Assisted Living Residences

As always, the leadership at Youville Place has developed an Action Plan focused on achieving “Excellent” ratings in all areas. Our greatest indictor of your satisfaction is the number of residents and family mem-bers who respond “Excellent” to the state-ment that they would recommend Youville Place to a friend. For 2017, 53% of residents and family members rated the “Recommendation to Others” statement as excellent.Based upon the survey results, the 2018 Action Plan will include initiatives to increase programming opportunities for residents on the weekend, expand transportation services, improve the variety and the appeal of the food by switching to a five week menu cycle, increase communication to our families on operational updates through constant contact, and develop superior customer service skills for all levels of staff. Most importantly, we will continue to provide education for our staff, and show our appreciation for their dedication throughout the year. Thank you for participating.Sincerely,Joanne R. Scianna, COO

Each year Youville Place engages a consultant organization, My InnerView, to administer a Resident and Family Satisfaction Survey. We do this for several reasons. Although we have an open door culture and regularly scheduled forums to meet with residents, we want to provide an opportunity for residents and families to give us feedback on every aspect of living at Youville Place. In addition, your feedback helps us know where we are doing well, and where to focus our energies as we go forward.The survey provided scores on your satisfaction with the quality of life at Youville Place, as well as your satisfaction with the quality of services, staff, and surroundings. It also provided us with your level of satisfaction with dining services, accuracy of billing charges, and general ‘global’ satisfaction. It is very encouraging to all of us at Youville Place that the combined surveys (Family and Resident) rated “Global Satisfaction” at 90% in the Excellent/Good category. You rated, “Environmental Quality” at 93%, “Quality of Life” at 88%, “Quality of Staff” at 86%, “Dining Experience” at 83%, “Quality of Service” at 81%, and “Billing and Charges” at 79%.

Resident & Family Satisfaction Survey Results December 2017

Resident and Family Holiday PartyWednesday, December 20 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCelebrate the holiday season with family, friends and staff.

Lunch Trip: Jimmy’s SteerhouseWednesday, December 6Depart: 11:00 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchA neighborhood favorite, Jimmy’s serves up prime rib and high quality steaks, as well as delicious potatoes, burgers, swordfish and more.

Lunch Trip: Via LagoWednesday, December 13Depart: 11:00 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchVia Lago is a restaurant, cafe and catering company nestled in the heart of Lexington center. Just a short ride away from Youville, it is the perfect spot to grab lunch and enjoy the bustling scenery of downtown Lexington.

Trip: Holiday Lights RideThursday, December 14Depart: 5:30 PMReturn: 6:30 PM Cost: FreeSip hot chocolate and listen to holiday music as you take a ride through several neighborhoods to see the holiday decorations this season.

Lexington Stop & ShopFriday, December 1Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AMLexington Center / Walgreen’sThursday, December 7 & 21Time: 1:00 PM Return: 2:30 PM

Burlington Market BasketFriday, December 8Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Bedford Stop & ShopFriday, December 22 Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Happy Birthday!

Loyola C. December 1Louise D. December 4Joan M. December 8Elizabeth S. December 18Peter B. December 18Francis F. December 30

Residents born in December are invited to lunch in the Private Dining Room to celebrate on Friday, December 29 at 12:00 PM.

Community OutingsShopping Trips

Kick of the Month With Jazz!Jazz Funnies with Peter GerlerFriday, December 1 at 2:00 PMJazz musicians are not just masters of musical improvisation. They are also born comedians. In this multimedia presentation, jazz writer and musician Peter Gerler will share audio and video reels from throughout jazz history that exemplify performers at their witty best. From Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong to Jerry Lewis and Groucho Marx, there will be no shortage of laughs in this comprehensive look at the jokey jazz legends of yesteryear.

Jazz Duo Peter Bloom, fluteJohn Funkhouser, piano Sunday, December 3 at 1:30 PMJoin flautist Peter Bloom and jazz pianist John Funkhouser for an afternoon of jazzy standards and improvisation.

“Like” us on FacebookThis newsletter comes out once a month. Interested in connecting with us more often? Visit our Facebook page any time for updates, photos, videos and more. When you “like” us on Facebook, we will send you updates and links to our most recent news. Just search for Youville Assisted Living on Facebook and click “like.” See you on the web!

