Over the holidays, we’ll be celebrating communities where every person feels at home. Throughout the year, we’ve shared moments of care, belonging, and joy across our communities. And these connections are what bring our purpose to life. In the spirit of the season, Optima Living Principal Farid Damji would like to share a holiday message on behalf of all of us at Optima.
We invite you to watch and join us in spreading warmth and kindness this season. From all of us at Optima Living, Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
A Community Treasure Restored:
Riverside Manor’s Iconic Sign Returns Home
The iconic wooden sign at Riverside Manor in Hope, BC — a beloved community landmark hand-carved over two decades ago — was lovingly restored and unveiled this fall. Led by Communities in Bloom with local support, the project honours local heritage, craftsmanship, and community pride. The refreshed sign now stands again as a welcoming symbol of home and shared history for residents and neighbours alike.
This time of year is the season of reflection and celebration in many forms.
Across Optima Living communities, many of our residents and team members are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, while others are choosing this time to give back, rest, and reflect on the year behind us.
At Optima Living we are thankful for the people that make our communities feel like home. Residents, families, team members, and partners all helped to create that sense of belonging in 2025.
As the year comes to a close, and however you choose to spend this season, we wish you well and hope the holidays are filled with moments of warmth and comfort in the ways that matter most to you.
From all of us at Optima Living, happy holidays and best wishes.
While there’s so much to love about the winter season, it’s extra important to take care of yourself during the colder months! ❄️
Shorter days and chilly weather can sometimes make it harder to stay active or keep spirits high. That’s why focusing on healthy habits is key. Small daily choices can make all the difference in feeling strong, energized, and joyful all season long. Here are a few things to keep in mind this winter!
1) 💦 Stay Hydrated: Even in the cold, your body needs plenty of water to stay balanced and feeling its best.
2) 💃 Move Your Body: Stay active indoors to keep joints flexible and spirits high.
3) 💬 Connect with Others: Beat the winter blues by spending time with friends and family.
4) 🍲 Eat Nourishing Meals: Enjoy hearty, wholesome foods that keep you warm and support your immune system.
Aster Gardens’ residents had a wonderful time listening and singing along with our volunteer group, Singers of Note. It was especially meaningful as some of their residents have been part of this organization for many years.
Sharing the Holiday Magic with Santa & Ali at Wisteria
December 1st marked the start of the holiday season at Wisteria Place as staff and residents celebrated with one of our principals in town, Ali, and Santa! The lobby was filled with laughter and joy as everyone decorated the Christmas trees, spreading warmth and festive spirit throughout the community.
The residents played holiday games, enjoyed festive trivia, and shared special moments with Santa, with Christmas magic in the air. It was a day full of glittering smiles, twinkling lights, and the magical spirit that makes the holidays unforgettable.
From day one, the nerf gun target board has sparked enthusiasm and brought our community together. Many Cottonwood Village residents have eagerly participated and connected with others.
Cottonwood Village residents had so much fun baking sugar cookies and savoring their first holiday treat. The room was filled with holiday spirit and enjoyment.
On December 5th, the residents at Laurel Heights spent the afternoon creating little gifts of appreciation for the amazing volunteers who share their time, talents, and kindness with us all year long.
There was laughter, crafting, stories, and so much love in the room. Watching residents make something beautiful for others, and seeing our very own resident volunteers join in, reminded us just how special this community is.
To every volunteer: thank you for the joy you bring, the smiles you share, and the difference you make every day. Laurel Heights’ community truly appreciates you!
Moments like these remind us what community is all about. Isabella, Everitt Gardens’ Community Relations Manager, and Makayla, Everitt Gardens’ Recreation Therapist for Men’s Community, sharing a smile with one of the residents. At Everitt Gardens, we welcome you home!
It’s a Cinnamon bun kind of day!
CONGRATULATIONS to the Summerwood Village Knit and Chat ladies and friends for the amazing job of raising $2,000 for the Strathcona Christmas Bureau. Along with the donation, boxes of hand-made teddies, tuques and scarves were also dropped off at the bureau. It was wonderful to tour the facility where all of the elves package the Christmas Presents. Great Job ladies!!!
Deer Park Village’s residents loved the craft they made so much they were practically glowing, and so were the ornaments! They created beautiful glowing Christmas ornaments, and had an absolute blast making them. The joy, the laughter, and the sparkle made the whole activity shine just a little brighter.
A few of The Hamlets at Duncan’s residents took a moment to create a beautiful Christmas tree. Taking a minute to bask in the joy, laughter and magic of the holiday!
The Hamlets at Duncan’s residents embarked on a fun shopping trip, embracing their autonomy and independence.
The Hamlets at Westsyde celebrated their residents with a traditional holiday feast with all the fixing’s. It took a village to nourish the souls of those who call The Hamlets home. This “all hands on deck” event happened six times this month and included visits and photos with Santa and his elf, along with entertainment – this time the Kamloops Fiddlers.
We have suites available across our various communities, and we’d love to show you around. To get a feel for what living in our communities is like and to meet some of our residents and team members, you can book a private tour. Click the link below to schedule your visit. We hope to see you soon!
“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.”
– Mary Anne Radmacher