Valentine’s Day at The Scottish Home

The history of Valentine’s Day and the holiday’s namesake, Saint Valentine, is not entirely known. The holiday is thought to have began as a Christian celebration of the martyr Saint Valentine of Rome. It is believed that Valentine’s Day was created many centuries ago to be celebrated at the same time the three-day Roman pagan fertility festival, Lupercalia, was observed. Thus, Valentine’s Day fell on February 14th, right smack in the middle of Lupercalia.

According to history.com, the legend of Saint Valentine contends that he was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Legend claims an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is said that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a heroic and romantic figure.

Today, Valentine’s Day is still a holiday of love. It is punctuated by flowers, chocolates, poetic greeting cards and paper hearts. About 150 million cards are exchanged for Valentine’s Day each year, making it the second most popular card-sending holiday next to Christmas. For many residents of The Scottish Home, though, Valentine’s Day can be a lonely one. If you have a loved one residing in a nursing home or assisted living center, take the time to pay them a visit or send them a homemade Valentine. Receiving a visit, a greeting card, or a vase of flowers will undoubtedly brighten their day. Thoughtful gestures like these can mean so much to our residents! Beyond holidays, keeping a consistent visiting schedule will help reduce loneliness. And as always, know that your loved ones are in the good hands of our staff at The Scottish Home.

Thanks For a Great Holiday Season!

Thank you to our residents, family members, volunteers and employees who participated in The Scottish Home holiday celebrations!  Even though residents were away from home, we were happy to provide our seniors with the comforts of home during the holidays.  Take a look at what made the 2015 holiday season at The Scottish Home great!

The holidays were a busy and festive time as residents and staff were hard at work creating a magical atmosphere throughout The Scottish Home.  Carolers from churches, schools and scouts filled the air with joyful holiday sounds.  The residents enjoyed the glow of Christmas lights during an evening, guided bus tour through Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo.

By far, the highlight of the season had to be the annual Resident Family Christmas Party.  Residents and their families indulged in a variety of sweets while listening to carolers.  They were even surprised with a performance by the Thistle and Heather Dancers.  The night was closed out with a visit from Santa and plenty of goodies for the residents and children at the party.

Once again, thank you to all who participated in our Holiday festivities and we look forward to a great 2016!  Even after the holidays end, we are proud to provide our residents with warm, friendly and loving care.  No matter the time of year, The Scottish Home is a place where friends become family.  To learn more about The Scottish Home, please visit our website and schedule a tour today!  We are conveniently located at 2800 Des Plaines Avenue in North Riverside, Illinois.