While gatherings and gifts might look different for those going through hospice, the holidays can still be a cherished time with the right support.
Emmanuel Hospice
What kind of gift do you give someone receiving hospice care? How do you celebrate knowing it might be your last holiday with a loved one?
Suffice to say, the holiday season brings difficult challenges for families going through an end-of-life journey. While gatherings and gifts might look different, Joan Blessings with Emmanuel Hospice says it can still be a cherished time with the right support from friends, family and hospice care team members.
Blessings has walked alongside many families as they navigate the uncharted waters we will all face at the end of life. As a licensed massage therapist and member of the complementary therapies and services team, she is passionate about bringing comfort through the power of touch, art, music and more. She’s found that engaging different senses is one way to include patients in holiday festivities.
“Consider ways to create a peaceful environment through sights, sounds and scents,” Blessings says. “The sense of hearing persists even at late stages of end of life, so I always encourage families to continue talking to their loved one. Share reassuring words, talk about past holiday celebrations and other joyful memories.”
Blessings also recommends adjusting lighting and playing music based on a patient’s preferences. Emmanuel Hospice utilizes its complementary services such as music therapy and essential oils to help create a calm environment and manage symptoms. While these services are offered year-round, Blessings says they can also serve as meaningful gifts.
One of her favorite Emmanuel Hospice offerings is a heartbeat recording, which is captured by a music therapist and then merged with a song that’s special to the patient. Similarly, hand molds and fingerprint art become legacy items families cherish long after their loved one’s passing.
Blessings adds that maintaining a soothing atmosphere should be a priority for guests in the home, too.
“If you want to visit a family going through hospice, be sure to schedule a time to visit rather than dropping in unexpectedly,” she says. “Limit the number of people coming at once and keep visits short so it’s not overwhelming.”
Being a good listener and offering practical support is another way to uplift families with a loved one facing a serious illness.
“Drop off a meal or offer to run an errand so they have one less thing to worry about,” she suggests. “You could also offer to spend time with the patient so caregivers can feel empowered to go out and do something relaxing to reset themselves. Let the family know they can call at any time, and you’ll be there to listen or help in some way.”
For those wanting to give a tangible gift, Blessings recommends items of warmth and comfort.
“Cozy slippers with grippy bottoms, handmade quilts and prayer shawls are great choices for hospice patients,” she says. “If the patient is still eating and their family is comfortable with it, gift a sweet treat you know they love.”
As for a hospice provider’s role around the holidays, Blessings wants families to know that availability of care does not change. In fact, hospice brings an added layer of support that helps patients remain at home for the holidays, surrounded by loved ones.
“Emmanuel Hospice is available 24/7 to answer questions and dispatch care,” she says. “Our holiday hours are whenever patients and families need us so they can focus on cherishing time together where they are most comfortable.”
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community. Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
To learn more about hospice care during the holidays and beyond, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.
Emmanuel Hospice
What kind of gift do you give someone receiving hospice care? How do you celebrate knowing it might be your last holiday with a loved one?
Suffice to say, the holiday season brings difficult challenges for families going through an end-of-life journey. While gatherings and gifts might look different, Joan Blessings with Emmanuel Hospice says it can still be a cherished time with the right support from friends, family and hospice care team members.
Blessings has walked alongside many families as they navigate the uncharted waters we will all face at the end of life. As a licensed massage therapist and member of the complementary therapies and services team, she is passionate about bringing comfort through the power of touch, art, music and more. She’s found that engaging different senses is one way to include patients in holiday festivities.
“Consider ways to create a peaceful environment through sights, sounds and scents,” Blessings says. “The sense of hearing persists even at late stages of end of life, so I always encourage families to continue talking to their loved one. Share reassuring words, talk about past holiday celebrations and other joyful memories.”
Blessings also recommends adjusting lighting and playing music based on a patient’s preferences. Emmanuel Hospice utilizes its complementary services such as music therapy and essential oils to help create a calm environment and manage symptoms. While these services are offered year-round, Blessings says they can also serve as meaningful gifts.
One of her favorite Emmanuel Hospice offerings is a heartbeat recording, which is captured by a music therapist and then merged with a song that’s special to the patient. Similarly, hand molds and fingerprint art become legacy items families cherish long after their loved one’s passing.
Blessings adds that maintaining a soothing atmosphere should be a priority for guests in the home, too.
