Santa visits residents early

A Queensland aged care chef is ‘suiting up’ for a Christmas to remember.

Zion Lutheran Home executive chef, David Williams, has been channelling the big man in red by dressing as Santa Claus on Christmas Day each year to entertain residents and staff.

Serving a traditional festive lunch for about 150 people, Mr Williams prepares a full Christmas lunch with ham, turkey and cranberry sauce, and all the trimmings.

“I always dress up as Santa and give people their glass of bubbly at Christmas lunch,” he says.

And it seems Mr Williams, also known as ‘Santa Claus’, has a fan. Zion Lutheran Home resident, Jennie Pye, (pictured with Mr Williams) playfully admits she likes to “kiss Santa” and also enjoys singing Christmas carols.

The 88 year old reminisces about childhood Christmases in Wales.

“We had snow and the trees in the town square were decorated with lights,” she begins. “Christmas brings families together and Santa has a special spirit.”

In the older part of Frankfurt, Ms Pye remembers the Christmas markets with gingerbread, toys, people singing Christmas carols and the bells of the church ringing.

“My father went to the market to buy a Christmas tree and it had a very special smell. Christmas in our home was always happy when we had all of the family together,” she says.

Zion Lutheran Home manager, Maria Mulheran, says the aged care service is creating something much deeper than a display of tinsel, reindeers and Santa Claus.

“We want all of our residents to enjoy the yuletide season of this year,” Ms Mulheran says.

Zion Lutheran Home will host various events in the lead up to Christmas. Call (07) 3266 5911 for more information.