holiday traditions at Beatitudes Campus

Whether they’re sharing the joy of tree trimming, bringing the community together for a Passover Seder or introducing the festive flavors of Noche Buena, Beatitudes Campus residents and staff unite everyone in memorable and meaningful celebrations throughout the year.

The holidays are more than a time for celebration — embracing unique traditions is an expression of cultural understanding and connection. Living and working among people from different backgrounds fosters curiosity and broadens perspectives to create a warm and inclusive environment.

In this blog, we highlight how diverse retirement communities like ours honor festive customs and some ways Beatitudes Campus residents and staff engage boldly and brightly through shared holiday experiences.

Marc Adelman: Building Community and Honoring Traditions

Marc Adelman has called Beatitudes Campus home for over nine years, but his connection to our community runs even deeper. Growing up nearby, Marc recalls riding his bike along the same streets where he now enjoys life as an assisted living resident. “I moved to Arizona in 1979 and was bar mitzvahed at Beth El Congregation, just down the street,” he said.

Raised in a Jewish household, Marc celebrated traditional holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah and Passover; however, his parents encouraged him and his sister to embrace other holiday traditions. “We visited Santa every year, went on Easter egg hunts and attended Christmas parties. It was a wonderful way to experience a variety of celebrations,” Marc said.

For Marc, the holidays at Beatitudes Campus exemplify inclusivity and shared joy. His proudest accomplishment is celebrating diversity by starting a Passover Seder tradition. “I wanted to create an inclusive event for residents who couldn’t visit family or those who weren’t Jewish but wanted to participate,” he said. The event began with 50 attendees and grew to welcome over 140 residents and guests. The Seder continues under the leadership of Phil Adelman, another resident who was inspired by Marc’s dedication. “It’s a tradition I hope will last for many years,” he said, reflecting on the power of community and connection that defines life here.

Living at Beatitudes Campus has enriched Marc’s holiday experiences. “The staff helps us relive our past traditions, and the campus offers easy access to celebrations of all kinds,” he said. From sing-alongs to learning about residents’ diverse holiday customs, Marc treasures the community spirit. “I recently learned that many traditional Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers. I love listening to Christmas music and always say, ‘I wish Christmas could be every day.’”

Alona Wilkes: Sharing Culture Through Noche Buena

For Alona Wilkes, Christmas is all about family, food and sharing traditions. An independent living resident of Beatitudes Campus for the past two-plus years, Alona delights in sharing the customs of her Filipino heritage with fellow residents.

One of her favorite traditions is Noche Buena, a festive Christmas Eve feast in the Philippines. “It’s a time for families and friends to gather at midnight, share blessings and enjoy a bountiful meal,” Alona explained. The celebration includes vibrant decorations, like red Christmas lanterns, parol lights, and traditional dishes such as lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls) and lechon (whole roasted pig). “The table is a celebration of life, filled with colors and flavors,” she said.

Alona brings the spirit of Noche Buena to Beatitudes Campus. She shares stories with her Rummikub group about Filipino Christmas traditions, describing how families rejoice around nativity scenes present in every home. She also introduces fellow residents to Filipino cuisine, preparing dishes like Filipino-style macaroni salad and pancit, a noodle dish symbolizing long life and happiness.

“I love hearing stories from residents who used to live in Hawaii and tell me about their Filipino friends,” Alona said. Alona cherishes the welcoming and inclusive environment. She lives with her husband, Thomas, and his mother lives in a nearby residence on campus. “We all love living here,” she said. “It’s a place where culture and connection thrive.”

Sara Paull: Celebrating Holidays With Heart

For Sara Paull, the holidays are about traditions, connections and creating meaningful memories. With a 17-year career at Beatitudes Campus — five as a move-in coordinator and 12 as a residency counselor — she has come to think of our community as her “extended family.”

With roots in Sicily, Sara grew up celebrating the feast of Santa Lucia on December 13, a day of light and reflection. “We abstained from pasta and bread — challenging for Italians!” she said. Instead, her family enjoyed traditional dishes like cuccia, a sweet oatmeal-like grain dish, lentil soup, and her favorite, arancini — crispy, golden rice balls filled with savory delights. “Years ago, I shared arancini with the sales team — they were a hit!” she recalled.

One of Sara’s favorite holiday moments was a tree-decorating event where residents brought ornaments with personal significance. As they shared their stories, the tree became a mosaic of memories. “Every time I walked by, I could visualize their lives and families,” she said.

Working in a senior living community has deepened Sara’s appreciation for the holidays. “It’s taught me how precious time with loved ones is and inspired me to celebrate more intentionally,” she said. She treasures Beatitudes Campus’ emphasis on inclusivity, diversity and shared traditions. “Our residents’ kindness and willingness to share their stories create a true sense of belonging.”

To learn more about the cultures and traditions that make Beatitudes Campus special year-round, visit our lifestyle page.

Featured Image: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock