The ordinarily stunning grounds of Barty House were transformed magically this Christmas into a sparkling frosty Winter Wonderland. All the trees leading down to Santa’s Grotto twinkled with over two hundred tea lights in pretty jars hung with ribbons. Santa’s sleigh was parked outside the grotto adorned with a fur throw and more sparkling lights for all the children and their families to sit in for a special photo opportunity.
Santa and his dutiful Elves were snug and warm by their log fire in the grotto with sacks full of gifts for the children. Elf Kim who can be a bit naughty at times, magically made it snow as the children arrived much to their delight. After each little one had spoken to Santa about whether they had been good children throughout the year and received a little pre-Christmas gift, they emerged back into the snow to ride the donkeys waiting for them outside in Wonderland.
Barty residents didn’t miss any of the magic and were taken to meet Santa and the donkeys and to see all of the lights and decorations which they found thrilling.
As the evening drew in, mulled wine, hot chocolate and hot dogs were served in the conservatory and children happily decorated little shortbread Christmas trees to add to their goody bags while waiting to have their faces painted by Elf Caroline. Who discovered for the first time a new hidden talent and did a marvellous job making the children look even more wonderful!
Finally the exceptionally well-behaved donkeys made their way into Barty itself coming in from the cold to greet the residents who had been unable to come outside to see them. They plodded their way down to Willow Lounge and had a little walk about being fussed over by residents and staff alike. The faces of the residents as they spotted the donkeys making their way to greet them was a sight to behold, marking the start of a magical and memorable Barty Christmas!
The entire day was delightful. A big thank you to everyone that joined us on the day, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!