This year, the Christmas season in Südamekodud across Estonia unfolded in a calm, heartfelt and community-connecting rhythm. The holidays were created not only within the walls of the homes, but together with local people, schools and kindergartens, choirs, congregations and volunteers who came to care homes to sing, play, craft and simply spend time together.

All Südamekodud prepared for Christmas thoroughly and with care. Residents and staff crafted decorations, baked gingerbread, made Christmas cards and decorated their homes together. This shared preparation is especially important for seniors, as it creates a sense of security and anticipation that is just as meaningful as the celebrations themselves.

Christmas celebrations were held in every Südamekodu across Estonia, mostly together with performers from local communities. Guests included schoolchildren and young people, as well as choirs, musicians, dance groups and clergy. These encounters brought different generations together.

Southern Estonia

At Piigaste Südamekodu, students from Kanepi Gymnasium performed by singing, dancing and reciting poetry, and also crafted Christmas cards together with residents.

At Värska Südamekodu, residents were visited by the Räpina Chamber Choir during its Christmas tour, as well as by students from Värska Gymnasium, who gifted homemade gingerbread. A Christmas service was also held together with the Selise pastor and congregation members.

At Tartu Südamekodu, sixth-grade students from Tartu TERA Private School spent time with residents ahead of the holidays — talking, crafting Christmas tree ornaments and creating warm connections between young people and seniors. Tartu Südamekodu also hosted a home-made goods fair, inviting everyone connected to Südamekodud in one way or another. Christmas preparations there began well in advance: already in autumn, preserves were made together with residents and enjoyed during the festive season. At the traditional Christmas celebration, both residents’ family members and musicians performed, and special holiday joy was brought by children from Raadi kindergarten, whose visit created touching moments and joy for all generations.

Central Estonia

At Paide Südamekodu, residents were delighted by singing children from the Paide Music and Theatre House, the Paide

Christian Free Congregation, and various musicians and performers, including a children’s brass band and the Wittenstein Activity Museum’s Santa Claus.

At Käru Südamekodu, the Christmas season was celebrated with communal singing, gingerbread baking and the charitable gift collection “Sõber igale ühele”, where the community’s contribution made the holidays especially meaningful.

Northern Estonia

At Kunda Südamekodu, Advent services and concerts were held with the participation of local clergy, musicians and the Rakvere municipality women’s ensemble. Residents were also visited by students from Vasta Mõisakool, who brought handmade cards and gingerbread.
At Valkla Südamekodu, residents were delighted by singing children from Kuusalu Upper Secondary School and the Meelika women’s choir from Kose municipality, whose concerts filled the home with warmth. Alongside music, residents created beaded gifts and jewellery together, adding creativity and joy to the pre-holiday period. Christmas celebrations unfolded in a calm and meaningful rhythm: prayers were heard, familiar carols were sung, and Santa Claus visited all departments with gifts.

At Järve Südamekodu, a traditional Christmas celebration took place with dancing and singing, and Santa Claus’s visit brought laughter and genuine holiday spirit to the home.

At Pirita Südamekodu, Christmas celebrations and concerts were held, featuring communal singing and a genuine sense of togetherness with both the singing club and invited performers.

At Merivälja Südamekodu, the Christmas month was filled with activity and joyful festive rhythm — the home and gingerbread were decorated together, and a Christmas celebration was held with Santa Claus, who remembered birthday celebrants and brought smiles and warm wishes.

Western Estonia

At Lihula Südamekodu, the week before Christmas was active and joyful. Residents were visited by children from Lihula kindergarten, bringing excitement and laughter, as well as musicians from the local community.

A singing circle was also held, the Varbla women’s ensemble Midrilind performed, and gingerbread was decorated together. The Christmas spirit was further enhanced by a shared walk to admire the town’s festive lights and by calm creative moments spent crafting and doing handicrafts.

At Saaremaa Südamekodu, festive spirit was brought by the women’s ensemble of Kuressaare Laurentius Church and the dance group Kanarbik, whose performances filled the home with music, movement and joy.