When we’re gathered around the tree on Christmas morning eagerly unwrapping presents and getting the turkey in the oven, it’s easy to forget there are those who have, instead, put on their uniforms and headed out to work.
And, we should be eternally grateful that they do.
This year Armagh I wanted to spotlight five of Sunnymead Residential Care Home’s team who will be spending the day with their second family, making it a “home from home” for their wonderful residents.
Those incredible ladies are Anna Ogorek, Tanya Hazley, Gabrielle Uaiksnoraite, Denise Killen and Sandra, who all – except Tanya – have worked the holiday before.
While it is her first time working Christmas Day, Tanya (46) has been with the residential home in Armagh for four years.
In the morning, with the rest of her colleagues, she will assist residents with their morning routine and in the afternoon they celebrate Christmas together.
She can’t wait to work the holiday, saying she is most looking forward to “seeing all the residents opening their presents” and to “make their day special”.
Once she has finished her six hour shift she will then return home to celebrate and have dinner with her five children, husband and parents.
Anna (39) has been with Sunnymead for three years and this is her second Christmas Day working.
Like Tanya, she will be enjoying a six hour morning shift. She loves working the day, saying: “It’s a special day and spending that day with residents makes it even more special.”
She loves her job all year round, “looking after residents and having good fun together”.
Twenty-year-old Gabrielle has also been employed for three years and this will be her third Christmas Day working.
Gabrielle will be spending the bulk of her Christmas Day with residents, completing a 12-hour shift from 8am to 8pm. And there’s no complaints here… Gabrielle loves working Christmas Day!
She said: “I love caring for the elderly and being able to put smiles on their faces.”
When she finishes up that evening she’ll also head home to spend time with family.
Denise (60) is a longstanding member of Sunnymead, with 21 years under her belt, now working as a Senior Care Assistant in the home.
She said “all residents receive presents from the home” and she very much looks forward to seeing them all opening these on Christmas morning.
Her favourite thing about working the holiday is “providing a home from home and ensuring they enjoy Christmas, especially the residents with no family”.
When her 12-hour shift ends, Denise will spend the evening with her sisters and family.
And no Christmas Day would be complete without the dinner! This is where Sandra (47) comes in.
Sandra has been a Kitchen Cook with Sunnymead for five years and, in her own words, she says on the big day she has to “come in and get the turkey and ham ready!”
Bringing a little life and soul to the party, she loves to “dress up and bring in the Christmas spirit”.
All year long Sandra enjoys making sure the residents get delicious meals.
Like her colleagues, she will also head home afterwards to spend some well-earned time with family.
