Reliving memories during the holiday season
LITTLETON, Colo. — There are holiday traditions in families, traditions you carry through time. Sometimes, new traditions begin.
At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Littleton a holiday village is creating holiday joy and a new tradition. Each piece of the village has something that sparks a memory for the residents.
“Every time I go by I see something in a different light then I do the day before.” said resident Virginia Burg. “This is a farm market and the cows and sometimes it just bring memories back, and it's so enjoyable...I remember going for a wagon ride in the snow. Good memories, because when they get the things going and there are pieces in there that I have had real in my hometown. The popcorn machine for instance. We had one in my hometown. My brother-in-law’s father had one and every Friday and Saturday night it was traditional — all the farmers came to town...they bought popcorn.”
Residents often bring decorations when they move in to their new home and there isn’t room for everything. So, five years ago an employee set up a village. Once that village took life more and more people started donating pieces to it and it keeps growing every year.
Tracie Roberts is the Executive Director at MorningStar. She said the village is, "The magic of Christmas really. It just boosts and gives them hope and joy and that little sparkle we look for to just keep the spirits going. That little sparkle is a memory of a time gone by."
For some residents like Ann Block, the memories are from very long ago. “I remember one thing, being sick, and standing in my crib looking out the window of the house and it was just a strange thing to think that I remembered that and it wasn't something great but here I am talking about it but I do remember that scene. Memories, memories are important. I'm 99. This year will be my 100th year."
Everyone agrees it's fun to see the village, and it lifts up the spirits of both residents and staff. The magic of Christmas is very much alive at a village in Littleton.
Julio Sandoval is a multimedia journalist with Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach him at juliosandoval@rmpbs.org.
Linda Kotsaftis is the Chief Content Officer for Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at lindakotsaftis@rmpbs.org.