Whether you gather to celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanzaa, the month of December marks the festive season. While the traditions associated with each of the holidays are unique, they all share common themes- the importance of community and a spirit of giving. The holiday season is a time which focuses on the importance of gathering together for joyous celebrations that make this time of year so special for many different faiths and cultures.  Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday with religious origins, commemorating the birth of Jesus on December 25 th . People hang lights on their homes, decorate Christmas trees, and gather together with family and friends. Christmas carols are sung to spread cheer, gifts are exchanged to express gratitude, and seasonal treats such as gingerbread are enjoyed. Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, which is celebrated by lighting a menorah over eight nights, while prayers and blessings are read. People play dreidel, a spinning top game with chocolate coins. Fried foods are enjoyed, such as potato latkes, to honour the miracle oil that burned for eight days. Hanukkah celebrates light over darkness and is a time of joy and togetherness. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African culture, heritage, and values. This holiday involves lighting a kinara with candles each evening to represent the seven principals. Homes are decorated with colourful fabrics and symbols of African culture. People gather with friends and family to dance, drum, and share a traditional meal called the Karamu, which celebrates family and community. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about what makes each of these holiday celebrations unique, as well as the common themes they share. Whether you’re trimming a tree, lighting a menorah, or gathering for the Karamu feast, may your holiday season be filled with joy and peace. Happy Holidays from OSCR!

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The 1990s was a decade marked by significant global, technological, and pop culture changes. Read on to take a walk down memory lane! A Decade of War, Peace & International Trade Many significant world events occurred in the nineties. This decade saw the fall of the Soviet Union, which ended the Cold War. The Apartheid ended in South Africa. While peace was seen in many parts of the globe, genocides were happening in Rwanda and Serbia; the Gulf War was being fought in the Middle East. The 1990s saw an increase in international trade with the establishment of the European Union, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and the World Trade Organization. This decade ushered in a new global economy, where countries were doing business with one another in a way that they had never done before. Major Developments in Technology The 1990s brought us advancements in technology, which changed the way we communicated. The internet became popular and connected people around the world. Microsoft and Apple created major developments in computer technology. While most people still relied on pagers, cell phones started to become popular. Video game systems were all the rage, and Game Boys allowed people to enjoy their games on the go. CD players replaced cassette players, allowing users to easily skip to their favourite tracks on albums. Pop Culture Icons During the 1990s, alternative and hip-hop music gained popularity, aided by the rise in MTV and the internet. Viewers were glued to their televisions to catch every episode of Friends, Seinfeld, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Blockbuster movies of the decade included Titanic, Jurassic Park, and Clueless. Fashion & Trends 90s fashion was a clash of styles- from preppy to grunge to sporty, clothing was an expression of personal taste. The decade began with bright colours and bold prints as the top trends, but as the nineties came to an end, muted colours of flannel shirts, baby doll dresses, and baggy jeans were all the rage, as teens emulated the styles of their favourite musicians. We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 1990s!

Every year on November 11th, we remember and honour those who died during military service, and those who served in wartime. The date and time is significant, as First World War hostilities ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" in 1918, in accordance with the armistice. Remembrance Day is observed in many commonwealth countries. Red poppies, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, are worn in the weeks leading up to and on November 11th in remembrance of the fallen Canadians who fought for us all. As we pause for a moment of silence at 11am, we reflect on the bravery, courage, and selflessness of those who fought for freedom. Remembrance Day is a time to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice; it's a time to reflect on the importance of peace, and to be grateful for the freedoms we have thanks to their efforts. Lest We Forget

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Halloween at OSCR was filled with frightful fun and spooky sights. The annual Halloween Bingo game kicked off the celebrations, where seniors had a chance to win double the jackpot- it was all treats, no tricks during the fun game. On Wednesday, Greg performed a special concert, playing a variety of Halloween-themed songs to the delight of our residents. Everyone was doing the monster mash, dancing and singing along to the spooky sounds. A local daycare came by for a visit on Thursday; the children were dressed in adorable costumes, and our seniors handed out treats to them while they paraded around the family room. This visit is a much-loved tradition that all of the residents look forward to each year. The week was capped off with a pumpkin carving and costume contest, where residents dressed up in their Halloween best and teamed up to try their hand at winning the pumpkin carving contest. Their creations were displayed outside at the front entrance, to the amusement of residents and visitors. Everyone had a great week celebrating the spooky season. Happy Halloween! 

Diwali is a festival of lights that is celebrated by followers of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. It is a celebration of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit meaning “row of lights”. This year, Diwali begins on October 20 th . The timing of this holiday is determined by the lunar calendar and is held every autumn. Celebrations begin on the day of the new moon, which is the darkest day of the lunar month. On the evening of Diwali, people light candles and clay lamps called diyas, placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the night. During this multi-day celebration, family and friends gather to share meals and sweets, exchange gifts, and watch fireworks light up the night sky. Celebrants clean and decorate their homes to usher in the new moon with joy and positivity. Diwali is seen as a time for new beginnings, when people welcome wealth and prosperity into their homes. Happy Diwali!

The Healthy Living Programs team recently organized a Fall bus trip to Andrews Farm Market and the Mandarin restaurant. It was a fun-filled day of viewing the fall foliage and market offerings, which was capped off with a lovely meal. The bus left OSCR in the morning and headed to the first stop on the day trip- Andrews Farm Market. Clients enjoyed wandering around the scenic property and spent some time perusing the seasonal produce and delicious treats for sale in the shop. The weather was perfect- the leaves were a beautiful shade of orange, the sun was shining, and everyone enjoyed the fresh country air. After spending time on the farm, the HLP team and clients boarded the bus and headed to the Mandarin restaurant for a delicious meal. There was something for everyone on offer at the large buffet, with a mix of Chinese and Canadian favourites. Following a great day of fun and food, the clients headed home to OSCR, with everyone looking forward to the next Healthy Living Programs excursion!

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s important to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can lift our spirits and brighten our mood. Acknowledging the good things in your life, such as family and friends, good health, and independence in your senior years, can bring greater happiness and well-being to your daily life. We asked a few of our clients to share what they are thankful for this year- here’s what they had to say: