2021 Christmas Nights of Lights

 Just what is a cognitive cocktail? Well, have you ever seen that famous scene where Dorothy opens the door and steps out of her humdrum B & W Kansas into the colorful land of Oz? What a jolt. The end of the movie is just as epic, where she leaves the land of Oz and finds out she never actually left Kansas. It gave her mind a good “reset” and she immediately appreciated everything. 

In short, everybody needs a good break away from daily familiar life. If you can immerse yourself into a land of wonderment and awe from time to time, it can ignite parts of your brain that rarely get ignited as an adult. It can make you remember childlike excitement and feel energized. 

A 3-day tour bus excursion, organized by the Sunshine Village activities director, provided such a place for residents and guests. The destination was the 3,000,000 annual Christmas light display. The best part was enjoying things that make you say “WOW” with community friends. It was obviously invigorating as this video shows. There are scenes from the beginning of the trip (like hohummm Kansas) through until the end when things were a bit livelier and Oz-like. It was like having a “cocktail” that lasted way beyond the standard 5 to 6 o’clock Happy Hour! Indeed, many of us found ourselves laughing more and reverting back to younger thoughts and possibilities. 

Thank you, Sunshine Village organizers – it was a great success! Residents and guests are looking forward to our next excursion to somewhere over the rainbow. To learn more about our next trip, please contact our activities director at 607- 621- 8988. Or email her at hoagsfarm@aol.com.

Comments by Becky Claffy for Sunshine Village!