This month at MonteCedro.

December got off to a twinkling start with our annual “Light the Holidays” event. The night began with carolers filling the auditorium with holiday cheer before leading the residents to the main Christmas tree in the lobby, for the tree lighting. After beautiful words by Chaplain Liz and a warm welcome to the season by Executive Director Adam Peña, the tree was illuminated in twinkling lights. Everyone then moved into Station 8 for “Festive Hour” to enjoy beverages, sweets, and warm appetizers. It was the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.

Later in December, the world renowned Vieness Piano Duo – Eva Schaumkell and Vijay Venkatesh – performed a spectacular Christmas concert for residents. With four hands flying across the piano keys, the duo played all of the movements from “The Nutcracker” and many other seasonal favorites. They received a well-deserved standing ovation.

The best testimonial about the joy that goat yoga brings to residents is the fact that we bring them back several times a year. For the holidays, the good people at Hello Critter Care got creative by combining goats, caroling and chair yoga! Residents had so much fun, singing and exercising as the goats cheered them on with enthusiastic bleating.

Residents of The Courtyard (our memory care community) were treated to a wonderful performance of “A Christmas Carol,” at A Noise Within Theater in Pasadena. Live theater is always a special experience and everyone had a joyous time. Thank you to our Creative Living partners at “A Noise Within” for their talents and for making our residents feel so welcome.

A group of residents visited the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena. They were hosted by Dr. Toby Hooper, who recently gave a series of talks on “Mythology at the Norton Simon” at MonteCedro. Dr. Hooper pointed out many of the pieces discussed in the series and answered questions. Then the residents spent time enjoying the vast collection of art in the museum.