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Celebrate Hanukkah with Vocalist Mena LevitMonday, December 11 at 2:00 PMJoin Mena Levit, internationally renowned vocalist, for a special performance in celebration of Hanukkah. Levit has performed throughout the world in a variety of operatic roles. She has sung leading roles in musical theater productions such as Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables, Cabare, Titanic and more. In addition to an extensive performing schedule, Ms. Levit runs her own vocal art studio and teaches voice at the Instrumental Music School in Concord.

ArtMatters Presents . . . Henri MatisseTuesday, December 12 at 2:00 PMHenri Matisse envisioned an art that calmed the mind “like a good rocking chair.” His paintings depict serene worlds full of color, rich texture, complex patterns, flowers, books, sunshine, beautiful women, fine foods, music and art. Indulge in the many sensory pleasures of Matisse’s most celebrated works.

Dramatic Reading performed by Stephen Collins A Child’s Christmas in Wales and Other Holiday ClassicsWednesday, December 13 at 2:00 PMActor Stephen Collins returns to Youville for a dramatic reading of holiday inspired literature. He will recite “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” by Dylan Thomas, “A Christmas Story” by William Dean Howells and a selection of Hanukkah stories. In addition to the dramatic readings, Mr. Collins will discuss the literary significance of the stories with residents.

Silent Movie Presentation with Richard HughesSaturday, December 16 at 1:30 PMMaster pianist and movie expert Richard Hughes takes you back to the magical era of silent movies. It was a time when films flickered in black and white on the big screen and the action unfolded in pantomime, accompanied by dramatic “mood music” performed live on an upright piano. These vintage films were full of personality, charm and hilarity. In this signature presentation, Mr. Hughes provides live musical accompaniment to a handpicked silent film.

Steps In Time- Ballroom Dancing with Michael WinwardTuesday, December 5 at 2:00 PMIf you cherish fond memories of ballroom dancing, this program is for you! With instructor Michael Winward leading, participants of all abilities can learn (or relearn) new steps in a supportive and joyful environment. Michael has led classes throughout Greater Boston and witnessed firsthand the many benefits that dancing provides for the “over-55” community. Dance encourages good posture, offers low-impact, cardiovascular exercise and connects people through the skills of leading and following. Most importantly, it’s fun!

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerWednesday, December 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 9:30 AMBroadway Seated Dance is a music and dance program for older adults who love the upbeat tunes from movie musicals, Broadway and the popular performers dazzling audiences between the 1930s and 1960s. This program includes a gentle warm up, easy-to-follow body movements and a relaxing cool down. The exercises are designed to improve cardiovascular function, range of motion, muscle tone, posture, circulation and flexibility. Be sure to join us on Wednesday mornings!

Philosophy Lecture Series with Jason GiannettiLecture III: Modern PhilosophyWednesday, December 6 at 2:00 PMProfessor Jason Giannetti will explain how key events such as the Lisbon earthquake, the rebirth of classical learning in Europe and new scientific discoveries led to the collapse of the medieval world view. In its place, the ideas of Voltaire, Descartes, Hume and Kant emerged to shape modern philosophy.

Professor Giannetti received his B.A. degree from Binghamton University, a Master’s of Theological Studies from Harvard School of Divinity and a Master’s of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Boston College.

Monthly Highlights...

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Hanukkah begins at sundown... 9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Art Expressions11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Henri Matisse 7:00 Movie: The Innocents

9:30 Stretch & Flex 11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Holiday Concert w/ Nancy Day & John Georges 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer11:00 Lunch Trip: Via Lago 2:00 A Child’s Christmas in Wales w/ Character Actor Stephen Collins 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Documentary Movie: Love, Marilyn

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:30 Centering Prayer 2:00 Christmas Traditions Around the World 5:00-7:00 Resident & Family Holiday Party

9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffmanf 10:30 Nurse’s Chat 1:30 Seasonal Songs w/ Jack C. 4:00 Celebrate Hanukkah at Happy Hour 5:30 Trip: Holiday Lights ride 7:00 Music & Musical Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Burlington Market Basket 1:00 Blood Pressure Clinic 2:00 Wellness Talk w/ Stacy Ramos 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Gigi

