SSGC members sang Christmas carols to nursing home residents

San Saba Garden Club (SSGC) has a long and happy tradition of interacting with the residents of San Saba’s nursing homes.

Projects, most ongoing, have included hosting annual “fancy hat” teas; filling Santa’s bag each year with gaily wrapped Christmas gifts; creating and maintaining a seasonal keyhole garden visible from the dining room picture window; placing holiday displays on the lawn along the corridors; and sponsoring weekly spa days with manicures and hand massages in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere created by music from bygone eras.

Approximately a year before COVID struck and required strict isolation policies, the SSGC Therapy Committee began interviewing interested residents about their past and then typing and framing a short biography they could hang in their room or by their door if they wished. This activity was a win-win for everyone. The subjects liked reminiscing about their pasts; staff and visitors appreciated learning many fascinating ¬facts about the senior citizens who participated.

This year, SSGC added a new nursing home activity: Christmas caroling. San Saba Rehabilitation’s annual Christmas party was held December 14th with significant COVID precautions. After Santa distributed gifts and while the revelers were enjoying a lavish holiday buffet prepared by staff, ten members of the Garden Club and pianist Leanne Pollock provided musical entertainment for the group. All SSGC members had passed COVID entry requirements, were masked, and maintained social distancing.

The carolers sang traditional songs such as “Silent Night,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Away in a Manger,” and “What Child Is This?” Many in the audience sang along, their faces radiant and their hearts no doubt warmed with memories of Christmases past.

Garden club members participating in caroling were Jan Beaver, Rebecca Britton, Jacqueline Carlson, Georgia Harris, Susan Kissco, Mona McMahan, Janis Murray, Leanne Pollock, Debbie Shahan, Karen Sloan, and Amy Snyder.