Laughter and music filled the air as students from St Agnes' Primary School, accompanied by their teachers, Donna Sprague and Mel Walker, visited Emmaus Home on Monday 1 December for the official launch of the home's enchanting Christmas displays. 

The children took in the displays with eager and admiring eyes, while sharing their excitement for the coming Christmas season. They were lucky enough to bump into Santa who was also visiting the residents of Emmaus Home that morning, and each received a small gift bag.  

Residents were then delighted by the children's voices as they sang Christmas carols such as 'Jingle Bells', 'Little Drummer Boy', 'Mary did you know?', 'All I want for Christmas is you', and the very funny 'I want a hippopotamus for Christmas'. 

Sharmaine Peterson, Residential Service Lead for Emmaus Home, who coordinates the planning of the Christmas decorations with staff said the interaction between generations was a highlight of the event.  

"It was wonderful to see the results of our labours in the happy smiling faces of the school children and the residents – the displays are more than decorations, they spark conversations, laughter, and stories," says Sharmain.  

The Christmas displays throughout Emmaus Home are a labour of love. Each display tells a story, from traditional nativity scenes and winter landscapes to humorous scenes featuring naughty elves and even Elfin John and his piano; all brought to life with twinkling lights and festive colours by the dedicated staff. 

"All the staff get involved with doing the decorations each year. Many spend hours of their own time, transforming Emmaus Home into a space of festive wonder that residents look forward to seeing each year. There's a lot to do, but it's worth it in the end." 

"We originally started doing the special 'department store' style window displays for residents who, due to limited mobility, couldn't go out on tours to see the Christmas lights. We wanted them to be able to experience the magic of Christmas like everybody else.," adds Sharmain. 

"It means a lot to our residents. They're so proud – they get their families and grandchildren to come in. It has become a community event."  

"The staff also love taking the residents around to see the decorations – there's so much engagement between them as they chat about Christmas memories. It's wonderful to see."  

Staff also expressed how meaningful this time of year is for the Emmaus Home community. 

"The decorations are beautiful, but it's the connections that matter most," said Nicole Van Vledder from the Lifestyle team. "When residents share stories with the children or sing along to carols, you can see the joy in their eyes. That's why we do this." 

Emmaus Home invites families and community members to visit throughout December and experience the magic for themselves.