Ding Dong Merrily on High, at Westhill we’ve been singing. It doesn’t matter how old you are, from reception children trying desperately hard to sit still in assembly to octogenarians living their best lives in a residential care home, everyone loves a Christmas carol. They just bring joy.

We have a lovely lady named Jenny who comes in to sing with us, her passion for singing is infectious. We had a wonderful visit this week; the lounge is beautifully decorated setting the scene perfectly for a festive singsong.

We worked our way through every carol we know, from Silent Night and Away in a Manager to Once in Royal David’s City which incidentally was written in 1848, Silent Night was written in 1818 and it is believed that God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was composed in the Middle Ages, it’s amazing to think that people have been singing these very same hymns for all that time.

Victorian carol singers would congregate in streets and town squares to sing for passers-by who would reward them with tasty drinks and mince pies, this was originally known as wassailing. In the spirit of tradition, we rewarded ourselves well with mulled wine and mince pies following our session, we never argue with tradition.

We have taken part in so many festive activities the month, we really have made the most of every day and now we only have 3 more sleeps until the big day. The home looks wonderful, the gifts are wrapped, and the menu planned, all that is left for us to do sit back and enjoy.

We hope that you all have an incredibly happy and healthy Christmas from everyone here at Westhill Park.