Senior Living News,
December 2025
Oakview Park Greenville
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - December 2025 - France
Resident´s Birthdays
Gwen Owens 12/15
Celebrating December
December 2
Lost and
Found Day
December 12
Hanukkah
December 14–22
IFCM World Choral Day
December 14
Christmas
December 25
Boxing Day
December 26
Kwanzaa
December 26–January 1
New Year’s Eve
December 31
Events Spotlight
Wreath Decorating Contest 12/1-12/24
Pictures with Santa 12/11
Associate of the Month
Jacob Cook
Jacob grew up in Palm Beach County Florida, where he studied architectural drafting and design in high school, but decided to follow his passion for the culinary industry and went on to graduate from Florida Culinary Institute. He spent many years growing his skills at country clubs and golf resorts along the south east coast following his graduation. As his family grew, he decided to switch careers to spend time with his family, and started a custom window treatment installation company, specializing in custom woodworking and handyman repairs. In 2020, he returned to the culinary field after moving to South Carolina.
In his free time, Jacob enjoys sharing music, playing retro video games, and passing on his cooking skills with his 16 year old son, and building legos, dancing, reading, and drawing comic books with his 8 year old daughter
He feels grateful to his friend Abby, who introduced him to Oakview. Starting his day preparing breakfast for all the warm smiles from the residents has made his heart happy again. He looks forward to each day he gets to put his skills to use to make each meal memorable, and eager to see what his future at Oakview holds.
From France with Love
Alexa, play Vanille Fraise, by L'Impératrice.
“Vanille Fraise” by L’Impératrice(2015) is a dreamy, stylish blend of soft synths, smooth vocals, and modern French disco flair. Sweet, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool, it captures the band’s signature mix of elegance and groove in one irresistible track. It shows why L’Impératrice is one of France’s most exciting contemporary bands.
When Krampus Comes to Town
December 4 is Santa’s List Day, but throughout December, children worldwide will be wondering whether old St. Nick has counted them as naughty or nice. Of course, most fall somewhere in the middle. But tell that to Krampus. In the alpine villages of Europe, December 5 is celebrated as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night. It’s the eve before Saint Nicholas Day, and—says cultural historian Stefanie A. Babb—it’s the night when a creature called Krampus (half Bigfoot, half devil) searches for all the children who’ve been naughty.
This long-haired beast is thought to be Santa’s twin brother and helper. The clanking chains and bells around his waist announce his arrival. The punishment for the naughty depends upon the child’s degree of naughtiness. Some children are given coal or bundles of birch. But the naughtiest are said to be thrown into a sack and carried away to the Krampus’ lair, where they’re eaten for dinner. Modern-day Krampusnacht activities involve men and women donning elaborate goatskin costumes and exquisitely carved wooden masks. Photographer Alan Taylor has traveled throughout the Alps—from Italy to Austria and Germany—capturing groups of people parading the streets in their terrifying costumes while dragging chains and carrying flaming torches. It’s a common sight for homes to be decorated year-round with bundles of the Krampus’ birch, painted gold, to remind children to remain well-behaved. There’s even a horror movie that tells the tale of this devil beast. It’s the “nice” children who enjoy the big payoff on December 6, Saint Nicholas Day. It’s named for the fourth-century bishop of Myra, famed for his secret gift-giving. Lucky children awake to find gifts and sweets, breathing a sigh of relief that there’s a whole year before Krampusreturns.
Welcome to France
Around the World with Atlas
France is a country built on centuries of history, artistry, and revolutionary ideas. From ancient Gaul and the rise of the Frankish kingdoms to the birth of the modern French state, its story is one of transformation. The foundations of France took shape through the coronation of Clovis in the 5th century, the brilliance of Charlemagne’s empire, and the evolution of a nation that would eventually stand at the center of European culture and politics. Over time, France became known not only for its kings and cathedrals but for a spirit of curiosity and change that shaped the world.
French culture has left an indelible mark across the arts, philosophy, cuisine, literature, and fashion. From the Enlightenment thinkers who reimagined human rights to the painters who transformed visual expression — Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Degas — France has long been a beacon for creativity. Its influence extends into cinema, music, architecture, and the culinary traditions cherished worldwide, from buttery croissants to slow-cooked Coq au Vin. Every corner of French life carries a sense of refinement balanced with a deep appreciation for pleasure, beauty, and daily rituals.
To explore France is to step into a living tapestry of medieval villages, grand boulevards, vineyards, seaside cliffs, and cafés where time seems to slow down. It is a country that invites discovery — whether through the echo of cathedral bells, the quiet glow of a museum hall, or the simple joy of strolling along the Seine. France welcomes visitors not just to see its landmarks but to feel its spirit: a blend of elegance, history, and poetic charm that has captivated the world for centuries.