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford Stop & Shop10:15 Wrap Holiday Gifts w/ Home Instead 2:00 Caring Canines 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Elf

9:30 Balance Challenge9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford Stop & Shop10:30 Current Events with Pam 2:00 Acrylic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Home Alone

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Catch Your Story: A Memoir Sharing Group 1:30 Silent Movie Presentation w/ Richard Hughes 3:00 Winter Brews 7:00 Movie: The Polar Express

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Art from the Heart 1:30 Student Chamber Recital 3:00 Winter Brews 4:00 Advent Mass 7:00 Movie: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe w/ Dr. Raymonda Hickey 2:00 Celebrate Hanukkah w/ Vocalist Mena Levit 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Bandits

1:30 Bloom/Funk Jazz Duo 7:00 Classic Movie: Barbary Coast

2:00 The History of Jazz Series w/ Pianist Ross Petot 7:00 Classic Movie: Carmen Jones

1:30 Student Cello Recital 7:00 Classic Movie: Miracle on 34th Street

Country StoreHours

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Poetry & Prose: Christmas Poetry 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ SoulWorks Rhythm 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Christmas with the Kranks

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Art Expressions 11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 7:00 Movie: Meet the Parents

Winter begins... 9:30 Yoga w/ Veronica Wollf 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 Holiday Cheer Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Radio City Christmas Spectacular

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Art from the Heart 2:00 Secretaries of the State Series: Dean Acheson w/ Gary Hylander 3:00 Winter Brews 7:00 Movie: The Manchurian

9:30 Balance Challenge10:30 Low Vision Support Group 2:00 Christmas Tree Trimming 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Shall We Dance

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer11:00 Lunch Trip: Jimmy’s 2:00 The History of Western Philosophy w/ Jason Gianetti 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Documentary Movie: Alive and Kicking

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9:30 Yoga w/ Veronica Wollf 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Resident Management Mtg. 4:00 Cranberry Themed Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Fiddler on the Roof

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Catch Your Story: A Memoir Sharing Group 1:30 Bonus Bingo 3:00 Winter Brews 7:00 Movie: Dr. Dolittle

Hair Salon HoursThursday, Friday & Saturday

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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Merry Christmas 2:00 Celebrate Christmas w/ Pianist Rick Scalise 7:00 Movie: The Nativity Story

2:00 Movie: A Christmas Carol 4:00 Christmas Vigil Mass 7:00 Movie: A Christmas Carol

Manicures & Pedicures w/ ConnieWednesday, December 13

Manicures w/ JoanneFriday, December 15 & 29

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Transportation HoursMonday & Friday

9:00 AM - 12:00 PMTuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Let’s Talk Food11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Art Detectives w/ Simona 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: The Color Purple

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Lexington Stop & Shop 2:00 Jazz Funnies w/ Peter Gerler 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Bye Bye Love

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:30 Centering Prayer 1:30 Documentary Movie: Beyond the Davinci Code 3:00 Staying Within the Lines 7:00 Documentary Movie: Beyond the Davinci Code

9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 2017 Spectacular Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Damn Yankees

New Year’s Eve 2:00 Movie: The Nutcracker 7:00 Ring in the New Year w/ Comedian Mel Simons

9:30 Balance Challenge12:00 Birthday Luncheon 2:00 December Jeopardy Trivia 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Annie

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Catch Your Story: A Memoir Sharing Group 1:30 Bonus Bingo 3:00 Winter Brews 7:00 Movie: New Year’s Eve

Adding Up “The Twelve Days of Christmas” Holiday MealsPlease remember to make meal reservations for your holiday guests. Dining Room reservation forms are available at the Reception desk.

If you are planning to enjoy your Christmas meal with guests at Youville Place, please complete the form in your mailbox and we will reserve a table for you. We always welcome guests in the Dining Room, and encourage families and friends to stay for lunch or dinner when they visit. Please provide advance notice so we can accommodate all of our residents and guests.

