Country Manor Health Care Center Staff Surprise 100+ Long-Term Care Residents With Christmas Gifts

Got some tissues handy? When we say there isn't anything Country Manor staff wouldn't do for their residents, this is the perfect example.
Every year, the staff at Country Manor Health Care & Rehab Center host a special “Secret Santa” event. This annual celebration aims to make sure that each and every one of the 100+ LTC residents at Country Manor feels just how loved and cherished they are over the Christmas holiday.
“Secret Santa” staff members choose a resident/s with whom they have a special bond or connection with, and try to pick out the perfect gift!
There are so many things to love about this tradition...
While staff spend weeks brainstorming, buying and wrapping these gifts, the event remains a surprise for our unsuspecting residents. The anticipation shared by staff in the days leading up to this event is magical. And the pure disbelief by residents as they're presented with their gift is absolutely beautiful.
As we watch each resident light up as they see what's beneath the wrapping paper, it's easy to see how much time and effort goes into finding the perfect gift! And we don't just mean buying and wrapping. We mean the love and special attention it took all year round for these staff members to really get to KNOW their residents, and know exactly what it would take to make them smile.
Pat, who's a morning tea fiend, received a beautiful new sunshine yellow mug to enjoy it in. Bev received a new wardrobe's worth of coordinating clothes, just in her signature style. Their favorite treats stuffed their gift bags. Lotions were bought in their favorite scents. New clothes were bought in their favorite colors and favorite brands. Truly, it seemed that not a single detail was missed, or a nuance overlooked.
And while we witness the bonds between residents and staff 1000x times a day in all of their little interactions, it's absolutely priceless to witness it so vividly in significant events like these.
As resident Donna opened up her new angel snow globe, her Secret Santa (Laundry Assistant, Debbie) explained, "that's you - you're my angel. You are so loved. I've loved you since the day you came to Country Manor."
And as one resident was escorted back to her room, we overheard her remark, "Oh my, I really feel special this Christmas." ❤️🥰 (And of course she stopped a few times on the way to show off her gifts to whomever she encountered, and try to discover her Santa.)
To all of our Secret Santa Staff - THANK YOU!! We wanted to share these reactions particularly in ode to you. These are the smiles, the awe, and the tears of joy you created.
What a perfect note to end the year on ❤️