January at Hoar Cross: A Great Way to Start 2026
We started the new year at Hoar Cross with warmth, humour, and a lot of time spent together. January is infamous for being long and grey, but our days have been everything from boring. It’s been a great way to welcome 2026 together, from fun indoor activities to seasonal parties.
We started by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. Everyone who lived, worked, or visited the home had a sense of hope for a happy and healthy year ahead
A Wintery Wonderland
A lovely blanket of snow fell in January, making Hoar Cross look like a real winter paradise. People liked watching the snow fall, remembering winters past, and taking in the peaceful scenery from the warmth and comfort of their homes.
Little Treats and Simple Joys
There were a lot of times when people might enjoy simple things. Wine and flowers made the afternoons brighter and more comfortable, making it easier to talk to others. Playing Scrabble together led to amicable rivalry and conversation, showing once again that a traditional board game never goes out of style
Music, Dance, and Fun
This month, entertainment was very important. We had a great time playing bingo, which was full of fun and laughter. Damian, the singer, came to see us and filled the room with song and smiles.
Emma also offered a great chair dance and exercise class using music from the 1950s and 1960s. With well-known songs playing, it was a joyful and welcoming way to get moving, with lots of toe-tapping and singing along.
Being Creative with Nature
People got involved in making fat balls, which was messy but fun, in order to be ready for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. It was a hands-on exercise that blended being creative with caring for local wildlife, and it was a perfect reason to get dirty.
Honouring National Cheese Day
Of course, there has to be a reason to celebrate food in January. People were really excited about National Cheese Day. It was a chance for everyone to share a favourite food and talk about their favourite flavours and memories