Inspirational Stories

Working at Hospice on Christmas Day - For the Housekeepers

“Christmas is a season of such infinite labour, as well as expense in the shopping and present-making line, that almost every woman I know is good for nothing in purse and person for a month afterwards, done up physically, and broken down financially” Fanny Kemble (1809–1893)

This wonderful quote comes from Fanny Kemble who lived to a wonderful age so will have had plenty of Christmas’ on which to base her observations. As Christmas approaches, it would be understandable if our housekeeping staff felt like this. At North Shore Hospice we are blessed with the most marvelous housekeepers for whom hospitality is second Nature. This is always very evident, but at Christmas time it is awe-inspiring.

For many patients each Christmas may be their last. For those who are with us, patients, family and friends, they are all given a Christmas Day with all the trimmings. Each bedroom has its own little Christmas tree. The main lounge has a real tree infusing the building with pine scent - for some reminiscent of a white Christmas in far off childhood.

The halls are decked with “bells and holly” and poinsettia flowers. The dining room table is decorated and laden with all manner of “Christmas fare”, a multiplicity of salads, cheeses, fruit, chocolate Santas, glitter, flowers, candles, crackers to pull and special Christmas serviettes.

Holding pride of place a traditional German Gingerbread House decorated with snow frosting lollies, and a plastic Santa climbing down the chimney. We are told that the custom is to allow children (of all ages) freedom to pick the lollies, without restraint. This certainly brings a glow to the eyes of our small visitors. From the kitchen wafts the glorious spicy aromas of roast vegetables, turkey, chicken and the Christmas ham glazed and succulent, drifting through the building tempting even the most jaded appetite.

Visitors are welcome, especially patients’ family. Invitations are also extended to any patient or bereaved relative who would otherwise be alone (one year a patient cancelled his other invitations because he said he preferred the food at Hospice). The families of the people on duty are invited to drop in for lunch.

One year a man was very close to dying. His family, young adult children and grandchildren had gathered. During lunch his wife had her meal on a tray and spent some quiet time with him while the rest of the family joined the staff for lunch. After their Dad died they commented on how much they had appreciated being offered Christmas lunch. They reported that somehow the normality of Christmas lunch eased their sorrow and became a special family memory. At the end of Christmas Day the housekeeper may be “good for nothing... done up physically, and broken down” but from the patients, families, and the staff on duty we say a big:

Thank you for making our day special.