BY LORRAINE AIKEN
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Homestead Hills, an upscale senior living community in Winston-Salem. The smell of cinnamon and caramel fills each home, while common areas are adorned with twinkling lights on faux snow covered trees, red and white striped candy canes, and perfectly placed stockings above a crackling fireplace. Members at Homestead Hills are decking the halls as well with wreaths hanging from apartment doors, cottage homes decorated with colorful lights, reindeer, and bright red arrows pointing us to the North Pole. The joyful demeanor throughout the community and excitement among those who live and work in this magical place leads us to believe that there’s no place like Homestead Hills for the holidays.
Each year, the team at Homestead Hills goes above and beyond to ensure that Members are enjoying their favorite holiday rituals and traditions. Throughout the community, the culinary team is preparing hearty meals, the Social and Wellness Directors are putting on themed activities and events, while the facilities team is preparing the festive holiday décor. “It’s a great time of year. The celebrations are cheerful, the food is never-ending, and the memories are priceless” said Jay Matthews, Executive Director of Homestead Hills.
Spending time with loved ones and friends is the common thread sewn through all of the events and activities at Homestead Hills during the holidays. “The activities and events make the holiday season so special,” says Activities Assistant Sarah Bumgarner. “Getting to attend events that you’ve been looking forward to all year is very exciting. It also puts our Members in a joyous mindset, similar to a child opening presents on Christmas morning.” It’s easy to see why their events are something to look forward to. Throughout November and December, the community’s social calendar is bustling with a plethora of events. Members at Homestead Hills attend trips to view the Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights, get the inside scoop on cookies at Mrs. Hanes Cookie Factory, while in the community there is caroling, local holiday entertainers, DIY sessions for dessert, small gifts, and wreath making, holiday movie nights, and much, much more!
Of course, no celebration would be complete without a festive holiday spread. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the Homestead Hills Culinary Department is in charge of all of the traditional favorites for their Members to enjoy. “We focus on recreating that holiday feeling,” said Executive Chef, Michael Nasrallah. “We’re committed to making this time of year special for our Members.” The community provides flexibility for holiday meals based on preference. Friends and family can join Members for family-style meals in the Homestead Hills restaurant, have a full holiday meal catered into their home, or enjoy an intimate meal with their partner. Coming together to enjoy a freshly prepared meal from the community’s Culinary Team ensures that Members aren’t spending long hours on food preparation. They are able to sit down for a delicious meal, great conversations, and time with loved ones without the cleanup!
The Staff at Homestead Hills are committed to providing exceptional dining, social and wellness experiences for their Members. Homestead Hills is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on 37 acres just minutes from Wake Forest University. For more information on Homestead Hills visit Homestead-Hills.com or call (336) 814-2832.
