Read the latest edition of our community newsletter to learn more about news and activities at Victorian Village Senior Community!
Life Style DECEMBER 2025 VICTORIAN VILLAGE
Life at Victorian Village A Message from Tammy Tjoelker
What a blessed season is upon us! The Advent season reminds us to prepare our hearts and minds for what is to come as we rejoice in the greatest gift of love sent to us, our Lord Jesus, and we look forward to His second coming. We gain
you do and say to one another. Have fun with the various activities and be among friends in our beautiful community. When this month comes to a close, ponder the new year ahead, but let the fond memories of the many joyful events throughout the past year continue to encourage each one of us! Love, Joy, and Peace be yours in this season and beyond!
a renewed sense of wonder as we decorate our homes this season with Holy Nativity scenes, the beautiful lights that hang from our trees, and the brilliant ornaments that shine among the green branches, filling each one of our hearts with hopeful anticipation. May this Christmas season bring light and joy to all as residents, staff, family, friends, and loved ones come together to celebrate. So much to look forward to in the days ahead: Christmas Parties, Merry Mixer light show, caroling, decorating, and enjoying performances of instruments, voice, and dance. May we truly prepare and believe the real reason for this season is that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son! Remember God’s love for us and share that love with those around us as we celebrate this season. While you experience the busy days ahead, show kindness in all that
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www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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December Life Enrichment Activities
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Happy Hour at the Inn Living Room Mondays in December 3:00 p.m. — Inn Living Room
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Baking Club 1:00 p.m. — Grand Activity Center Baking a new recipe for the Victorian Village cookbook (coming December 31)
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Crazy Bunco 1:00 p.m. — Grand Activity Center
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Ozinga Merry Mixer Light Show 5:00 p.m. — Main Entrance Parking Area
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Homer Glen Rolling Library 10:30 a.m. — Inn Living Room
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Shopping Trip: Jewel Osco & Dollar Tree 9:30 a.m. — Bus Departure Sign up in the What’s Happening Book
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Happy Hour at the Grand 3:00 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lounge
Shopping Trip: Walgreens Senior Discount Day and Aldi 9:30 a.m. — Bus Departure Sign up in the What’s Happening Book
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Victorian Inn Bus Outing: Christmas Lights Tour 5:00 p.m. — Bus Departure
10 th Card-Making Craft
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Faith & Hope Houses Christmas Parties 12:00 p.m. — In each house
1:30 p.m. — Grand Activity Center Come spend time with volunteers Linda & Ellen! We’ll provide all the supplies, just bring yourself and enjoy a relaxing, creative break.
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Grand Victorian Bus Outing: Christmas Lights Tour 5:00 p.m. — Bus Departure Sign up in the What’s Happening Book Victorian Courts Townhomes Christmas Party 4:30 p.m.
10 th Covenant OPC Girls Caroling 7:00 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lobby
11 th Victorian Inn Christmas Party 4:00 p.m.
4 th
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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11 th Grand Victorian Christmas Party 5:00 p.m.
16 th Massage Therapist Allison 1:00 p.m. — Grand Beauty Shop
Sign up in the What’s Happening Book for an Appointment
12 th Lutheran Service with Pastor Rick 1:30 p.m.
17 th Entertainment:
13 th Dance Images Performance 10:00 a.m.
Violinist Henrik Karapetyan 10:00 a.m. — Memory Support Unit
15 th Entertainment: St. Michael’s School Christmas Band Concert 9:00 a.m. in the Grand fireside lobby
17 th Entertainment:
Violinist Henrik Karapetyan 11:00 a.m. — Grand Fireside Lobby
17 th Bingo with the Bethshan Residents 6:00 p.m. — Grand Activity Room Hosted by Bill Schepel and residents from the CILA homes
15 th Happy Hour at the Inn Living Room 3:00 p.m. — Inn Living Room
15 th Homer Glen Rolling Library 10:30 a.m. — Inn Living Room
18 th Allegro Dance Academy Performance 5:00 p.m.