Seasonal Songbook with Jack CraigThursday, December 14 at 1:30 PMSing along to the traditional carols and lighthearted favorites that are central to our celebration of the winter holiday season. Jack Craig will lead the sing-along and share the fascinating stories behind the songs we’ve sung for generations. We will sing carols, secular songs and standards of the Christmas, Hanukkah and winter season. You won’t want to miss the songs or the stories.Holiday Special with Nancy Day & John GeorgesTuesday, December 19 at 2:00 PMAn accomplished pianist, singer and composer, Nancy Day consistently thrills audiences with her dynamic performances and infectious optimism. Her vocals have been described as “soaring with emotional brilliance” and her piano playing as “strong, clear and decisive.” This month, Day teams up with drummer John Georges for a special holiday performance! Georges’ style has been ranked with the likes of Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich. Together, the two will perform a selection of popular Christmas songs, carols and more, along with their usual cross-genre mixing of jazz, ragtime, musical theater, country and enchanting love songs.

Merry Christmas!Celebrate with Classical Pianist Rick ScaliseMonday, December 25 at 2:00 PMEnjoy a wonderful concert following the Christmas meal.

For most of us, the holidays are a hectic time of year. We scramble to complete shopping, to mail gifts, to arrange family visits, to attend holiday parties and try our best not to leave out anything or anyone. It is a time of year that can easily become as bewildering as it is delightful.

The beloved Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” – sung most years at the Youville Resident and Family Christmas party – perfectly captures this spirit of joyful chaos. Though few of us can keep up with the pace of the song, or remember when to sing our part, the fact that we are singing it together more than makes up for the confusion. We reinforce one another, laugh off each other’s mistakes, and ultimately have fun getting through the song.

Beyond fostering a spirit of togetherness in the face of festive chaos, the difficult-to-remember gifts in the song raise an important question: how is the True Love able to afford everything?

If you have ever found yourself puzzling over the seemingly limitless resources of the True Love, you are not alone! One financial institution in Pennsylvania has performed the inestimable service of calculating the monetary value of the gifts, calling it the Christmas Price Index. PNC Bank has tracked the Christmas Price Index (CPI) since 1984. This year, the CPI values the Twelve Gifts as follows:

A partridge in a pear tree ($219.95), two turtle doves ($375), three French hens ($181.50), four calling birds ($599.96), five golden rings ($825.00), six geese-a-laying ($360.00), seven swans-a-swimming ($13,125.00), eight maids-a-milking ($58.00 - paid in wages), nine ladies dancing ($7,552.84 - paid in wages), ten lords-a-leaping ($5,618.90 - paid in wages), eleven pipers piping ($2,708.40 - wages) and twelve drummers drumming ($2,934.10). The sum total, i.e. the CPI for 2017, comes to $34,558.65. However, the “True Price of Christmas in Song,” which takes into account the repetitions of every gift over all twelve verses, comes to an astounding $157,558. Keep these numbers in mind next time you sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas!”

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Grow as a Person Opportunities Community Updates

Secretaries of State Series with Gary HylanderDean AchesonSaturday, December 9 at 2:00 PMDean Acheson was the first Secretary of State of the Cold War. The title of his autobiography, “Present At Creation” speaks to the historic transformation of the United States as the world’s first superpower. Working together, President Truman and Acheson crafted the Marshal Plan, the Truman Doctrine and NATO. The outbreak of the Korean War served as a military litmus test for the policy of containment. In Acheson’s world view, it had become “clearer than truth” that only America could contain the menace of global Communist expansion. Learn more about Acheson’s tenure as Secretary of State from Professor Gary Hylander, of Bridgewater State University.

History of Jazz Series with Ross PetotStride Piano and New Orleans Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 PMThe History of Jazz series covers two centuries of America’s most treasured musical heritage. In his upcoming presentation, Ross Petot will trace the emergence of stride piano, a style that took ragtime and infused it with syncopation and improvisation. With new creative freedom, stride pianists shaped a new style that began taking the country by storm. Ross Petot is an accomplished jazz pianist as well as a published composer. He has taught piano and performed for over 30 years, and currently teaches at the All Newton Music School.

