With Christmas looming, Natasha, the Lifestyle Coordinator at Primrose Croft Care Home in Cambridge, has been discussing the Christmas tree with the people who live at the home.
The residents have found it particularly interesting to learn about the story behind the Christmas tree. It turns out, there are quite a few different versions!
In Christianity, the Christmas tree is symbolic of the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The tree’s branches and shrubs are viewed as an emblem of immortality and are said to symbolise the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross.
Also, it has long been thought that Protestant reformer Martin Luther began the tradition of bringing a fir tree into the home. He wanted to share the beauty of the tree with his wife, so he cut down a fir tree and took it home. Once inside, he placed small lit candles on the branches, and said that it would be a symbol of the beautiful Christmas sky.
The people living at Primrose Croft have been using their arts and craft sessions to make pictures of Christmas trees using different methods and materials. They have painted some with forks, stuck shiny stickers on some, and even created some out of cut up pieces of magazine!
The activities at Primrose Croft are definitely getting everyone into the Christmas spirit, producing fantastic festive masterpieces to help decorate the home.