16 th Happy Hour at the Grand
3:00 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lounge
16 th Shopping Trip: JC Penney Shopping 9:30 a.m. — Bus Departure Sign up in the What’s Happening Book
19 th Inn Residents Birthday Party 1:45 p.m. — Inn Living Room
19 th Grand Residents Birthday Party 3:00 p.m. — Grand Fireside Lobby
16 th Holiday Vendor Bazaar 10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
23 rd Shopping Trip: Meijer & Aldi 9:30 a.m. — Bus Departure
Grand 1st Floor Lobby, Grand Fireside Lobby and Grand Activity Center
Sign up in the What’s Happening Book
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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23 rd Lunch Outing: Original Pancake House – Orland Park 11:00 a.m. — Bus Departure Sign up in the What’s Happening Book
News from the Courts Courts Happy Hour (Held the 3 rd Tuesday of each month) Tuesday, December 9 th 4:30 p.m. Courts Community Center
24 th Christmas Eve Worship Service 11:00 a.m. — Grand Fireside Lobby
24 th Christmas Bingo
3:00 p.m. — Grand Activity Room Wear something Christmas-themed to receive a bingo coupon
Courts Potluck Thursday, December 18 th 11:45 a.m. Courts Community Center
30 th Shopping Trip: Walmart 9:30 a.m. — Bus Departure
Sign up in the What’s Happening Book
30 th General Store Bingo Coupon Redemption Day 3:00 p.m. — Grand Activity Room
Marquette Bank Full-Service Banking Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Private Dining Room at the Grand We offer on-site banking with Marquette Bank to provide services to our residents. Banking services are set up in our private dining room at the Grand and is available
31 st New Year’s Party
11:00 a.m. — Memory Support
31 st New Year’s Party
1:45 p.m. — Victorian Inn
31 st New Year’s Party
every Thursday: • December 4 th • December 11 th • December 18 th
3:00 p.m. — Grand Victorian
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Chaplain’s Corner: Christmas Sermon
hopeful thoughts of Christ's second Advent, of their own resurrection from the grave, of their reunion with all the saints who have gone before them, of eternal blessedness in Christ's kingdom. Happy are they who have such thoughts! They sweeten life and lift men over many cares. Reader, have you such thoughts? Reader, thoughts such as these are the property of all true Christians. Some of them know more of them, and some know less. But all know something about them. They do not always feel them equally at all times! They do not always find such thoughts equally fresh and green in their minds. They have their winter as well as their summer, and their low tide as well as their high tide. But all true Christians are, more or less, acquainted with these thoughts. In this matter, churchmen and dissenters, rich and poor, all are agreed if they are true Christians. In other things, they may be unable to agree and see alike. But they all agree in their thoughts about Christ. One word they can all say, which is the same in every tongue. That word is "Hallelujah," praise to the Lord Christ! One answer they can all make, which in every tongue is equally the same. That word is "Amen," so be it! And now, reader, I shall wind up my Christmas tract by simply bringing before your conscience the question which forms its title. I ask you this day, "What think ye of Christ?"
