The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating cherished memories–and at MBK Senior Living, we make it all the more special. Across our communities, team members are decking the halls, planning festive activities, and crafting meaningful celebrations to ensure residents feel the warmth and wonder of the season. Here’s a look at some of the delightful events and traditions this Christmas at a few of our MBK Senior Living communities! 

Hillcrest of Loveland 

At Hillcrest of Loveland, the holiday spirit is alive and well! Residents are enjoying an array of festive activities, including an Ugly Sweater Social and a month-long exploration of holidays around the world. All neighborhoods—Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care—are looking forward to magical Christmas light tours. 

“Holidays in our community are special because we really are one big family that just happens to have a lot of grandparents,” said Aspen Tavenner, Director of Wellness Programming. “During the holiday season, you see many residents helping each other, volunteering to decorate, and getting ready for our many musicians and visitors.”   

Mostly, Hillcrest of Loveland residents look forward to spending time with one another and enjoying the season together.

The Creekside 

Holiday magic filled the air last week as residents teamed up with local high school students for a heartwarming gingerbread house-building event. Laughter, storytelling, and creative crafting brought joy to all who participated. “The joy was palpable, and it felt like we were all wrapped in a holiday embrace,” shared Marty Scoplitte, Director of Sales. 

The team recalled a special moment when one of the students approached and mentioned that her home life is challenging as her parents are in the midst of a divorce and the day with our residents took her worries away knowing she is loved by her “new grandma.” The student plans to return soon to play games and sip on hot cocoa with her new friend. 

When asked what makes The Creekside special over the holidays, Marty said, “The Creekside has a special charm about it, with its small-town vibe and that warm, extended-family feeling that flows through our halls. It’s one of the reasons we often say, “Nobody ever gets lost at The Creekside.” It’s more than a community—it’s a place where everyone knows each other, and there’s always a sense of belonging. 

During the holidays, that sense of togetherness takes on an even deeper, more magical quality. Here, it’s not just about being a community—it’s about making sure no one is ever alone during the season of warmth and joy. From the sweet smells of holiday baking in the air to the twinkling decorations that our residents lovingly put up (one resident even has a whole storage unit filled with holiday treasures and spends days decking the halls for her annual display!), the spirit of the season is alive and well. The visits, the laughter, and the shared moments of joy between residents and staff—everything comes together to make this time of year feel truly special. 

I’m so proud to be part of this team, but during the holidays, it’s like the whole place becomes enchanted, and there’s a little extra sparkle in everything we do.”

Estancia Del Sol 

Estancia Del Sol is firmly on Santa’s nice list! This community’s annual Holiday Open House is a cherished tradition, featuring a special dinner, happy hour with live entertainment, and craft stations. A beloved resident even steps into the role of Santa Claus to pose for festive photos with attendees. 

The holidays in senior living bring a unique magic, where traditions old and new come together to create a season of joy and connection. At Estancia Del Sol, the festive atmosphere is enhanced by the warmth of shared memories and the excitement of creating new ones. Residents, families, and team members join together to celebrate, filling the community with laughter, music, and the delightful aromas of holiday treats. From twinkling decorations to heartfelt moments of togetherness, the holidays here are a reminder that the spirit of the season shines brightest when shared with others.

The Montera 

The Montera kicked off the season with their second annual Holiday Tree Lighting featuring a stunning 16-foot tree. The festive glow and community spirit made the evening unforgettable. 

Holidays at The Montera are a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, where traditions come alive and new memories are made. The majestic tree lighting serves as the centerpiece of a season filled with warmth and wonder. Residents, families, and team members come together to enjoy festive events, from caroling and hot cocoa socials to holiday-themed activities that bring smiles to every face. The Montera’s holiday celebrations are more than just events—they’re a chance to foster connections, relive cherished memories, and create new traditions that make the season truly magical.

Mount Tabor 

Mount Tabor is bursting with holiday cheer through daily “Find the Grinch” contests, themed Spirit Week activities with pop-up stations like cookie decorating and savory treats, and a “12 Days of Fitmas” challenge. Team members and residents from all care levels will also enjoy a trip to the Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland lights and a community Hanukkah Celebration on December 26th. 

The holiday season at Mount Tabor is a dazzling blend of fun, fitness, and festivities that unites everyone in the spirit of joy. Whether it's hunting for the mischievous Grinch or savoring sweet and savory treats at the pop-up stations, each day brings a new reason to celebrate. The trip to Winter Wonderland lights will create moments of awe and wonder, while the Hanukkah Celebration fosters inclusivity and togetherness. The community is alive with laughter, love, and the glow of holiday lights, making Mount Tabor a truly special place to experience the magic of the season.

The Commons at Union Ranch 

Julie Green, Director of Wellness Programming, shared that what makes The Commons at Union Ranch feel so special during the holidays is that their community is like an extended family. 

“We get to spend the holidays with residents who may not be able to travel and be at home with their families–so we get to be that family for them,” she said. The Union Ranch family recently went to a holiday show at the Modesto Theatre and visited a poinsettia farm, among the many activities they planned for the season.

The Bellettini 

The Bellettini offers a robust calendar of events, from gingerbread house decorating benefiting a local children’s museum to excursions to the Seattle Symphony Holiday Pops concert. Highlights also include a Casino Royale Holiday Party, Family & Friends Dinner, and festive New Year’s Eve celebrations. 

