The Colley Senior Complex is in the Christmas spirit and has planned a couple of new events especially for the holiday season.

Catherine Jordan, Complex director, said although Christmas is a time for family and friends and a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, it can be a stressful time for some.

“Knowing how stressful holidays, especially Christmas, can be for some people, the Colley Senior Complex wanted to provide support for those who are having difficulty getting through the season” Jordan said.

“So, during the month of December, we will have Bible-based support groups meetings twice a week beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the Center.”

The support groups will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and at 1 p.m. on Thursdays throughout the month.

“Those who attend can benefit from being a part the group and will also have an opportunity to share their concerns over the loss of a loved one, loneliness, financial difficulties, health issues – whatever it is that is keeping them from the joy of the season,” Jordan said.

The Bible-based support group meetings will be lead by Rosalyn Baugh and those who could benefit from these meetings are encouraged to attend.

Jordan said that Christmas is traditionally a time of coming together and what better way to be together than for a time of sharing.

“In times past, families and friends would gather around the Christmas tree to talk and that usually ended up with the sharing of things that were memorable in their lives,” Jordan said.

“So, we wanted to offer a time of sharing around the Christmas tree to our seniors and anyone else that would like to come and listen.”

The Colley Complex will host “Tales of the Past” at 2 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 12 with Pat Parker as the story initiator.

“Pat is a wonderful storyteller and she will begin the story telling with her personal stories,” Jordan said. “Then, others will be invited to share their stories.”

Jordan said that one story spurs another.

“A story told by one person will remind someone else of something they might not have thought of in a long time and will want to share it,” Jordan said. “You might come planning to just listen but end up sharing stories that are special in your life.”

Jordan said the “tale telling” is an opportunity for people to participate in what is becoming a lost art – face to face communication.

“It will be a time to put away the cell phones and sit down and listen to stories of the past,” she said. “It will be a wonderful away to share Christmas.”

Hot cider and cookies will be served at “Tales of the Past” so it will be a warm and friendly way to share Christmas.

For more information about the December programs and other programs at the Colley Senior Complex, call 334-808-8500.