A slice of Christmas at Leamington Spa care home
This festive season a luxury care home in Leamington Spa has reminded us of the sparkle at the heart of Christmas. Not glamorously wrapped presents or the glimmering lights on the tree, but the practice of sharing our time and traditions with others.
Jubilee House, part of the Berkley Care Group, consistently seeks to create a loving community environment for their residents, and this year’s Christmas cake making was no exception. The home elected to avoid the recipes available on Google and instead drew inspiration from a festive tradition within the Jubilee House community, with General Manager Rukmi, who hails from Sri Lanka, sharing her own family recipe for Sri Lankan Christmas cakes.
Head Chef Oliver was on hand throughout the session to help the residents and staff. Residents were guided through the preparation of Sri Lankan Christmas cakes, a festive recipe combining a range of spices, nuts, fruits, and melon candy (puh dosi). While the cake has British roots, it has been adapted over generations in Sri Lanka, with its preparation often bringing families together to create lasting festive memories.
The baking experience at Jubilee House was equally collaborative, with residents taking turns stirring the rich cake mixture, making wishes as part of tradition, and adding their own personal touches. The dining room was filled with resident reflections on their memories of past Christmases, alongside the exchange (and friendly competitive comparison) of personal recipes – at which point it was discovered that there were some champion bakers in the house.
General Manager Rukmi also joined in on the conversations, with residents fascinated to hear about the different ways Christmas is celebrated in Sri Lanka. A reminder that the magic of Christmas is also about discovering new traditions and sharing the wonder of the world around us.
The session was complemented by Christmas music, mince pies, and seasonal attire, with residents donning hats and tinsel boas to fully embrace the holiday spirit.
Commenting on the activity, Lydia Orsmond, Events Manager at Jubilee House, said: "This year’s Christmas cake-making at Jubilee House was a perfect example of how simple, hands-on activities can create lasting festive memories.
“It was wonderful to see our residents so engaged and joyful while making these cakes. The activity combined creativity, cultural tradition, and festive fun, giving everyone the chance to share memories, learn something new, and enjoy the magic of Christmas together."