“If you want to visit a family going through hospice, be sure to schedule a time to visit rather than dropping in unexpectedly,” she says. “Limit the number of people coming at once and keep visits short so it’s not overwhelming.”
Being a good listener and offering practical support is another way to uplift families with a loved one facing a serious illness.
“Drop off a meal or offer to run an errand so they have one less thing to worry about,” she suggests. “You could also offer to spend time with the patient so caregivers can feel empowered to go out and do something relaxing to reset themselves. Let the family know they can call at any time, and you’ll be there to listen or help in some way.”
For those wanting to give a tangible gift, Blessings recommends items of warmth and comfort.
“Cozy slippers with grippy bottoms, handmade quilts and prayer shawls are great choices for hospice patients,” she says. “If the patient is still eating and their family is comfortable with it, gift a sweet treat you know they love.”
As for a hospice provider’s role around the holidays, Blessings wants families to know that availability of care does not change. In fact, hospice brings an added layer of support that helps patients remain at home for the holidays, surrounded by loved ones.
“Emmanuel Hospice is available 24/7 to answer questions and dispatch care,” she says. “Our holiday hours are whenever patients and families need us so they can focus on cherishing time together where they are most comfortable.”
Zeeland native Sara Torrey Lowe founded Emmanuel Hospice in 2013 with Sr. Gabriela Hilke in collaboration with St. Ann’s Home, Clark Retirement, Porter Hills and Sunset Retirement Community. Lowe is now the chief executive officer of Emmanuel Hospice.
To learn more about hospice care during the holidays and beyond, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.
OAISD Special Needs Students Learn Climbing Skills Through Partnership
Adult special needs students in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School
District’s Young Adult Services program practice climbing basics at
Shift Climbing in Holland.
Photo courtesy Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Students in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Young Adult Services program for students aged 18 to 26 with special needs are growing their social and motor skills through a special partnership with Shift Climbing in Holland.
Shift Climbing approached the YAS Felch Street location about a collaboration at the beginning of the school year. After meeting and touring the facility, YAS students now visit Shift Climbing every Friday to experience a different way to exercise. During the hour-long sessions, students learn climbing basics, including how to fall safely.
“Climbing is great for our students because it works on strength in a variety of ways, mobility, coordination, planning, and is a novel and fun activity for them,” OAISD Young Adult Services Director John Koerner said. “Beyond a great form of exercise, climbing is a great way for our students to push a little past their comfort zone and grow.”
Hospitality Guide for Shift, Jadee Woodby, said it has been rewarding to combine her background in autism support and special education with her expertise in bouldering to create an even more welcoming and accessible space.
“We are truly honored to work with these students,” Woodby said. “Being able to witness them embrace new forms of movement, unlock abilities, and build confidence is the most powerful affirmation of our mission at Shift Climbing. This has been such a fabulous experience; we are reaching out to other organizations to provide adaptive programming too.”
The successful partnership has expanded, and Shift is also a volunteer jobsite, allowing students to gain on-site work experience.
“It is a genuine privilege to observe the students' growth and joy while climbing,” Woodby said. “Shift is eager to continue this partnership and explore ways to expand its impact in the future.”
The Young Adult Services program is for students ages 18 to 26, receiving special education services through Ottawa Area ISD. Students participate in activities inside and outside the classroom focusing on life skills, job skills, personal care, and functional academics allowing them to reach maximum independence. Students also have the opportunity to acquire these skills through short-term placements at community businesses and organizations.
For more information about the Young Adult Services program, visit yas.oaisd.org.
Shift Climbing approached the YAS Felch Street location about a collaboration at the beginning of the school year. After meeting and touring the facility, YAS students now visit Shift Climbing every Friday to experience a different way to exercise. During the hour-long sessions, students learn climbing basics, including how to fall safely.
“Climbing is great for our students because it works on strength in a variety of ways, mobility, coordination, planning, and is a novel and fun activity for them,” OAISD Young Adult Services Director John Koerner said. “Beyond a great form of exercise, climbing is a great way for our students to push a little past their comfort zone and grow.”
Hospitality Guide for Shift, Jadee Woodby, said it has been rewarding to combine her background in autism support and special education with her expertise in bouldering to create an even more welcoming and accessible space.
“We are truly honored to work with these students,” Woodby said. “Being able to witness them embrace new forms of movement, unlock abilities, and build confidence is the most powerful affirmation of our mission at Shift Climbing. This has been such a fabulous experience; we are reaching out to other organizations to provide adaptive programming too.”
