start, or a wreath making kit from any craft shop. Select the foliage and flora you’d like to use – top tip, you can use some moss to pad out the first layer of the wreath, or it could look a little gappy.
Be sure to secure the foliage in small bunches with some flexible wire reel to keep it all in place. Add a loop for hanging and you’re good to go! The great thing about creating a wreath from scratch is that you can tailor it to your exact taste. You can use your favourite festive colours and hang them anywhere in your home at different heights or go classic and attach it to your door to welcome guests this season.
Why not take a stroll in the winter sun to see what you can forage? Dry foliage such as holly and eucalyptus work really well for these creations. If you’ve got some display plates, you can always pop some large pinecones in them, or scatter amongst some fairy lights to brighten up your favourite coffee spot.
Festive flower arranging
It may be cold outside, but florals around Christmas look beautiful in the home. They instantly refresh a room with a touch of seasonal colour and fresh scent. Why not try your hand at flower arranging at home? It’ll give you the opportunity to create something that not only looks amazing but smells beautiful too!
Flower arranging is a calming activity that allows you to use your imagination creatively, whilst encouraging precision and attention to detail! A wintery bouquet also makes a lovely gift. There are many flowers that bloom throughout winter, these include Orchid, Jasmine and Iris. While the red poinsettia often proves the firm favourite when it comes to winter floral arrangements.
When the flowers are just past their best, you can dry them to make a beautiful display come the new year. Simply combine your flowers and foliage into small bunches. Then, tie the base of the stems with a length of string and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place for at least two weeks.
Dazzling decorations
Nothing says yuletide greetings like homemade Christmas decorations! From paperchains to table toppers, the possibilities are endless! Simple often works the best here. Think a glass container full of little silver bells, or some candles surrounded with foliage and berries. If you’re looking for the perfect centrepiece, be sure to appropriately scale the size to the table. For round tables, one centrepiece should be plenty and for rectangular tables, consider spacing out one centrepiece every 3 ft.
Board games and books
In luxury retirement homes Essex, you can’t beat an afternoon of entertainment and good company! Why not treat yourself to some new board games or puzzles over the festive period? Play alongside neighbours, friends and family to get you in the festive, slightly competitive, spirit!
Get in touch with the team at Burnham Waters
If you’re looking for luxury retirement homes Essex and you’re thinking about joining an over 55 community this winter, we’d love you to get in touch! Our spacious new build retirement bungalows are nestled in the Essex countryside in Burnham-on-Crouch, with a wide range of amenities and social opportunities to enjoy whenever you need them.
For more information, simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or contact our sales team on 01621 861559. You can also fill out our contact form for a downloadable brochure. Or pay a visit to our sales suite on site and tour our show home.
We look forward to hearing from you!
