A Festive December at James’ Place
Dear gentle JP readers December at James’ Place has been nothing short of magical! The festive spirit has kept the members busy and gleaming with excitement as we dived into Christmas crafts, created fantastic decorations, and soaked in the wonder of the season. From joyful outings to an unforgettable trip to the pantomime filled with laughter and cheer, every moment has been a treasure. To top it all off, we celebrated with Christmas parties surrounded by our members, their families, and loved ones—What a wonderful way to finish another JP year!
Golden Eggs and Giggles
This December, our members enjoyed a truly magical outing to see Mother Goose at the Theatre Royal in Winchester. This classic pantomime tells the enchanting tale of Mother Goose, a kind-hearted woman whose life is turned upside down when a magical goose lays golden eggs in her home. As the story unfolds, Mother Goose faces a choice between wealth and happiness, learning valuable lessons about kindness and the importance of staying true to oneself.
The vibrant costumes, lively songs, and hilarious antics on stage had everyone completely captivated. A highlight of the day was the interactive nature of the performance—our members loved shouting out responses, clapping along, and feeling like part of the show.
One member shared their excitement, saying, “My favourite character was the goose that laid golden eggs!” Another enthusiastically added, “I want to go see it again!” It was clear the production left a lasting impression, and seeing our members’ delight and excitement after the show was a truly heartwarming experience for everyone involved.
At James’ Place, we believe that outings like these are so much more than entertainment—they’re opportunities for connection, inspiration, and joy. Theatre has a unique way of bringing stories to life and offering moments of magic, and it’s important to us to support our local arts community. The Theatre Royal’s warm welcome and the pantomime’s lively spirit made this trip one to remember, and we’re already looking forward to next years panto.
A Magical Christmas at James’ Place
Last week, James’ Place came alive with festive spirit as we hosted our much-anticipated annual Christmas parties. These special gatherings brought together our members, their families, and loved ones to share in the magic of the season and create unforgettable memories.
The celebrations had something for everyone, and the day was brimming with joy and laughter. Our members truly shined as they prepared a delicious spread of homemade treats, including buttery mince pies, brie and cranberry quiches, and golden sausage rolls. Their hard work and creativity were on full display and seeing them share their efforts with loved ones was so heartwarming.
Adding a little extra sparkle to the day was a surprise visit from Father Christmas! With his jolly laugh and red suit, he made a grand entrance and brought joy to everyone he met. Father Christmas spent time chatting with our members, spreading holiday cheer, and handing out thoughtful little gifts. The excitement on everyone’s faces was priceless—it truly felt like the magic of Christmas had come to life.
We also had a bit of fun with a festive quiz that got everyone involved. The four quiz rounds—Christmas Traditions, Christmas Food, the Music Round, and a Christmas Movie Emoji Round—brought plenty of laughs and a touch of friendly competition. Whether it was guessing seasonal delicacies, identifying favourite carols, or cracking the emoji movie codes, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The room was filled with music, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness. It’s moments like these that remind us why the holiday season is so special—bringing people together, celebrating community, and making memories that last a lifetime.
Having Father Christmas join us was the icing on the cake of an already wonderful day. We’re so grateful to our members, their families, and everyone who made these celebrations so magical. Here’s to the joy of Christmas and the power of connection—it’s what makes James’ Place truly special.
December has been a truly magical and memorable month at James’ Place. The highlight, of course, was our annual Christmas parties, where members, their families, and loved ones came together to share laughter, delicious homemade treats, and the joy of the season. This month has reminded us of the importance of connection, community, and celebrating life’s joyful moments. As the year comes to a close, we’re so grateful for all the wonderful memories we’ve created together and look forward to many more in the new year. Here’s to the magic of the holidays and the spirit of togetherness that makes James’ Place so special.