No matter your age, there is something magical about the holidays. The wonder of the winter season is on full display at The Gatesworth. The senior living community aims to provide residents with services and amenities to ensure they remain active, happy and comfortable, and that includes month-long celebrations in December. “The Gatesworth is a special place anytime of the year, but even more so during the winter holidays,” event and entertainment director Janine Lawler says. “The sense of community that our residents feel is so evident during this festive time, when we are preparing and celebrating together.”
Highlights of the holiday season at The Gatesworth include its Hanukkah celebration, which features a special program and dinner. The event is always held on the second night of the holiday, so residents can spend the first with their families. For Christmas, the community holds a special Catholic Mass on Christmas morning and a Breakfast with Santa event earlier in the month. Residents also are encouraged to participate in a tree trimming party to help put the finishing touches on the holiday decorations. “We just started the tree trimming event a few years ago, and it’s really fun to see everyone get involved,” Lawler says.
At The Gatesworth, residents can look forward to a mix of classic events with new offerings. Along with traditional concerts and dinners, they can enjoy a performance by the Dancing Santas, hit the town for a holiday lights tour or participate in a Hanukkah-themed skit. “It always brings me joy to offer something new to someone who has seven or more decades of experience behind them,” Lawler notes. The winter celebrations will culminate with the New Year’s Eve party, where guests are encouraged to put on their finest and dance the night away to the music of Fanfare, before counting down to 2026 with a champagne toast.
The Gatesworth is home to people of diverse backgrounds and faiths. While it is a challenge to accommodate so many different needs, Lawler notes that the staff works hard to ensure every individual has the opportunity to celebrate. Residents also are encouraged to share their own traditions. “Our residents aren’t bashful,” she says. “If there’s a tradition or culture that I’m not familiar with, they’re always happy to fill me in. I am so honored that they not only help me, but also invite others to take part in so many of their traditions and celebrations.”
For Lawler and the rest of The Gatesworth, the winter holidays are all about celebrating community. This time of year brings residents and staff closer together as they share in holiday traditions, new and old. “It’s extra fun with all of the family and friends coming in to visit,” Lawler adds. “I love when I get to meet the grandkids that I’m always hearing about or the son or daughter who lives in another country. The holidays are just such a special time at The Gatesworth. There’s so much to do and a magical energy in the air.”
Located at One McKnight Place, The Gatesworth offers residents a wide variety of ways to celebrate year-round, especially during the winter holidays. For more information, call 314.907.0678 or visit thegatesworth.com.
Cover design and photo courtesy of The Gatesworth
Pictured at the top: Event and entertainment assistant director Rebecca Smith and director Janine Lawler
Photo: Gregg Goldman Photography