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.
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