“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How lovely are your branches” was the inspirational Holiday theme that engaged, empowered and energized the wonderful active older adults living with dementia. Our session began with a deep breathing wellness exercise to a flowing and beautiful instrumental recording of “We Three Kings.”
Then various styles of jingle bells were introduced including Thera bells, sleigh bells, single bells, cluster bells and wrist bells. The seniors moved, grooved, and rung their bells to a lively modified lyrics of “Jingle Bells” incorporating their names and how they feel. Some of the seniors sang how they felt in rhythm and style! Responses included: “being blessed to be alive and here today with such wonderful people, Thank God the wonderful people here in this program, I love seeing my great grand children when they arrive for the holidays.”
Then words to the song “Jingle Bell Rock” song were distributed and the senior solved the puzzle of completing the song. After completing the lyrics, we sang the song swinging and swaying our bells the entire song.
Then the Christmas Tree Bean bags were introduced for tactile stimulation, stability and balance. The residents were invited to touch their bean bags (some filled with rice and some filled with beans), discuss the difference in texture and weight of the bean bag. Then each resident placed the bean bag on their knees while tapping their toes to a lively marching song. Then we tapped the bean bags, clapped with the bean bags and moved with the bean bags. Then we sang the song “O Christmas Tree” and discussed decorating beautiful trees and wreaths for Christmas. Lastly, the residents tossed the bean bags on the visual Christmas Tree prop on the floor, the residents did great getting close to the tree!
The sound shape drums were introduced as we tapped the rhythm of “O Christmas Tree” with our fingers. We also discussed other images of Christmas including “Christmas Wreaths” and inserted the words into our new song “O Christmas Wreath.” Lastly, the residents were invited to draw a picture of a tree or a wreath on the drum.
We closed the session by playing “What Child is This” on the beautiful tone chimes. We sang the song and invited each resident to share what they enjoyed about music session. Reflective comments included: “We love Becky because she is so talented and creative to bring us the best program and make us feel so good, Becky we love your smile, your compassion and heart to serve us with music to enrich our lives, every program you is so wonderful, we absolutely love you and Thank you!” Thank you everyone for allowing me share my passion of music to enrich your lives. I’m so humbly honored and blessed!
