Christmas, through the eyes of our team
Christmas looks different for everyone. For the people who work at The Forrest Centre, it’s shaped by family traditions, cultural roots and small rituals that have stayed with them over time.
Here are some of the Christmas memories our team shared.
Evan Robertson, CEO
“After a big extended family lunch, we settle into our traditional Christmas Trivia Competition. The winner receives a small trophy and bragging rights for the rest of the day – and the next 12 months.”
Anton Reyment, Executive Manager Business Services
“In my childhood, an Aussie Christmas Eve was spent playing in the garden by the pool. Then the sound of German Christmas carols would filter out from our family lounge room, signalling that Santa had visited. Candles flickered, the Christmas tree glowed with silver decorations and crystal white lights, and plates of fruit, chocolate and cake were scattered across the room. My friends were always jealous of the head start our family received.”
Ruth Sinclair, People and Culture Manager
“For more than 50 years, our Christmas tradition has been Froot Loops and Coco Pops for breakfast. We never had them any other day of the year, so Christmas breakfast was absolutely worth waiting for!”
Louise Hohnberg, Aged Care Solutions
“We had neighbours from Spain who gave us a Christmas album, and we used to play it every Christmas. I play it now on Spotify because we lost the original record. I don’t even know what they’re singing about – it’s just such happy music.”
Kelly Hunt, Registered Nurse, Forrest Home Care
“We have a tablecloth that we get out every year. Everyone who’s there writes their name on it. It’s a record of who shared that Christmas.”
Kate Davidson, Caseworker, Forrest Home Care
“Christmas for us is about getting together, relaxing, having a laugh, playing games and jumping in the pool. I always look forward to pavlova made from scratch by my partner.”
Kate Ballard, Quality Co-ordinator, Forrest Home Care
“Boxing Day is our big family day. “We always have a cold meat lunch and play a lot of backyard cricket. My mum’s house is full of Christmas decorations. Everything sings, moves or blows bubbles.”
Kavita Posselt, Pastoral Care, Loreto Home of Compassion
“Christmas is about togetherness. We try to help people feel valued and cherished, even when Christmas feels different. There is a special message of hope and great love that comes at Christmas time and it's this message – as well as the coming together as a family or community – that draws me to love this time of year. It's this same message I try spread in Aged Care through the year.”
Mav De Leon, Assistant in Nursing, Loreto Home of Compassion
“I celebrate Christmas because it’s my birthday too. In the Philippines where I’m from, Christmas is very happy and very noisy. Here it is quiet. I love working in aged care at this time of year. I love seeing residents smiling, laughing and expressing their gratitude.”
Michelle Kosorok, Facility Manager, Loreto Home of Compassion
“Christmas brings back memories of all being together. We used to have the traditional hot meal, no matter if it was 42 degrees and no air conditioning in the stinking weather. It’s really lovely working in Aged Care at this time of year. It's nice to see family members come in and it’s just a bit more light-hearted.”