A Week of Caroling Brings Christmas Cheer to Birches Residents

December 20 is “Go Caroling Day,” a day to celebrate the time-honored Christmas tradition of singing Christmas carols with family, friends or neighbors. But The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is celebrating the holiday tradition of caroling all week long.

On December 18, carolers from St. John of the Cross Church’s choir filled The Birches with the sounds of classic Christmas songs. The carolers were well-received by all Birches residents, but especially Tom Donnelly, who happens to be a member of their church and a former member of the choir.

“I was one of the first members of the parish, and one of the first male members of the choir,” said Donnelly. “They were great. They really filled the room with music. It rang throughout the community.”

Donnelly’s favorite caroling parishioners were followed by a younger group of carolers on December 19—Girl Scouts from Walker School in Clarendon Hills. To the delight of Birches residents, these first and fourth grade girls not only sang, they played piano too.

“Everyone was smiling,” said Birches’ Activities Director Katie Klitchman. “The girls were so adorable and enthusiastic, they put everyone in the holiday spirit.”

Then on December 20 (“Go Caroling Day” itself), carolers from Downers Grove South High School’s Merry Singers entertained Birches residents with beautiful renditions of popular Christmas carols.

“These teens were so giving. They didn’t come sing for service hours. They did it out of the goodness of their hearts,” said Klitchman.

And last but not least, on December 23, residents from The Birches’ memory care neighborhood Encore will carol throughout The Birches’ community. They’ll be led by Encore Activities Assistant Carol Engel, who was inspired to lead a caroling session after observing how much Encore residents enjoy singing, especially Christmas Carols.

“They seem to know all the words to the Christmas Carols. When we were watching the St. John of the Cross choir perform, many of them spontaneously sang along, which was wonderful to see,” said Engel. “Music and singing definitely has a unique way of touching our hearts like nothing else can. So I thought, what better way to celebrate the days before Christmas.”

Engel herself has a soft spot for Christmas carols and the holiday season in general—another reason she volunteered to lead this year’s caroling event “Caroling with Carol.”

“I love everything about the Christmas season. I always have,” said Engel. “I like to sing, although I don't have a particularly good voice...but that doesn't stop me. My name is ‘Carol,’ after all, so I guess it's appropriate that I love Christmas caroling.”

The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills, Ill. offers professional services to support the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the older adults who make it their home. The Birches offers purposeful programming and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net