Christmas Traditions Old and New

posted by Guest Author on Thursday, December 27, 2018

Blog and photo sent to us from Thomas Wemlinger, Direct Support Professional 4, who has been with the EPI family since 2006. 

I began my career at EPI in the summer of 2006. During my time here I have had the opportunity to work with many different individuals, most of whom were raised observing Christian holidays. Some of those individuals have been fortunate to have a variety of natural supports and have been able to celebrate the holidays with friends and loved ones. Many, however, are not so fortunate.

For those individuals, my co-workers and I host a traditional Christmas celebration at our facility. We decorate the house with assistance from the persons served, prepare gift bags for the residents, and serve a multi-course Christmas dinner. We also welcome individuals from other sites who would otherwise have to spend the holiday alone (and we always have plenty of food!).

My own family lives in Ohio, and I don’t often get the chance to visit them over the holidays due to my job responsibilities. I have come to relish spending the holidays with the persons we serve at our facility. If I am not scheduled to work on a holiday, I will usually offer to substitute for my counterpart so that she can spend the day with her own family.

Now, some twelve years later, I am proud that this “old” Christmas tradition has become my own “new” Christmas tradition!