Matthew 22:42 (KJV)
Christmas is a season that almost all Christians observe in one way or another. Some keep it as a religious season. Some keep it as a holiday. But all over the world, wherever there are Christians, in one way or another, Christmas is kept. True Christians have hopeful thoughts of Christ . They expect to receive far more from Him one day than they have ever received yet. They hope that they shall be kept to the end and never perish. But this is not all. They look forward to Christ's second coming and expect that then they shall see far more than they have seen and enjoy far more than they have yet enjoyed. They have the earnest of an inheritance now in the Spirit dwelling in their heart. But they hope for a far fuller possession when this world has passed away. They have
Continued
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What others think about Him is not the question now. Their mistakes are no excuse for you. Their correct views will not save your soul. The point you have before you is simply this: "What do you think yourself?" Reader, this Christmas may possibly be your last. Who can tell but you may never live to see another December come round? Who can tell but your place may be empty when the family party next Christmas is gathered together? Do not, I entreat you, put off my question or turn away from it. It can do you no harm to look at it and consider it. What do you think of Christ? Begin, I beseech you, this day to have right thoughts of Christ, if you never had them before. Let the time past suffice you to have lived without genuine and heartfelt religion. Let this present Christmas be a starting point in your soul's history. Awaken to see the value of your soul, and the immense importance of being saved. Break off sharply from sin and the world. Get your Bible down and begin reading it. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and beseech Him to save your soul. Rest not, rest not till you have trustful, loving, experimental, hopeful thoughts of Christ. Reader, mark my words! If you will only take the advice I have now given you, you will never repent it. Your life in the future will be happier. Your heart will be lighter. Your Christmas gatherings will be more truly joyful. Nothing makes Christmas meetings so happy as the feeling that we are all traveling towards an eternal gathering in heaven. Commentary by J.C. Ryle
A Devotional Thought for Christmas Come with a worshipful heart. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let our hearts draw near in reverence. The same Savior who lay in a manger now reigns in glory, inviting us to know Him more deeply. Let His light guide your steps. In every season — joyful or difficult — Christ remains the Light that darkness cannot overcome. Ask Him to shine in your decisions, your relationships, and your
quiet moments of reflection. Rest in His unfailing love.
The manger is a reminder of God’s tender mercy. Christ came near so that we may never walk alone. His love is steadfast, His grace abundant, and His compassion new each morning. Prepare Him room. Amid the celebrations, let your soul make space for prayer, Scripture, and moments of stillness. Christ meets the heart that seeks Him with sincerity. A prayer for this holy season: Lord Jesus, draw me closer to You this Christmas. Fill my heart with faith, my spirit with peace, and my days with Your presence. Teach me to walk in Your light and anchor my hope in You alone. Amen.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Senior Fitness with Symbria 9 self-care tips to support your mental well-being during the holidays
2. Acknowledge your feelings Every feeling you experience is valid. Give yourself permission to feel each feeling. You may experience opposing feelings, like grief and joy, during the holiday, and that is okay. Using an emotion checklist can help you better identify your feelings. You may find it helpful to write down your feelings in a journal or share them with someone you trust. 3. Learn to say “no” It can be tempting to say “yes” to everything, especially at the holidays. If you say “yes” to something when you wanted to say “no,” it can lead to feelings of resentment and being overwhelmed. Remember that “no” is a complete sentence, and you do not have to explain your choice to others. 4. Be realistic There are only 24 hours in a day. Make a list of all the events and obligations you have during the holiday season and prioritize them. Know that it is okay to decline an invitation or to make a conscious choice to participate in only a certain number of holiday events during a given timeframe. For example, you may decide to only participate in 1 event each weekend.
1. Practice gratitude Research shows that those who practice gratitude not only reduce their stress levels but also feel less pain, get better sleep, have stronger immune systems, experience healthier relationships, and perform better professionally. Gratitude has also been shown to motivate people to make healthier food choices. Gratitude can be practiced in a variety of ways. y Create a gratitude jar : When you feel gratitude, write that experience down on a piece of paper and place it in the jar. Each month, pull out a few experiences to read and maybe share with others. y Start a gratitude journal: every day, write down at least one thing you were grateful for that day. It could be as simple as a beautiful flower, someone who smiled at you, or even getting out of bed.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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5. Stick to healthy habits In the hustle and bustle of the holiday
6. Get creative Creativity comes in a variety of forms, and the world is your oyster. Try coloring, painting, or making a craft. Get creative with your holiday baking or try a new recipe. Write a poem or short story. 7. Give or serve others Volunteering can increase life satisfaction and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Respondents of The United Healthcare/Volunteer Match study reported higher levels of life satisfaction, a greater sense of control over their lives, and feeling physically and emotionally healthier. Older adults specifically reported a more positive attitude towards aging and higher control over their health. Find a service opportunity that best suits you, your values, and abilities. Volunteer at a local organization, send a card to someone, contribute to a charity, adopt a family, pet, or child, or make a meal or treat for someone. 8. Journal Write one sentence every day describing your day. Or try writing for a set amount of time (5-10 minutes) in a free-flowing stream- of-consciousness style. Write without censoring your feelings or judgment. You may also find it helpful to write down three things you’re struggling with and one action step to relieve that concern.
