Christmas In July: Because Some Moments Shouldn’t Have to Wait

Outside the windows of the Morning Light Home, it was unmistakably July. The trees were green, the hot Indiana summer sun was shining, and for most of our neighbors, Christmas was still boxed away in their attics, five months from returning. Inside, though, a Christmas tree stood in the hallway. Decorations had appeared on the windows. Fresh cookies were baking in the oven. Christmas music was being performed live on the piano and, of course, Santa was on his way.

Every summer, Christmas in July gives our residents and their families an opportunity to experience the warmth of the Christmas season together. It is one of those wonderful traditions that has become part of life at the Morning Light Home, and one with a particularly important meaning for the people who live here. The preparations began days beforehand, with our night staff and our caregivers helping to decorate the home and turn an ordinary week in July into something that felt a little more like December.

On the day of the celebration, our wonderful new volunteer Chloe took her place at the piano, providing a soundtrack of Christmas music as residents, families, staff and their children gathered together. Our social work intern Ashley had been busy too, baking fresh cookies for everyone to decorate, with a few being eaten along the way, for quality control purposes of course. Soon the tables were filled with markers, crafts for decorations, cookies and Christmas treats.

There are certain experiences in life that carry memories stretching back decades: familiar songs, Christmas tree lights, warm cookies, the anticipation of presents, reminders of family near, far, but not forgotten. Simple traditions, and even the sight of Santa bringing a smile during the hardest of times. For our residents, those familiar moments can mean more than ever. And that is really what Christmas in July is all about.

Then our guest of honor arrived as Santa had kindly taken a break from his summer vacation to spend the afternoon at Morning Light.

Understandably, many of our residents are very sick. Along with the photographs and laughter at our main gathering, some of the most important visits happened at bedsides throughout the Home. As Santa went room by room, he made sure every resident was included.

Why Christmas in July Matters

Behind all the fun of celebrating Christmas on a hot summer’s day is something much more meaningful. At Morning Light, we believe there is still life to be lived while someone is on hospice. There are still songs to hear, people to meet, wishes to fulfill, birthdays to celebrate, cookies to decorate and memories to make. Alongside the 24/7 care we provide, our ethos is to make every day count!

We are incredibly grateful to the staff, caregivers, families, friends and volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the day possible, to Chloe for sharing her music with our residents, Ashley for filling the Home with freshly baked cookies, and to Board Member Regina Slone and her family for joining us and helping make the celebration so special.

And, of course, our thanks to Santa for fitting Indianapolis into his summer vacation itinerary.