My gramma spent her last year or two in a nursing home. My mom cared for her there. Although in a small town, people do tend to check in on their loved ones in facilities a little more, there is still a problem with many residents not receiving visits or gifts or anything...

When you visit with your relatives, please remember those "other" patients whose families are invisible. Mom, of course, KNEW who was getting visitors and who wasn't, so she made sure that all of those folks had some treats or some little something for Christmas... for ones who didn't know much, she would visit them and pretend to be their daughter or whatever... When she would bring food and stuff to celebrate holidays with my gramma, she always brought enough for everyone who was able to enjoy... She figgered it was her gift to those who didn't have the kind of loving family that my gramma had... Ambulatory folks were invited to my gramma's room or they all went into the common area to enjoy my gramma's celebrations. My gramma never had a birthday that several of the residents didn't think it was THEIR birthday cake... Mom would even relight candles for someone else to blow out... She laughed once because she relit the candles several times and burned her fingers the last time 'cause the candles had gotten short...!

Although all of us with family living in a facility have plenty to do with caring for them, remembering to give a little extra to those in need is a special gift that money can't buy...

MB, Thanks for mentioning this. I wouldn't have thought to do it as my mom is new in the facility, but she does have a roommate, so I'll find out from the nurses what might be appropriate to give her. I don't know if she has diet restrictions or is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas, etc.

This little story speaks volumes about the kind of woman your mother was MB. Truly beautiful!

Moms Buddy, so beautiful.Surprisingly there are many who have rooms that are empty of memories of anything.Each week , when I go to the store I go to this produce store that sells beautiful flowers at a great price.Until it got cold I was putting carnations on the ladies graves.I would buy an extra bouqet for the aide to give someone in need.She told me there are many in facilities who have rooms that are empty of anything that would bring them joy.How sad.I would think a staff member would bring a little something.Last month I was getting 2 dozen carnations for two dollars and fifty cents.I had to buy red for my aunt , her color , and pink for my mother.There are some , at xmas , who take donations of body lotions , etc for those in the facilities who have no one.

Awww MB thank you for that! THATS what Christmas spirit is all about!