Covenant sites usher in the holiday season with festive activities

Every holiday season, Covenant sites embrace the holiday spirit with special celebrations and events. Here’s a look at some of the events that have spread joy, creating unforgettable memories for our residents, families, staff and communities this season.

The Polar Express comes to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital

Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor kicked off the holiday season with a “Polar Express” event, bringing holiday cheer to residents, staff and families. The event began on Dec. 17, allowing residents to enjoy the magic of the season without leaving the comfort of their warm home.

"We wanted to create a special outing for our residents during winter when they can't enjoy the outdoors,” says Jenessa Dunkle, rehabilitation assistant. “The idea was to transport them to the North Pole for a festive train ride." 

Planning for the Polar Express took several months with the recreation team working tirelessly to bring the event to life. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, including staff and family members, the recreation therapy room was transformed into a winter wonderland.

“We really wanted to make this event feel special for our residents and their families,” says Jenessa.

The decorations, the train sounds and even the virtual train windows showing snowy scenery all helped create the North Pole setting.

The feedback from residents and families has been overwhelmingly positive, says Jenessa. It has been wonderful to see everyone enjoying the holidays together, creating memories and spreading joy.

Jokester Elf brings a new tradition to St. Joseph’s General Hospital

St Joseph’s General Hospital in Vegreville added some festive fun to the season with its newest holiday tradition, the Jokester Elf. This is the first year the playful and cheeky elf has visited the site, and it has quickly become a favourite amongst staff.

"The staff are having so much fun with it,” says Jennifer McNabb, unit clerk. “It’s a great way to bring a little joy and humour into everyone’s day." 

The idea for Jokester Elf originated with two creative staff in the housekeeping department. They came up with the concept to spread holiday cheer throughout the hospital.  

Every day, Jokester Elf is moved to a new floor and location, creating excitement and mystery, says Jennifer. Staff members look forward to discovering where the elf will appear next. From the dialysis unit on the 12th day to the sleep room on the 16th, the elf has been showing up in various spots, keeping a smile on everyone’s face.

Jokester Elf will continue to make appearances until Christmas Eve and will return next year, Jennifer says. This new tradition is here to stay.

Mistletones help the Grey Nuns hospital celebrate with music

Music filled the halls at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton this holiday season as the Mistletones, a choir made up of current and retired staff and volunteers, spread festive cheer with multiple performances throughout December.

The performances featured traditional Christmas carols, offering a way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and to remind everyone that the holidays are about more than gifts and decorations, says Brandy Basler, administrative assistant for the neonatal intensive care unit and child health clinic as well as manager of the Mistletones.

While the group mostly performed in public areas such as the cafeteria and volunteer services, members also sang in more intimate settings, such as the palliative care unit, where they offered softer renditions and took song requests from patients.

These moments bring deep comfort to those who may need it most, making caroling not just a performance but a meaningful connection, says Brandy. “Christmas carols are more than just songs — they’re memories, they’re joy and they’re connection.”

The performances have become a cherished part of the holiday season at the hospital, Brandy says.

“There’s something magical about singing Christmas carols. Seeing people smile or singing along fills my heart with happiness. It’s like we’re sharing a piece of the season’s warmth.” 

Festive decorating brightens St. Marguerite Manor

The holiday season at St. Marguerite Manor in Calgary was made even more special this year with a heartwarming display of community spirit and creativity. What began as a lovely gesture from a resident’s daughter a few years ago has grown into a full-fledged holiday celebration with staff, family members and volunteers coming together to transform the building into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations brightening every corner. 

“For the first time in years, our staff have really stepped up and put in so much effort to make the place feel so festive,” says Robin Ostrander, recreation therapist. “It’s been wonderful to see every neighbourhood within our facility transformed with lights, streamers, staff contributions and even family donations.” 

The impact of the decorating has been profound, says Robin. Many residents ask to have the lights turned off early so they can sit and watch the glow radiate throughout their floor.

“It’s been amazing to watch the residents’ faces light up.”