season, it's easy to forget the basics. Healthy foods can boost our mood. Sleep has been shown to maintain cognitive skills such as attention, learning, and memory, as well as to increase positive emotions. Physical activity is associated with reduced anxiety, depression, and negative mood, and with increased self-esteem and cognitive function. Here are some ways to make healthy habits a priority. y Diet: Before attending a holiday gathering, have a healthy snack. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables. If possible, use low-fat and reduced-sodium ingredients, and enjoy small portions of higher-calorie foods y Sleep: The National Sleep Foundation recommends sticking to a sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, creating a sleep-friendly bedroom that is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature, exercising daily, and avoiding food and drinks 2-3 hours before bed. y Exercise: visit your local senior center and check out their physical activity offerings. Take a walk outside or have a dance party.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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9. Reach out If you’re feeling isolated or alone, reach out to your support network. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988. You will be contacted by a trained crisis counselor who can provide free and confidential emotional support and connect you with local resources. During the holidays and throughout the year, give yourself grace as you navigate the joys and challenges of the holiday season. “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” L.R. Knost.
A Season of Small Joys Add a touch of sparkle to your day. Light a favorite candle, play holiday music you love, or place a small decoration where you’ll see it often. Little moments of cheer can brighten the whole season. Create moments of connection. Share a story from holidays past, exchange a favorite recipe, or invite someone to sit with you for a few minutes. The season shines a bit brighter when shared. Rediscover simple comforts. Sip something warm, enjoy the glow of holiday lights, or take in the beauty of winter scenery. Give yourself permission to slow down and savor it. Let your heart guide your traditions. Whether you keep long-loved rituals or try something new, choose what feels meaningful to you this year. Spread kindness in small ways. Offer a warm greeting, write a cheerful note, or help brighten someone else’s day. Even tiny acts of kindness bring big warmth during the holidays.
Live & Learn Vitality Promotes Purpose: Pathways to Engagement Thursday, December 18th
10:00 a.m. in the Grand Activity Center Purpose is defined as the reason for which something or someone exists. Knowing our purpose focuses our life and our energies on what matters most and produces passion and vitality. Join Stacy for an insightful, encouraging, and reflective presentation that explores how you can fully engage in purposeful living by developing a purpose plan through taking inventory of your life journey and celebrating your unique gifts and talents.
Hold space for yourself. Amid the celebrations, remember to pause, breathe, and appreciate your own strength and resilience throughout the year.
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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November was bursting with energy, creativity, and connection here at Victorian Village! From the laughter-filled George Burns & Gracie Allen Program to friendly competition during Game Time, residents enjoyed a full calendar of meaningful moments. We welcomed a sweet therapy dog who brought smiles to every hallway, celebrated birthdays with joy, and embraced Active Aging Month with activities that kept spirits high. Fall fun was in full swing with pumpkin decorating, scenic joy rides, and festive community events including our Veterans Program, the Bethshan Trunk or Treat, and the always-popular Pumpkin Party & Monster Mash costume contest. Enjoy a look back at a month filled with warmth, celebration, and wonderful memories. Sharing Life & Making Memories
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Life Style VICTORIAN VILLAGE
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Life Style VICTORIAN VILLAGE
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Life Style VICTORIAN VILLAGE
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Life Style VICTORIAN VILLAGE
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Life Style VICTORIAN VILLAGE
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Life Style VICTORIAN VILLAGE
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Victorian Village Announcements
The Victorian Village family extends heartfelt December birthday greetings to all of our residents who are celebrating this month!
MERRY
WeCare Connect Survey Please watch for your WeCare Connect customer satisfaction survey via email, text, or phone. We are grateful that you chose Victorian Village and we wish to ensure your satisfaction, so we need to hear from you.
and HAPPY NEW YEAR
www.VictorianVillage.com (708) 301-0800 | vv@provlife.com | 12600 Renaissance Circle | Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Christmas Crossword Puzzle
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