STUDENTS from St Agnes’ Primary School visited Emmaus Home on Tuesday 2 December to help launch their annual Christmas window displays.
Students and teachers Donna Sprague and Mel Walker, explored the displays and chatted with residents.
Santa made an appearance, and residents joined in as the students sang Christmas carols, including Jingle Bells and many other favourites.
Residential Service Lead at Emmaus Home Sharmaine Peterson, said the visit captured what the displays aim to create.
“It was wonderful to see the joy on the faces of both the children and our residents.
“These displays are about much more than decoration.
“They spark conversation, laughter and memories, and they bring people together.”
Emmaus Home staff build the displays each year, adding nativity scenes, winter settings and characters.
“All of our team gets involved,” Ms Peterson said.
“Many staff give their own time to transform Emmaus Home into a place of Christmas wonder.
“There’s a lot of work behind the scenes, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Ms Peterson said the idea began with a simple aim.
“We started creating these ‘department-store-style’ displays for residents who couldn’t easily travel to see Christmas lights due to mobility challenges.
“We wanted to make sure everyone could experience the magic of Christmas, regardless of their circumstances.”
Lifestyle team member Nicole Van Vledder said it is the interaction that matters most,” she said.
“The displays are beautiful, but it’s the moments they create that matter most.”
“When residents sing along with the children or share stories from their own Christmases, you can see how much it means. That’s why we do this.”
Emmaus Home invites families and community members to visit throughout December.
By Sis HIGGINS
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