The holidays are more than just dates on a calendar. They're moments when families gather, traditions come alive, and communities unite in celebration. At Arbor Terrace Lakeway, the holiday season transforms our community into a place where warmth, connection, and joy take center stage. From festive Christmas parties to heartfelt volunteer opportunities, residents experience the magic of the season surrounded by friends who feel like family.
In this post, you'll discover:
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How Arbor Terrace Lakeway creates meaningful holiday experiences for residents and their families
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The variety of seasonal activities, from themed dinners to intergenerational programs
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What makes holiday celebrations in senior living different from celebrating at home
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Ways families can participate in making the season special for their loved ones
Why Holiday Celebrations Matter in Senior Living
For many families exploring senior living options in Lakeway, Bee Cave, or the greater Austin area, there's an unspoken worry: Will my loved one still feel the joy of the holidays? Will traditions continue? The answer at Arbor Terrace Lakeway is a resounding yes.
Moving to a senior living community doesn't mean leaving cherished traditions behind. Instead, it opens the door to new experiences while honoring the customs that matter most. Here, residents don't celebrate the holidays alone in their apartments. They're surrounded by neighbors who've become friends, staff members who genuinely care, and families who are always welcomed with open arms.
The holidays can be especially meaningful for those who may have felt isolated at home. At Arbor Terrace Lakeway, located at 300 Medical Parkway, the season brings the entire community together. Whether it's decorating the Christmas tree in the common area, sharing stories over a holiday meal, or singing carols with local schoolchildren, every moment is designed to foster connection and belonging.
A Season Filled with Festive Celebrations
Christmas Parties and Seasonal Events
The holiday calendar at Arbor Terrace Lakeway bursts with activities that capture the spirit of the season. Christmas parties feature everything from live music to visits from Santa himself. Residents dress up, share laughter, and create new memories together. These aren't obligatory events but genuine celebrations where everyone feels included.
Themed dinner parties bring elegance and excitement to the season. Our culinary team, following The Arbor Company's award-winning Dining with Dignity® program, creates special holiday menus that honor family recipes and seasonal favorites. From honey-glazed ham to traditional tamales reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our Austin-area residents, every meal is prepared with care and respect for individual preferences.
Creative and Craft Activities
The holidays inspire creativity at every age. Residents at Arbor Terrace Lakeway participate in seasonal craft activities, from making ornaments to decorating gingerbread houses. These hands-on experiences do more than pass the time; they engage residents' minds, spark conversations, and produce beautiful decorations that personalize our community spaces.
Pumpkin decorating in the fall transitions seamlessly into creating wreaths and centerpieces as winter approaches. The activities director works closely with residents to understand their interests, ensuring the calendar reflects what people genuinely want to do. Some prefer quiet crafting circles while others enjoy larger group projects. There's something for everyone.
Intergenerational Magic: Sharing Joy Across Generations
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the holiday season at Arbor Terrace Lakeway is intergenerational programming. Local schools, youth groups, and families visit the community to share in the celebration. Children perform holiday concerts, join residents for cookie decorating, and exchange handmade cards.
These intergenerational activities benefit everyone involved. Residents light up when young visitors arrive, sharing stories and wisdom with the next generation. Meanwhile, children learn the value of connection and community service. It's a beautiful reminder that the holidays are about bringing people together across all ages.
Holiday Meals: Where Tradition Meets Togetherness
Family-Inclusive Dining Experiences
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at Arbor Terrace Lakeway feel like home because families are encouraged to join. Whether your loved one is in assisted living, our Bridges neighborhood for early-stage memory care, or our Evergreen memory care program, family members are always welcome at our holiday tables.
The Dining with Dignity® program ensures every resident can participate in holiday meals with independence and comfort. Our chefs accommodate dietary needs and preferences, from diabetic-friendly desserts to texture-modified foods that maintain flavor and nutrition. The goal is simple: everyone deserves to enjoy a festive meal without stress or embarrassment.
New Year's Celebrations and Beyond
As December transitions to January, Arbor Terrace Lakeway keeps the celebration going. New Year's Eve parties feature champagne toasts (non-alcoholic options included), live entertainment, and a countdown that happens at a resident-friendly hour. The community recognizes that meaningful celebration doesn't require staying up until midnight; it's about sharing the moment with people who matter.
Giving Back: The Spirit of Service During the Holidays
The holiday season naturally inspires generosity, and residents at Arbor Terrace Lakeway embrace opportunities to give back. Through our Deep Connections philosophy, which emphasizes meaningful engagement and purposeful living, residents participate in volunteer activities and charitable drives.
From collecting items for local shelters to writing cards for military personnel, these service opportunities give residents a sense of purpose and connection to the broader Lakeway community. Many residents say these activities remind them why the holiday season matters: it's about caring for others and making a positive difference.
