The Gift of Community: How Moving Before the Holidays Supports Emotional Well-Being

Entering Community Life Before the Holidays for a Happier, Easier Season

As the holiday season approaches, many families begin thinking about familiar traditions, shared moments, and time spent together. This time of year also has a way of highlighting what would make life feel easier and more connected for you or a senior family member. For many, moving into a community before the season begins can create a more comfortable and meaningful experience, both emotionally and practically.

Settling in ahead of the holidays allows the transition to unfold at a gentler pace. Instead of navigating a move in the middle of an already busy time, you or your loved one can become familiar with the community, meet new neighbors, and find a comfortable routine before the celebrations begin. Research on senior living transitions shows that having this settling period can significantly reduce stress and help someone feel more grounded in their new surroundings.

Arriving during the early part of the holiday season also creates a warm introduction to community life. People tend to be more engaged, gatherings feel more inviting, and the overall atmosphere is uplifting. Entering at this moment makes it easier to feel welcomed and connected, creating a sense of belonging that is especially meaningful at this time of year.

The holidays often bring additional responsibilities, and managing everything at home can start to feel overwhelming. Winter weather, extra errands, and the pressure to keep up with traditions can make the season more tiring than joyful. Moving in before the holidays helps shift the focus away from these challenges. Daily life becomes simpler and more supported, giving you or your family member the space to enjoy the season fully without the stress that can come with maintaining a home during winter.

This timing also brings peace of mind for families. Having the transition completed before the holidays means you can spend your time together enjoying meaningful moments instead of reacting to last-minute needs or feeling rushed into decisions. Many families notice during the holidays that extra support would be beneficial, and taking this step earlier removes that pressure, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable season for everyone.

By the time the new year arrives, you or your loved one is no longer adjusting to a major change but already settling into a sense of community and routine. Beginning January with familiarity, support, and connection creates a much smoother start to the year, allowing this new chapter to unfold with confidence.

We understand that choosing to move is a personal and emotional decision. But stepping into the holiday season already supported, welcomed, and at ease can make that choice feel right. Moving a bit earlier offers a thoughtful way to give yourself or your loved one a season filled with comfort, safety, and genuine connection.

If you would like to explore what this transition could look like or schedule a visit to experience the holiday atmosphere firsthand, we are here to help make the process warm and meaningful.

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Testimonials

My parents were here for almost 3 years. Excellent staff, very personable and caring. It is ...
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Barbara Pinkussohn
My parents were here for almost 3 years. Excellent staff, very personable and caring. It is a small community so the staff really gets to know each and every resident. No one gets lost in the shuffle here, like they did in another much bigger assisted living facility. No elevators to deal with, no stairs and no huge noisy dining rooms. Entire staff went above and beyond for the care. I highly recommend.
Barbara Pinkussohn
Barbara Pinkussohn
Celebration Villa of Shippensburg PA has been phenomenal! We were in a situation where we ...
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Regina Marks-Lee
Celebration Villa of Shippensburg PA has been phenomenal! We were in a situation where we needed to move my parent from a rehab facility to an assisted living/personal care facility in a short time window. Nicole Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing, responded quickly with setting us up for a tour, picking my parent up at their location and providing a tour, lunch and activities. The entire staff has bent over backwards to make sure our family was comfortable with our decision and getting everything needed to make move-in as smooth as possible. Celebration Villa is easily accessible, bright, clean and friendly from the staff to all the residents. Nicole, Jennifer, Brittanay, Melissa you are all WONDERFUL! On behalf of my entire family, thank you
Regina Marks-Lee
Regina Marks-Lee
What an amazing place for your loved one! After visiting many personal care homes in...
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Michelle Yunk
What an amazing place for your loved one! After visiting many personal care homes in Cumberland County I truly felt this was home for my mom the moment I walked in the door. This is a very stressful time when making this transition for both you and your loved one. We were welcomed by so many nice staff members which included the Director Jen, Director of Nursing Melissa, Shyann in Marketing, and Events Director Kelly and so many more. It’s been a few months since mom moved in and I never once question her care. I have peace of mind knowing that the staff truly cares for the residents. Lots of activities to get involved with. Facility is clean and decorated nicely. Staff is very interactive and quick to communicate and respond to questions. Mom doesn’t realize how great she has it! Thanks to the entire staff, including dining, that works so hard to make this the best place in Cumberland County for your loved ones care!!!!
Michelle Yunk
Michelle Yunk
My father moved in last year and he is the happiest he has been in...
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Lydia Diehl
My father moved in last year and he is the happiest he has been in years! He has positive relationships with so many of the staff members. They are very attentive to his needs and have gone out of their way to get to know him. The Director of Nursing is always helpful and quick to respond when I have questions about his care. I feel that the staff at Celebration Villa care very much about their residents and strive to help make my dad’s days the best they can be. I am so grateful for all of them!
Lydia Diehl
Lydia Diehl
The staff take amazing care of my mom. They are patient and genuinely caring, seeking ...
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Matt McBride
The staff take amazing care of my mom. They are patient and genuinely caring, seeking to make a human connection with her. The small community grantees that Mom will never be lost in the shuffle. And, if I ever do need anything, they are available 24/7.
Matt McBride
Matt McBride
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the day I moved my mom, Margie, into Celebration ...
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Cheryl Slattery
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the day I moved my mom, Margie, into Celebration Villa of Shippensburg, and I honestly see this day as a moment to truly celebrate that she has thrived over this last year in all ways beyond any growth that she had made (or didn't make) in prior years since 2019. Her level and quality of care by the Director, Nursing staff, Medical Technicians, Dining Services, and many other folks who service the community has been exceedingly delivered and I appreciate what everyone there has done for her and with her. Most notable for her/me has been the sincere kindness that has been shown to her/us in all respects. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone at Celebration Villa of Shippensburg for a fantastic year in her/our life.
Cheryl Slattery
Cheryl Slattery
CV Shippensburg is truly my mother's home. She is happy and loves the activities. She ...
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Wanda McCoy
CV Shippensburg is truly my mother's home. She is happy and loves the activities. She receives the best care. We are extremely happy she is a resident at CV Shippensburg. Great people and nice facility
Wanda McCoy
Wanda McCoy

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