Written by Panorama resident, Mary Jo Shaw. December 2020
Where do I begin to tell the story of holiday happenings on our campus? I can’t possibly mention all of them, so here are some that I personally experienced.
Hallway Door Decorating Contest
Nicki, manager of our three resident apartment buildings, sent notices for the hallway door decorating contest. All residents in their respective building may vote on the assigned days. We simply walked the halls with our included ballots and selected one door for each of four categories: Most Clever, Best Theme, Most Festive, and Your Favorite. Designing our Quinault building door drew me to my craft room. Something simple, with Christ, the real meaning of Christmas: our HOPE of 2020.
Holiday Greetings
Resident Paul E. from Panorama TV studio welcomed residents, activity groups, and staff to give a shout out solo or as a group. I shared a quick story of the year Mom asked us six girls whether, instead of getting lots of gifts, we would like to purchase a nice manger/creche scene. We unwrapped Mary, Joseph, infant Jesus, and sheep, shepherds, kings, camels and one angel. We would have it as a legacy for future family generations. I followed my story with the photo of our hallway-door decoration. Paul produced the final great total product! Thanks so much, guys.
Videos Filming Campus Holiday Lights
We were mesmerized with the night scenes, as well as the daytime and other fun holiday views, taken from the ground and from the air!
Staff Parade
Lead by one of our Panorama buses catching our ears with snappy high-volume carols, we could watch from our patio, balcony, driveway, window or any curb as our staff drove with assorted, clever decorations wishing everyone a safe holiday/Christmas season.
Turning of the Tide
Apartment manager Nicki sent notices to each building resident. Residents constantly call or email staff to say thank you and comment on changes in the buildings. “Do not underestimate the power of positive words in your life as well as the lives of others.” On each floor’s bulletin board next to the elevator, we found cards provided to write on and post our expressions of what we are grateful for. We will continue this well into 2021, making this “not just a Season of Gratitude, but rather an on-going Tide of Gratitude…” I love viewing the hallway resident door decorations and reading each floor’s added thank you notes. Thank you, Nicki, for the great idea.
Large Christmas Balls from Christmas Cards
Carolyn O., Quinault resident and Resident Council District Representative, sent us handout/instructions to make beautiful balls attached to a long ribbon. She offered to give Zoom help (everyone’s COVID mental health saver, right?). I see them hanging on several hallway doors.
Seventeen51 Restaurant’s Generous Banquet & Staff’s Bag of Goodies
You’ve gotta read Sandy Bush’s blog about these gifts!
The 4th Annual Holiday Giving Tree
Megan Vu from our Office of Philanthropy says “The miracle of the holidays is spread through the joy of caring and sharing – and not even COVID-19 can stop us from supporting local families in need.” Panorama has again partnered with three major service centers. Residents used Megan’s simple instructions for selecting a “Giving Tree” item, and after shopping, delivered them to our Panorama screening station for proper distribution.
Zoom Live Musical Concerts
Twice a week, our Lifestyle Enrichment Department alongside Office of Philanthropy presented performers from Emerald City Music with viola, violin and cello; jazz and classical piano; and flute. Other concerts included unusual talent on saxophone; flute; duo violin and cello; and classic singers. An Elvis Christmas with his look-sound-passion-alike is always a winner. Finally, a Christmas crooner who independently became an international entertainer entertained our apartment too. Talk about being blessed!
Dressing Panorama for 2020 Christmas/Holiday
Panorama went all out to make this year special with extra holiday decorations including more wreaths, Hanukkah menorahs on each floor, and Christmas trees with extra numerous lights and glittering beautiful balls, inside and outside our buildings. I’m looking forward to next Christmas when we will be considered for a Christmas creche/manger scene on each floor on the Advent days leading up to Christmas.
Some say we are spoiled. I say we are blessed above and beyond.