Shades of Calm
Looking for that perfect gift for someone on your “nice” list? Consider a coloring book. Coloring books are no longer just for children. Adult coloring clubs meet up at bars after work. Executives gather employees in conference rooms for impromptu coloring sessions. Just look at Amazon’s Best Sellers list, which regularly features adult coloring books. Recent top titles lean toward cozy, bold, easy-to-color designs. While Johanna Basford’s intricate Secret Garden remains iconic and beloved, selling over 21 million copies worldwide, current bestsellers favor simpler, hygge-inspired pages.
Why are adults so drawn to coloring? Research continues to support coloring as a form of stress relief. It promotes mindfulness and flow, engaging the brain in a soothing, focused activity that quiets anxiety. Clinical psychologist Ben Michaelis explains that the amygdala, the part of our brain responsible for our fight-or-flight response, takes a rest while we focus on coloring. Dr. Michaelis is such a believer that he both prescribes coloring to his patients and uses it at home with his own family.
Resolutions with a Twist
The holiday season is sometimes one of indulgence. After all, food and drink are a major part of many holiday events. By the end of the month, many people are thinking of their New Year’s resolutions. Recent surveys show that the most common resolutions include saving more money, spending less, exercising more, and eating healthier. These are also often among the most broken resolutions, so this new year, think beyond the ordinary. Try a wild, wonderful, or just plain weird resolution—something fresh and fun to help you stick with it (for a few months at least). This year, quirky resolutions are having a moment. One example: the “buy nothing” challenge, inspired by the Buy Nothing Project. Participants vow to buy only necessities, reuse and borrow items, and shop secondhand. It’s a creative, wallet-friendly resolution that also builds community spirit—lending books via Libby, swapping items through local groups, or borrowing instead of buying new. Another trend gaining traction is turning your resolutions into a bingo game. A popular TikToker shared how she gamified her goals using a bingo card—mixing easy “base goals” and tougher “stretch goals,” and rewarding herself for each completed square. The gamelike format makes resolutions feel fun, manageable, and less intimidating. Still craving silliness? A UK study found that lots of people are embracing resolutions like laughing more, setting “no lists” instead of to-do lists, taking a monthly spontaneous adventure (like exploring a nearby town), and putting their own happiness center stage. Whatever resolution you choose—saving money, laughing more, or playing bingo with your goals—the key is to keep it playful and personal. The best resolutions are about adding a little more joy to the year ahead.
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Share our good news:
Happy Holidays! May this season bring you peace, happiness, and a little extra sparkle.
Resident of the Month
Joyce Smith
MRS. JOYCE R. SMITH
Joyce is the daughter of Deaf parents, from whom she learned both Deaf culture and American Sign Language. From childhood, she interpreted for her parents and other Deaf in social and religious settings.
As a young wife and mother, Joyce experienced a calling from God to begin a Deaf ministry at her church. She answered yes and, thus, launched a lifelong ministry to the Deaf that would grow to encompass the entire United States, as well as numerous countries beyond.
For 66 years, until her retirement, Joyce led conferences, taught seminars, trained sign language interpreters, and started church ministries. She was in demand as an interpreter in classrooms, courtrooms, business offices, medical settings, church services, and at major events. For 16 of those years, she also wrote Bible lessons for the Deaf that were published nationwide.
Joyce’s natural talent is starting something new. For example, she taught the first courses in American Sign Language at Greenville Tech and opened the door for the first Deaf students to study there.
Joyce organized the South Carolina Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, the certifying organization for sign language interpreters in South Carolina. She began, and served as the first President of, the South Carolina Baptist Conference for the Deaf. Joyce is also the founding Director of Tri-State Deaf School of Theology, the first-of-its-kind seminary for Deaf students in the United States.
In the fall of 2023, Governor Henry McMaster awarded her the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary service, contributions, and achievement on a national and statewide scale.
Joyce and her husband Olen, who passed away in 2021, have three children, two grandchildren and four great-granddaughters.
Dial a Smile
Some would argue that Ding-a-Ling Day on December 12 is a day to celebrate the kooky, off-the-wall ding-a-ling in your life. Well, those ding-a-lings probably don’t know the real meaning of Ding-a-Ling Day. According to the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, the Ding-a-Ling Club was started in 1971 by Franky Hyle of Chicago, Illinois. Hyle believed that city dwellers needed to be friendlier to one another. His solution was to spread cheer through the telephone lines. The mission of the club was to pick up the phone and dial a friend you haven’t seen or spoken to in a long time. Why the name Ding-a-Ling? Hyle looked up the word and found the meaning to be “one who hears bells in his head.” The name stuck, and so did his heartwarming method of “ringing” up old friends.
Collaborators
Jennifer Klein
