For Janet Hemming, the magic of Christmas isn’t about celebrating the same way year after year. It’s about the memories we carry, the traditions we cherish, and the people who make each season special.
As she prepares to open her beautifully decorated home for Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury’s (RWC) Holiday House Tour on Thursday, December 10, Janet reflects on a lifetime of Christmas memories and the new traditions she’s embraced while holding on to those she loves.
Growing up in Texas as the youngest of three sisters, Janet remembers a particularly special Christmas Eve tradition. Each year, the girls would put on a holiday performance for their parents, complete with handmade programs decorated in Christmas wrapping paper. Her oldest sister played the piano, her middle sister performed a creative skit, and Janet usually recited a poem.
Years later, while sorting through her belongings before moving to RWC, Janet came across one of those old programs, bringing back fond memories of their childhood performances.
As the sisters grew older, their celebrations evolved. Family gatherings shifted between homes, and eventually, their parents began giving them a memorable Christmas gift: a family vacation to enjoy together the following summer. Each Christmas, the sisters eagerly awaited the announcement of their next destination.
Looking back, Janet appreciates how traditions naturally change through different stages of life, while the memories and connections behind them remain.
A Lifetime of Memories, One Christmas Tree
Janet’s love of Christmas is evident throughout her RWC home, where treasured decorations tell stories of family, travel, and holidays gone by.
Among her favorites are the delicate crystal icicles that once adorned her mother’s Christmas tree. When Janet was a teenager, her mother began collecting them, and each year Janet and her sisters would search for new ones to add to the collection, often finding them during their travels.
Today, those same icicles have a special place on Janet’s tree, serving as a beautiful reminder of her mother and the Christmases they shared.
She also displays handmade ornaments from her childhood, glass Christmas trees, and festive pieces from her collection of red and green glassware. Some decorations have been with her for decades, while others are newer discoveries.
“I love that Christmas is a time that you remember,” Janet shared.
Although she treasures the memories attached to her decorations, Janet isn’t one to keep everything exactly the same. An enthusiastic decorator, she enjoys rearranging her displays and adding something new each year.
For Janet, making a home beautiful and personal is part of the fun, no matter where she lives.
Finding New Ways to Celebrate
For many years, Janet and her sister, who lives in Colorado, made it a tradition to spend Christmas together. As holiday travel became increasingly hectic, they decided to find other opportunities throughout the year to enjoy time together.
Now, instead of navigating crowded airports and unpredictable winter weather, they plan visits during the spring and fall or meet somewhere new for a vacation. One memorable trip took them to Holland, Michigan, for the Tulip Festival.
They still connect on Christmas Day, but Janet has discovered that celebrating the holidays at RWC offers its own special traditions.
She particularly enjoys seeing the community transformed for the season, from the festive decorations and elaborate train displays to holiday concerts and gatherings. During her first few years at RWC, she even joined the resident decorating team, helping bring the Christmas spirit to the community.
“I think that RWC does Christmas up very well,” she said. “It always feels festive around here.”
Janet also appreciates the opportunities for residents to celebrate together, especially those who aren’t traveling to be with family. One Christmas, she enjoyed a holiday meal at RWC with friends, including one who was staying in the Health Center.
“It’s nice when you’re by yourself and you’re not going to travel with family to have some kind of little celebration,” she explained.
For Janet, the holidays at RWC are a reminder that while traditions may change, the joy of friendship and togetherness remains.
The Freedom to Enjoy Life
Janet’s appreciation for life at RWC extends well beyond the holiday season.
After spending years maintaining a home and several acres of property, she began to realize just how much time and energy went into the responsibilities of homeownership.
A turning point came when her garage door stopped working. Faced with expensive service calls and the growing frustration of finding reliable help for household repairs, Janet began thinking more seriously about making a change.
She had already been considering RWC for some time. After caring for her late husband through years of health challenges, she understood the importance of planning ahead. With family living in other states, she also wanted the reassurance of knowing support would be available if she ever needed it.
At age 72, Janet made the move.
What she discovered was that moving to RWC didn’t mean giving up her independence. Instead, it gave her more freedom to enjoy the things that mattered most.
“I think a lot of people don’t want to move in ‘too early’ because they think they lose their independence, and you don’t,” she said.
Janet continues to be active in the greater community, serving on boards, participating in church activities, and maintaining the routines she enjoys. She exercises at home on her own schedule, spends time with friends, and takes advantage of RWC’s activities and outings whenever something catches her interest.
“I do what I want to do,” she explained. “It’s just like having a house somewhere else, except somebody else takes care of it.”
Remaining in the Northern Neck was another important part of her decision. Although she had explored retirement communities elsewhere, RWC allowed her to stay connected to the people and places that had long been part of her life.
She didn’t have to change her doctor, hairdresser, pharmacist, or even auto mechanic. Those familiar connections, she believes, make a move much easier.
At RWC, she also discovered a welcoming community that feels more like a neighborhood than a large retirement complex.
Although Janet describes herself as somewhat of an introvert, she has made friends, many through something as simple as walking her dog.
“You learn the dog’s name before you learn the people’s name,” she joked.
Peace of Mind in the Unexpected Moments
While Janet appreciates the convenience and independence of living at RWC, it’s the support available when she needs it that has made an especially meaningful impression.
After experiencing a medical emergency one night, Janet was transported to the hospital. When she was ready to return home in the early morning hours, she realized she had forgotten her cell phone and wondered how she would arrange a ride.
To her surprise, everything had already been taken care of.
RWC staff had coordinated her return, and someone was waiting to bring her home. Once there, a staff member made sure she was comfortably settled, and a nurse followed up the next day to check on her well-being.
“It’s just white glove service,” Janet said.
Having spent years as the primary caregiver for her late husband, Janet understands the importance of dependable support. With family living in other states, knowing that help is available when she needs it provides tremendous peace of mind.
“It’s the little things that you don’t even think about that make this a wonderful place to live,” she shared.
And it’s not just the medical support. Janet appreciates the many thoughtful ways staff members go above and beyond, whether helping with a maintenance request, clearing walkways after a snowstorm, or simply taking a few minutes to have a friendly conversation.
“Everybody is friendly, and people really care,” she said. “It really feels like they care about you, and I really didn’t expect that.”
For Janet, those everyday interactions have helped turn a new residence into a place that truly feels like home.
A New Chapter, Without Leaving the Best Parts Behind
As Janet prepares to welcome guests into her home for the Holiday House Tour, her story offers a meaningful reminder that moving to a retirement community doesn’t mean leaving behind the things that make life special.
For Janet, it has meant maintaining her independence, staying connected to the community she loves, and continuing cherished traditions while discovering new ones.
Her advice to others considering a move is simple: don’t wait too long. Begin planning and downsizing early, while you have the time and energy to make decisions at your own pace.
As another holiday season approaches, Janet is especially grateful for her health, her friendships, and the comfort of knowing she is surrounded by people who genuinely care.
The crystal icicles on her Christmas tree still hold memories of holidays long ago. But alongside those treasured reminders of the past are new memories, new friendships, and new traditions waiting to be made.
And for Janet, that’s what makes RWC feel like home.
Experience the Magic of the Holidays at RWC!
We invite you to join us for our Holiday House Tour on Thursday, December 10, at 2:00 p.m. Step inside beautifully decorated resident homes, including Janet’s, enjoy our festive train displays, and experience the warmth and holiday spirit that make RWC feel like home. The afternoon will conclude with refreshments and an opportunity to connect with residents and learn more about life at RWC.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! RSVP by December 3 to marketing@rw-c.org or call 804-438-4877.
