Candy Cane Day

Today was a beautiful example of how assigning a theme can give flow and purpose to an otherwise ordinary day.

We began the morning with a visit from our friends in the daycare. How to keep eighteen 4 year olds entertained and on track? They handed out mini candy canes to the residents... because it was candy cane day.

We added a scarf of wrapping paper to our fridge snowman... because it was candy cane day.

I gave out sharpened striped pencils to residents who dressed for the day ... because it was candy cane day.

We drank candy cane tea, regular tea, or hot chocolate with red and white sugary garnish... because it was candy cane day.

 The employee who dressed with the most spirit for the day was awarded peppermint lip gloss... because it was candy cane day.

We made ornaments for our tree. I turned this into a cognitive as well as a fine motor skill activity when I started a pattern and challenged them to continue it ... because it was candy cane day.

 We discussed fun things to do with candy canes, the history of the treat, and took pictures with the huge "cat in the hat" hat I brought in for the occasion. The day gave the residents purpose starting with a chance to choose festive attire, gave them a fun direction to take their thoughts, and gave them dignity in small ways such as changing ornament making on pipe cleaners from a childish hobby to a rational ending to a themed day.