“We value and respect our residents’ holiday traditions honoring them with opportunities to learn more, engage in meaningful ways, and be a part of our Bellettini family,” said John Friedman, Director of Wellness Programming. “This warmth shines brightly now and throughout the year.”

Highlights this year include: 

• Gingerbread House Decorating to benefit local children’s museum KidsQuest 

• Excursion to hear Seattle Symphony Holiday Pops concert at Beneroya Hall downtown Seattle.  

• Casino Royale Holiday Party 

• Family & Friends Holiday Dinner 

• Emerald Heights K-8 Singers 

• Woodland Park Zoo Holiday Lanterns 

• First Night of Christmas and First Night of Hanukkah 

• Rabbi Mirel & Family Musical Ensemble: Hanukkah Celebration 

• Festive New Year’s Eve Celebration

Huntington Terrace 

Our Huntington Terrace community is glowing with the spirit of Christmas, thanks to the beautiful decorations created together with our residents. This holiday season, Huntington Terrace is hosting several seasonal craft sessions where residents can gather, share laughter, and create heartfelt gifts for their families and friends. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy and celebrate the season. 

The community is also thrilled to celebrate the season with a special music concert, where a group of talented residents will sing carols for an audience, and for those who love to shop, we’re making several festive shopping trips for Christmas gifts. Residents are also baking cookies to thank our local fire department, spreading gratitude and kindness. Next week, we’ll enjoy scenic drives to admire Christmas lights, complete with a pizza stop to make the experience even more joyful.

Mountlake Terrace Plaza 

At Mountlake Terrace Plaza, the holiday season is in full swing with a lineup of joyful and engaging activities for residents, families, and staff. Here’s a glimpse of the festive magic planned: 

• Santa’s Workshop 
  Every department is bringing its holiday spirit to life! From crafting snow globes and wood ornaments with the DOS and DES, to a laugh-out-loud Family Feud hosted by the ED, and baking scrumptious treats with our Chef, there’s something for everyone. Care and dining staff are also leading Christmas Around the World storytelling sessions, enhanced with immersive experiences using Rendever VR. 

• Holiday Bake-Off 
  Residents are sharing cherished family recipes in Chef Dave’s lively baking class, joined by enthusiastic 3rd graders. As a sweet gesture, Chef is also baking pies from scratch to share with all staff members. 

• Winter Wonderland Social 
  Residents will enjoy live holiday music performed by student choirs and volunteer groups. We’ve also invited sister communities, The Creekside and Northgate Plaza, to join in on the fun with hot cocoa and a performance by the enchanting Dickens Carolers. 

• Gratitude & Giving Tree 
  Residents and staff come together for this heartwarming tradition, celebrating the joy of giving. 

• Intergenerational Caroling 
  Partnering with local youth groups, Northwest Neighbors Network, and BSA, we’re bringing cheerful caroling directly to residents’ doors, spreading holiday joy throughout the community. 

• Excursions 
  Residents are setting out on trips to see stunning holiday lights up north and enjoy seasonal shopping outings. 

• Christmas Dinner 
  Families, friends, business partners, and volunteers are invited to join residents for a festive feast that celebrates the holiday season. 

• Finding Strength and Ikigai 
  Our support group offers a safe space for residents to pray, grieve, and reflect together during this meaningful season. 

• Fitness Fun 
  Residents are staying active and energized with our 12 Days of Fitmas fitness classes. 

• Holiday Décor 
  The entire community came together to transform the Plaza into a breathtaking holiday wonderland. 

• The Spirit of Giving 
  Residents extended their holiday spirit to City Hall volunteers by decking the halls with festive wreaths and spirit wear. 

• MLT City Hall Christmas Lighting 
  As proud sponsors of this annual event, we shared our community spirit on stage, inviting volunteers and performers to bring joy to our seniors. 

• Yoi Shigoto 
  Residents baked cookies and handcrafted bookmarks as tokens of appreciation for the local library and the men and women in uniform. 

• Publicity 
  We were thrilled to be featured on KIRO 7 News, showcasing how Rendever VR technology is enhancing our residents’ quality of life. 

• South County Fire Visits 
  Santa surprised us with a special visit alongside the MLT Station 19 Fire Department, who shared holiday safety tips and took photos with residents. 

• MLT-PD Visits 
  Residents enjoyed a memorable men’s breakfast with members of the Mountlake Terrace Police Department.

“The holidays at MLT Plaza are about creating joy, building connections and celebrating the season together. From festive activities to meaningful outreach, every moment is filled with laughter, love and community spirit.” —Anne Paine, Director of Wellness Programming 

During the holidays, Mountlake Terrace Plaza’s Grief Support Group becomes even more essential. Executive Director Paula Banno shared, “Our Grief Support Group provides a compassionate and safe space for residents to share their personal experiences with grief. Topics discussed range from selling a longtime home to the loss of a spouse, creating an open environment for all aspects of loss. Each meeting is filled with heartfelt moments—tears, hugs, and even some laughter. Residents express gratitude for the opportunity to learn from one another and support one another.”  The group started with six people and now hosts ten, which is 12% of the community’s population—not bad for a new group. “Processing grief is always important, but especially through the holidays when it seems to escalate feelings of loss,” Paula said.

At MBK Senior Living, the holiday season is a time to celebrate traditions, foster connections, and create moments of joy. From festive decorations to heartwarming events, our communities are bringing the magic of the season to life for residents, families, and team members alike. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories!