Earlier this month, residents at The Gatesworth gathered in the independent senior living community’s atrium for a holiday sing-along led by vocalist Anita Rosamond. As the first holiday concert of the season, it also represented an exciting return to annual celebrations that were paused last year. “It was wonderful to be able to gather together,” resident program director Kathy Davis says. “The pandemic has made us all acutely aware of the need to reach out and engage with others. Now, we really get to feel the warmth and magic of the holidays.”

Celebrations at The Gatesworth extend for the entire month. “I’ve noticed that even residents who can’t visit with family never feel like they’re alone for the holidays because there is so much to do,” Davis says. Each weekend, there is a holiday concert, including a visit from Victorian carolers, and the community recently held its Hanukkah celebration. Other highlights include an excursion to see the holiday lights at Our Lady of the Snows and the Holiday Affair, a party with entertainment and a special menu designed by chef Brian Hardy. A holiday-inspired cocktail hour with mulled wine and cider will be held Christmas Eve, and the season wraps up with a New Year’s Eve party.

For residents who are celebrating away from the community, The Gatesworth’s dining services offer the From Our House to Yours program. The take-out service allows them to order menu items, such as fresh-baked pies or side dishes like stuffing, to bring to parties. “A lot of gatherings during the holidays are potlucks,” Davis says. “Even if they aren’t cooking themselves, our residents can still bring lovely, homemade dishes to share with family and friends.”

Everyone at The Gatesworth is excited to be able to gather together to celebrate the holidays, including with visitors from outside the community. While families can enjoy a return to normal visits and gatherings, safety measures are in place to ensure the wellbeing of residents, including screenings for guests. “At Thanksgiving, it was really apparent how much families appreciated the precautions taken,” Davis notes. “They were comforted to know their loved ones were in a community that wasn’t letting its guard down.”

The holiday magic is felt throughout The Gatesworth, and staff are equally excited for the celebrations. At the beginning of the month, a community breakfast was held with executive director Carrie Montrey, where residents received a special gift and enjoyed live music. Davis notes everyone is thrilled to be able to provide exceptional experiences, especially after the more subdued holiday season in 2020. “I have a greater appreciation for the fabulous team I work with and the residents who we love taking care of,” she says. “We want to make sure everyone feels the care we invest into what we do all year round, but especially during the holidays. As we look toward 2022, I hope we have even more opportunities to celebrate together.”

Located at One McKnight Place, The Gatesworth offers for residents a wide variety of ways to celebrate year-round, especially during the winter holidays. For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com.
Cover courtesy of The Gatesworth

Pictured at top: Resident Berkeley Gunther
Photo courtesy of The Gatesworth