The successful partnership has expanded, and Shift is also a volunteer jobsite, allowing students to gain on-site work experience.
“It is a genuine privilege to observe the students' growth and joy while climbing,” Woodby said. “Shift is eager to continue this partnership and explore ways to expand its impact in the future.”
The Young Adult Services program is for students ages 18 to 26, receiving special education services through Ottawa Area ISD. Students participate in activities inside and outside the classroom focusing on life skills, job skills, personal care, and functional academics allowing them to reach maximum independence. Students also have the opportunity to acquire these skills through short-term placements at community businesses and organizations.
For more information about the Young Adult Services program, visit yas.oaisd.org.
Santa to Visit Holland Kerstmarkt
The 28th annual Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt continues this weekend on Friday and Saturday.
Starting in 1997 with just 10 booths, the Kerstmarkt has grown into a beloved annual holiday event with 27 booths to shop from during each visit. The 2025 Kerstmarkt season will run weekends only with varying hours from Friday through Saturday, Dec. 20.
The Kerstmarkt is located at the 8th Street Marketplace, 150 W. 8th St., just outside of the Holland Civic Center Place. This outdoor European-style Christmas market allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, while shopping for unique, locally-produced, handcrafted gifts from various vendors each weekend.
In addition, authentic Dutch foods will be available for purchase, with traditional holiday glu¨hwein, or hot mulled wine, available for guests 21 and older.
This weekend, find holiday fun for all ages, On Friday, children can enjoy a chilly storytime, led by the Herrick District Library from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Then, enjoy the sounds of classic holidays songs played on handbells on Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m.
Shoppers with a keen eye may even spy Santa and Mrs. Claus doing a bit of holiday shopping themselves on both Friday and Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. If you’re lucky enough to spot them, you can tell them what’s on your wish list and grab a picture, too.
The Kerstmarkt and special events are free to attend with free on-site parking, and is located right at the end of Downtown Holland’s beautiful Eighth Street, where you can stroll up and down to enjoy the beautifully lit holiday atmosphere.
Vendors of the Holland Kerstmarkt are proud to share customers have shopped the Kerstmarkt from all over the world, checking into the guest book that can be found inside the Warming Booth each market day.
Kerstmarkt shoppers have voted the Holland Kerstmarkt into the top 10 winners of the USA Today Readers Choice Poll of the 10 Best Holiday Markets in the United States.
For more details on the 2025 Kerstmarkt season, hours, and other upcoming special events, visit kerstmarktholland.org and follow the market on Facebook at Kerstmarkt-Holland, and on Instagram at kerstmarktholland.
Starting in 1997 with just 10 booths, the Kerstmarkt has grown into a beloved annual holiday event with 27 booths to shop from during each visit. The 2025 Kerstmarkt season will run weekends only with varying hours from Friday through Saturday, Dec. 20.
The Kerstmarkt is located at the 8th Street Marketplace, 150 W. 8th St., just outside of the Holland Civic Center Place. This outdoor European-style Christmas market allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, while shopping for unique, locally-produced, handcrafted gifts from various vendors each weekend.
In addition, authentic Dutch foods will be available for purchase, with traditional holiday glu¨hwein, or hot mulled wine, available for guests 21 and older.
This weekend, find holiday fun for all ages, On Friday, children can enjoy a chilly storytime, led by the Herrick District Library from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Then, enjoy the sounds of classic holidays songs played on handbells on Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m.
Shoppers with a keen eye may even spy Santa and Mrs. Claus doing a bit of holiday shopping themselves on both Friday and Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. If you’re lucky enough to spot them, you can tell them what’s on your wish list and grab a picture, too.
The Kerstmarkt and special events are free to attend with free on-site parking, and is located right at the end of Downtown Holland’s beautiful Eighth Street, where you can stroll up and down to enjoy the beautifully lit holiday atmosphere.
Vendors of the Holland Kerstmarkt are proud to share customers have shopped the Kerstmarkt from all over the world, checking into the guest book that can be found inside the Warming Booth each market day.
Kerstmarkt shoppers have voted the Holland Kerstmarkt into the top 10 winners of the USA Today Readers Choice Poll of the 10 Best Holiday Markets in the United States.
For more details on the 2025 Kerstmarkt season, hours, and other upcoming special events, visit kerstmarktholland.org and follow the market on Facebook at Kerstmarkt-Holland, and on Instagram at kerstmarktholland.