Acrylic Painting Class with Eddie Bruckner Friday, December 22 at 2:00 PMThis 1.5 hour class will guide participants through a traditional landscape painting. Working with acrylic paints, instructor Eddie Bruckner will demonstrate different techniques during hands-on painting such as the preparation of materials, color mixing and specific brush techniques.

Our Lady of GuadalupeMonday, December 11 at 10:15 AMYouville resident Dr. Raymonda Hickey presents the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On December 9, 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to an Aztec Indian named Juan Diego. The encounter resulted in an image of Mary that was left on Diego’s cloak. Today, the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City commemorates the spot of the apparition. Juan Diego’s cloak, called a tilma, consisted of a low-grade material made from cactus. It has been preserved in perfect condition for almost 500 years in the basilica, where millions of pilgrims travel every year to pay tribute. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12. Pope St. John Paul II canonized Juan Diego and declared Our Lady of Guadalupe the patroness of the Americas.

Art Detectives with SimonaTuesday, December 26 at 2:00 PMHone your “art detection” skills as you decode artworks to uncover information about the past. Join Lead Programs Assistant, Simona Granfone, as she sharpens your knowledge of art history to help you comb through famous paintings, sculptures and photographs for historical and cultural clues. Each session of Art Detectives will focus on a different time period, artistic movement or theme within the cannon of art history.

Ring in the New Year with Mel SimonsSunday, December 31 at 7:00 PMWith a touch of nostalgia combined with his unique dramatic flair, Mel Simons will take you on a ride down memory lane with “Memories are Made of This,” a program showcasing the magic that was old time radio. Return to those fulfilling days of yesteryear and hear the actual recorded voices of Baby Snooks, The Shadow, Eddie Cantor, The Lone Ranger, Fred Allen, Amos and Andy, Al Jolson and many others. Mel will also related an abundance of unusual anecdotes and facts about radio, yesterday’s “magic in a box.”

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Save the Dates...Resident Management Meetingw/ Youville DirectorsThursday, December 7 at 2:00 PM

Blood Pressure ClinicFriday, December 8 at 1:00 PM

Nurse’s Chatw/ Director of Wellness, Kathryn CarlinoThursday, December 14 at 10:30 AM

Let’s Talk Foodw/ Director of Dining Services, Dan MacRaeTuesday, December 26 at 10:15 AM

Country Store Store HoursMonday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMWednesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMFriday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Store Volunteers: Sr. Theresa R., Sr. Dolores B. & Brigid S.

Transportation ServicesMonday and Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PMTuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday8:00 AM - 2:00 PMThe fee for transportation is $10.00 for Lexington and $20.00 for surrounding communities. Please see the Programs Department with any questions. We will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, but please understand that no transportation can be guaranteed with less than 48 hours notice.

Programs / Menu Hotline...Have you ever wondered whether your favorite program is on the schedule for the day? Would you like to know in advance what the daily menu choices are? Now you can hear a recorded list of the daily programs as well as the menu for lunch and dinner at Youville Place. Simply call (781) 761-1334 directly, or call the Reception Desk and the receptionist will connect you.

Youville Place Management Team

Nicole Breslin CEO & PresidentJoanne Scianna COO Katie Blanchard Director of Programs Susan Snow Director of MarketingKathryn Carlino, RN Director of WellnessDan MacRae Director of Dining ServicesBob Salamanca Director of Environmental ServicesVirginia Ellis Director of Community Life Maria Benoit Director of Mission & Spiritual CareTom Landry Director of Human ResourcesPaula Desmond-Wallace Regional Controller

Mission We are a Catholic health ministry, providing

healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our HeritageYouville Assisted Living Residences are communities grounded in the spirit of

St. Marguerite d’Youville, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, “Grey Nuns.” Trusting in

God’s love, each community serves all those in need with compassion and respect.

Spiritual

Physical

Cognitive

Nutritional

While it may not command the same level of veneration as Easter, Christmas has profound personal significance for those who have spent their lives celebrating it. The customs of gift-giving, family togetherness and seasonal charity touch us on an individual level. They harken to our unique family stories and charitable interests. In this way, the celebration of Christ’s birth and its accompanying customs have always been uniquely attuned to our inner selves, changing with us as we change, aging with us as we age, with memories of past celebrations accumulating behind us.

