Suche
Volunteers bring light and joy to Styrian nursing homes at Christmas
Volunteer helpers enrich the Christmas season in Styrian care facilities and emergency shelters. Insights into their work.
Volunteers bring light and joy to Styrian nursing homes at Christmas
On December 24th, it is a tradition in the Styrian Volkshilfe nursing homes for volunteers to brighten up the holidays for the residents. “Some come to play cards, have conversations or take a walk together,” reports Elke Edlinger from Volkshilfe Steiermark. These volunteers sing with the seniors or bring music to create a festive atmosphere. Caritas also has numerous volunteers who help all year round and especially on the holidays. Volunteer manager Bettina Heuser explains that they take on everyday tasks, such as reading aloud or watching TV together, to support the full-time employees.
The Christmas season is an emotional experience for many. Especially in care facilities and emergency shelters, where homeless people are often accommodated, the memory of previous celebrations plays a major role. David Schober, a Red Cross emergency services worker, shows how important community is even in these moments: “We spend the time off duty together at the decorated station, play games and our patients are often even more grateful at Christmas because we sacrifice our Christmas for others.” Loud orf.at Many volunteers also work on emergency telephones during the holidays.
Contemplative things at Christmas time
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, people often forget to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. The Quotation corner emphasizes that incipient silence and reflection are the true gifts. One of the contemplative Christmas verses is: “In the silent night a star shines, it brings peace and love, so close and so far.” These texts are intended to remind us that Christmas is not just about gifts, but also about love and togetherness.
The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to pause and appreciate life's little miracles - moments that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When we open our hearts and let love blossom, we create memories that last a lifetime. The contemplative texts collected can help you rediscover the magic of Christmas and appreciate the wonderful little things in life.