The holiday season is a time of year that brings many opportunities to celebrate traditions, make new memories, and experience joy. Here at River Landing at Sandy Ridge, the festive events and decorations keep us tethered to the spirit of Christmas. Throughout the month of December, residents can look forward to honoring traditions and making new memories.
Whether it’s watching a favorite Christmas movie for 24-hours straight, decorating a tree, or making cookies, there are many ways to celebrate during the holiday season. Christmas is also the time to reflect on faith, and the meaning behind December 25th. Pope Julius I chose the date to commemorate the birth of Jesus and the Feast of the Nativity. Celebrating what we now know as Christmas, has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1870. A jolly elf also makes an appearance this time of year to bring joy and help spread the Christmas spirit. Santa became a popular figure in 1804, when John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, made wood carvings of St. Nicholas with stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace. Each Christmas Eve, children and adults can now track Santa’s whereabouts on a website called NoradSanta.org.
Here at River Landing, the events of the season kick off with the Annual Lighting of the Nativity. Everyone can stay and enjoy the lights, and goodies, and Christmas carols. We continue the cheer with our Annual Resident Christmas party; a great opportunity to socialize and reminisce about the past year with friends. We also have the wonderful gift of celebrating with the staff here at River Landing, giving us time to share our appreciation for our community. Another great way to enjoy the festive decorations is by participating in the Annual Resident & Staff & Family Christmas Drive-Thru.
Part of the joy during the holiday’s is enjoying the sounds of the season. We are fortunate to have a chance to listen to our River Landing Band Concert, the River Landing Ringers, and the River Landing Chorus. The use of a variety of instruments will delight concertgoers and traditional holiday favorites will be sung. This year there was a special piano concert by Rev. Jim Morgan, the Chairperson of Brightspire Foundation Board of Directors, and the music delighted listeners.
Staying engaged in the spirit will come easy when you enjoy other activities that are offered this time of year. You can test your knowledge of the holidays with seasonal trivia and enjoy watching holiday movie favorites throughout the month. There are exciting outings planned for the month, including theater productions, concerts, and opportunities to worship. Additional spiritual events include a Blue Christmas Service for those who wish to honor and remember loved ones during the season, and a Christmas message on our 1390 station.
As we approach a new year, we can all be thankful for the blessings and opportunities we get to enjoy here at River Landing at Sandy Ridge. We hope you can find a few events that will bring you joy and creat