Unlike Easter, whose celebration can be traced to the earliest Jewish followers of Christ on Passover, the Christmas holiday began much later in 4th century Rome, during the reign of Constantine. Constantine became the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. The date of Christmas may have been chosen to coincide with the pagan solstice festival known as Saturnalia, a weeklong period that involved gift-giving, acts of charity, role-swapping, and games. Constantine likely reasoned that the Romans would acclimate to Christmas if it coincided with customs that had already been established.

Though the coexistence of pagan customs with Christian tradition would later pose problems for the Puritans, the early Church Father Pope Gregory supported this. In an article by Andrew McGowan, a professor at Yale’s Divinity School, Pope Gregory is said to have “recommended that local pagan temples not be destroyed but be converted into churches, and that pagan festivals be celebrated as feasts of Christian martyrs. At this late point, Christmas may well have acquired some pagan trappings.”

The Puritans in New England could find no basis for celebrating Christmas in the bible, and opposed what they viewed as a set of wicked, pagan rituals. They officially outlawed the holiday in 1659. For over twenty years, the open celebration of Christmas in Boston including activities such as “feasting” would result in a fine of five shillings. Shops and businesses in New England were required to remain open on Christmas Day, and a town crier would march through the streets shouting “No Christmas! No Christmas!”

The 1843 publication of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens brought about a profound change in the way Christmas was viewed, recasting the holiday as an occasion for personal transformation. For the first time ever kindness and hospitality were linked with the Christmas

December 2017Christmas in the Making

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Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

Youville House • 1573 Cambridge Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.491.1234Youville Place • 10 Pelham Road • Lexington, MA 02421 • 781.861.3535 • www.youvilleassistedliving.org

Assisted Living Residences

Spirit. Even the phrase “Merry Christmas!” was coined by one of Dickens’ characters. We’re all familiar with Ebeneezer Scrooge, the solitary, ill-tem-pered miser who receives visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christ-mas Present and Christmas Yet To Come.

His journey through time reveals the pitiful legacy he will leave behind if he does not reform his ways. The misanthropic, cold-hearted Scrooge learns to see Christmas as an opportunity to welcome others into his life and salvage his relationships. Scrooge is granted a new lease on life through the Christmas spirit.

The story’s focus on togetherness, family and hospitality has influenced the way we celebrate Christmas in the modern era. It is also a deeply personal story, in which Scrooge’s inner fears, lost opportunities and personal shortcomings are probed at great lengths by the Christmas ghosts. The earliest readers of A Christmas Carol were deeply moved by this message. Thomas Carlyle was inspired to throw a pair of large holiday feasts after reading the story. After attending a public reading of the story in Boston on Christmas Eve in 1867, one factory owner decided to close down his factory on Christmas Day and send turkeys to all of his workers. Countless others have responded to Scrooge’s transformation with spontaneous acts of generosity.

Most of us have an idealized notion of how we should celebrate Christmas – with specific people, in a specific place, according to specific customs that we have observed throughout the course of our lives. Some of these customs and people might date back to childhood. Others we might have adopted later on in life, as family circumstances evolved. Because life is so fluid, so too is the annual celebration of Christmas. The older we become, the differences between our past and present Christmases can be as jarring as Scrooge’s journey through time.

If you have ever found yourself feeling that the holidays fell short of your expectations, remember that Christmas has always been what we make of it.Then as now, the holidays respond to our present circumstances. Even centuries of tradition and sacred values seem poised and ready to adjust to our small human lives, meeting us in the present moment, so long as we continue to open ourselves to celebrating them.

Broadway Seated Dance w/ Phyllis Rittner Balance Challenge Stretch & Flex Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman Yoga w/ Veronica Wolff Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids and dietary fiber. Antioxidants can help prevent hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Catholic Mass Centering Prayer Our Lady of Guadalupe

Secretary of the State Series: Dean Acheson w/ Professor Gary Hylander Art Matters Presents...Matisse History of Western Philosophy w/ Professor Jason Giannetti

Acrylic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner A Child’s Christmas in Wales w/ Stephen Collins History of Jazz w/ Pianist Ross Petot Resident & Family Holiday Party

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©