‘Christmas is all about family’ – 95-Year-Old Ernest Shares his ‘Merry Memories’ this Christmas

95-year-old Ernest Martin from Coppice Lodge care home in Arnold is sharing his memories of Christmases past as part of Ideal Carehomes’ ‘Merry Memories’ campaign.

As a child, Ernest spent his Christmases with his family in Suffolk. Each Christmas Eve, Ernest was allowed to open one small gift in the evening whilst the family gathered to listen to Christmas carols.

Ernest said, ‘My fondest memories are from being a boy and getting excited at Christmas. I’ll always remember how much I loved to play in the snow. It always used to snow at Christmas, it’s something I really miss now.’

Reminiscing about Christmas morning in his younger years, Ernest continued, ‘The most memorable gift I was ever given was a bag of wooden building blocks. I used to spend hours building towers with them.

When asked what he thought was the true meaning of Christmas, Ernest said, ‘From being a boy to having my own family, I think Christmas is all about family.

‘It’s a time for everyone to get together to spread love and joy. Christmas is a time for giving, but for me it’s all about being with your family and loved ones, having good food and a giggle.

‘If I could have one Christmas wish, it would be to have all my family together again.’

This year will mark Ernest’s first Christmas at Coppice Lodge since moving to the home in April 2023. Ernest added, ‘I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas Day at Coppice Lodge eating good food with all my friends!’

Sarah Barnes, the Home Manager at Coppice Lodge, said, ‘It’s been a real privilege hearing about our residents’ ‘Merry Memories’ and Christmas traditions.

‘Ernest’s face lit up as he told us all about playing in the snow and celebrating with his family – we can’t wait to give Ernest and our other residents a very magical Christmas this year!’

For more information about living at Coppice Lodge, call 0115 920 5906, email coppice.lodge@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Coppice Lodge, located on Coppice Road in Arnold, is a purpose-built, luxury residential and dementia care home with 64 ensuite bedrooms. With an all-inclusive fee offer designed to give residents peace of mind, it is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.