Dear Christmas Friend 2026

Dear Christmas Friend 2026

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. 

We're still finalising the details so look out for more information of where to send your cards, letters and pictures very soon!