The magic of BaptistCare Bethel’s Christmas display

For around 10 years, Chris Fisher has been the heart and soul of BaptistCare Bethel’s cherished Christmas display. As the chaplain of the home for 29 years, Chris's journey with the Christmas Village began from a simple yet touching family tradition. 

It all started when Chris received a train set to place around his Christmas tree. His wife suggested adding a house to complement the train, and thus, their miniature village was born. When Chris’s grandchildren came along, this little tradition evolved into something much grander. The family would officially start Christmas after the final family birthday on November 11th, building the village and letting the grandchildren throw "snow" on it to mark the beginning of the festive season. 

As the years went by, Chris introduced this tradition to Bethel, creating a small version of their family Christmas Village. Over the past decade, this miniature wonderland has grown exponentially, with more pieces being added each year. Chris fondly recalls how the village started small but gradually absorbed many more pieces as his grandchildren grew older and lost some interest, leading to a more substantial display at Bethel. 

The village now boasts a myriad of enchanting scenes: a bustling town centre, serene park areas, a majestic hillside, and various community settings. The display is meticulously planned, often beginning with an organic idea such as a mountain or a low-lying scene, and evolving from there. Chris sees himself as a town planner, letting the village "breathe" and take shape naturally. 

One of the charming features of this year’s display is the hidden owls scattered throughout the village, a tradition that started at home with his grandchildren. 

This year, Chris decided to bring this delightful hunt to Bethel, encouraging residents, BaptistCare team members and visitors to find the eight elusive owls. Chris says he finds that this simple, yet engaging activity draws people into the scene, allowing them to appreciate the village's intricate details and fostering a sense of wonder and discovery. The hidden owl game has become a popular activity, with staff and residents participating in the search, along with children from local schools delighting in the search. Chris explained that for someone to find all eight owls at the end of the display, there’s a prize.  

“This year so far one person has found all 8 owls. It’s a great game, as it really draws people into the scene all the details of what is unfolding in the village,” said Chris. 

The display is more than just a visual treat; it serves as a bridge to the past, evoking childhood memories and European Christmas traditions among Bethel’s residents. It brings joy and nostalgia, particularly to those with dementia, helping them recall fond memories. The village's magic lies in its ability to transport people to a winter wonderland, filled with snowy scenes, street choirs and playful snowball fights. 

“It is that childhood, it draws back childhood images and memories like that for a lot of people with European backgrounds. And for those of us that don't have that experience, it's that invitation into a world that we've only ever really seen in pictures or on TV”, shared Chris. 

Chris continues this tradition year after year, despite the increasing challenges. Many pieces, some dating back to the 1980s, are slowly deteriorating, with several animated ones ceasing to work. Yet, Chris remains committed, driven by the joy and appreciation of Bethel’s community. This year alone, a staff member expressed gratitude for bringing back the Christmas spirit. 

“One of the staff members came up to me a couple of days ago and she said I understand now, and I want to thank you for bringing Christmas joy back to me,” explained Chris. 

For Chris, the display is not just about the decorations but about the connections and stories it fosters. It is a living testament to his dedication, creativity, and the warmth he brings to Bethel.  

Thank you Chris, for helping invite people in to share in the joy and wonder of the Christmas Village at Bethel and creating beautiful memories for residents, employees and visitors alike.