Dear Christmas Friend 2025
Published on 07 October 2025 08:37 AM
Dear Christmas Friend 2025
We’re so pleased to be able to bring back this lovely opportunity to add a little cheer to the life of an older person spending Christmas in their care home or in hospital. It’s a wonderful way of letting people know they haven’t been forgotten.
It's a simple way to:
Spread Christmas cheer, do something kind, think about Age UK Notts.
It's Low cost and available to all!
The feedback we recived from our 8 locations really did say it all:
“It made everyone’s day including the staff, the residents loved all the cards and messages…such an uplifting thing to do.”
“…some residents have NEVER received any correspondence since living in the care home so this made their day. Staff loved reading the letters aloud to the residents.”
“all the residents and staff want to say a big thank you to you and your team for involving us in the scheme. We’ve had cards and letters full of good wishes, people’s memories, experiences …at this time when people feel it most.”
There are some very simple rules to follow so everyone can enjoy the experience.
Do:
- Get the younger generation involved. If you have children or grandchildren, encourage them to make a card, write a letter or do some drawing
- If writing a letter, share general information about yourself, such as your job, hobbies, seasonal anecdotes, Christmas traditions or your favourite things about winter
- If sending a card, remember that not everybody is religious or of the same religion, so choose or draw designs that are suitable for everyone
- Offer some reminiscence opportunities. You could mention favourite places or childhood memories, for example
- Postcards with pictures of gardens, animals, pets, art works, or coastal views can all help to stimulate conversations and memories
- Ask questions to encourage the patient to think about their own lives, for example, ‘Christmas Pudding is my favourite part of the meal. What’s your favourite?’
- Sign your card or letter with your first name only
Don't:
- Don’t stick anything onto your card. Glitter, sequins, twigs and cotton wool might fall off and make a patient uncomfortable or create extra work for the cleaning staff. Letters, paints, felt-tips, wax crayons or pencils only, please
- Don’t add any details that will identify you specifically such as your address, date of birth or age
- Don’t be political or share conspiracy theories
- We have so many different venues for you to choose from and we recommend sending your card, letter or drawing (maybe all 3!) from late November onwards.
Where to send:
Your cards and messages really will make a difference to somebodys life this festive season - All 8 locations will be so grateful to recieve them.
Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts
Alder House Care Home
172A Nottingham Road,
Nuttall,
NG8 6AX
Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts
Acorn House
1 Oak Street,
Carrington,
Nottingham,
NG5 2AT
Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts
Highfields Nursing Home
330 Highbury Road,
Bulwell,
NG6 9AF
Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts
Mulberry Court Care Home
61 Darnhall Crescent,
Bilborough,
NG8 4QA
Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts
Wollaton View Care Home
21 Lambourne Road,
Wollaton,
NG8 1GR
Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts
Acer Court Care Home
172 Nottingham Road,
Nuthall,
NG8 6AX
Dear Christmas Friend - Age UK Notts
c/o Anna Ellerton
Lings Bar Hospital
Beckside
Gamston
Nottingham
NG2 6PR