How Arbor Terrace Lakeway Makes the Holidays Special
An Engaged Lifestyle Framework
Holiday programming at Arbor Terrace Lakeway isn't an afterthought. It's part of The Arbor Company's comprehensive Engaged Lifestyle framework, which ensures residents experience meaningful activities across six wellness dimensions: Art & Education, Deep Connections, Health & Wellness, Purposeful Living, Recreation & Leisure, and Spiritual Journey.
This approach means holiday activities aren't just fun; they're intentionally designed to support overall well-being. A holiday concert provides entertainment while also stimulating cognitive function. Seasonal crafts encourage fine motor skills and creativity. Volunteer opportunities foster a sense of purpose. Everything connects to a larger philosophy of helping residents thrive.
Faith-Based and Spiritual Opportunities
For many people, the holidays hold deep spiritual significance. Arbor Terrace Lakeway respects and supports a variety of diverse faith traditions. Whether attending Christmas Eve services at a nearby church, lighting Hanukkah candles, or participating in quiet reflection, residents find space to honor their beliefs.
The community works with local faith leaders to bring services and spiritual support directly to residents when desired. Families appreciate this attention to the spiritual aspects of the season, knowing their loved ones can maintain meaningful traditions.
Local Roots, National Expertise
Located in the heart of Lakeway, just minutes from Lake Travis and near the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Arbor Terrace Lakeway combines local charm with the resources of The Arbor Company's 30+ years of trusted experience. This means residents benefit from nationally recognized programs like Dining with Dignity® while enjoying connections to Austin-area traditions and communities.
Whether it's partnering with Lakeway schools for holiday visits or incorporating local holiday traditions into celebrations, the community stays rooted in what makes this area special. Residents aren't just living in any community; they're part of the Lakeway fabric.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
The holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation, particularly for seniors living alone or far from family. At Arbor Terrace Lakeway, no one spends the holidays alone unless they choose to. The community becomes an extended family, where staff members know residents by name, neighbors check on each other, and everyone looks out for one another.
Executive Director Penny Reider and the entire team at Arbor Terrace Lakeway work year-round to create this family-like atmosphere, but it shines especially bright during the holidays. From the maintenance staff who hang twinkling lights to the dining team who prepare special meals, everyone contributes to making the season magical.
For families in Lakeway, Bee Cave, and throughout the Austin area, this sense of belonging offers invaluable peace of mind. You can trust that your loved one isn't just being cared for during the holidays; they're celebrated, included, and cherished.
Key Takeaways
✓ Arbor Terrace Lakeway offers comprehensive holiday programming including Christmas parties, themed dinners, craft activities, and intergenerational events
✓ The community's Dining with Dignity® program ensures every resident can enjoy festive meals with independence and comfort
✓ Families are encouraged to participate in holiday celebrations, creating shared memories with their loved ones
✓ Volunteer opportunities and service projects give residents purpose and connection during the giving season
✓ The Arbor Company's Engaged Lifestyle framework ensures holiday activities support overall wellness and meaningful engagement
✓ No resident celebrates alone; the community creates a family-like atmosphere where everyone belongs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can families join residents for holiday meals at Arbor Terrace Lakeway?
Absolutely! Family members are always welcome to join holiday meals and celebrations at Arbor Terrace Lakeway. Many families make it a tradition to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas at the community, enjoying the festive atmosphere without the stress of cooking and cleaning at home.
What types of holiday activities does Arbor Terrace Lakeway offer?
The community offers a diverse range of holiday activities, including Christmas parties with live entertainment, seasonal craft workshops, themed dinners featuring special menus, intergenerational programs with local schools, volunteer opportunities, faith-based services, and New Year's celebrations. The activities calendar is built based on resident preferences and interests.
How does Arbor Terrace Lakeway accommodate different holiday traditions?
The community respects and celebrates the diverse backgrounds and traditions of all residents. Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or other cultural holidays, staff work with residents and families to honor individual traditions. The community also partners with local faith leaders to provide spiritual support that aligns with residents' beliefs.
Are holiday celebrations different in the Bridges or Evergreen neighborhoods?
Holiday celebrations are adapted to meet the unique needs of residents in our Bridges neighborhood for early-stage memory care and our Evergreen program for those with advanced memory needs. Activities may be smaller, quieter, or more structured to ensure residents can participate comfortably and successfully. The goal is always to create joy and meaningful connections.
How can I learn more about holiday programming at Arbor Terrace Lakeway?
Call 512-842-4981 to speak with our team about upcoming holiday events and schedule a tour of Arbor Terrace Lakeway. You can also visit ArborLakeway.com to explore our community and learn more about how we celebrate the season.
Experience the Magic This Holiday Season
At Arbor Terrace Lakeway, the holidays are a time for connection, joy, and celebration. You don't have to wonder whether your loved one will feel included or whether traditions will continue. Here, every resident is part of something special: a community that celebrates together, supports one another, and creates lasting memories.
Schedule a tour today to see how our community creates memorable holiday experiences full of warmth, tradition, and togetherness. Discover why families throughout Lakeway, Bee Cave, and the greater Austin area trust Arbor Terrace Lakeway to provide not just quality care, but a true sense of home during the holidays and all year long.
