We visited four nursing homes as Santa and Mrs. Claus. We spent time talking to residents and posing for photographs. Many of the residents are immigrants so we discussed Christmas customs in the country where they grew up. A few of the residents did not speak English so we used what little we knew of their language to communicate with them. We try to learn to say Merry Christmas in as many languages as possible. I have also learned to say Thank You in as many languages as possible. We visited some residents with Alzheimer's. Their short term memory is impaired but they remember Santa from their own childhood and those of their children. Their faces light up with joy when they see Santa and Mrs. Claus. They remember Christmas carols from their childhood, so we sing carols with them. I bring sleigh bells on wrist straps to loan to residents so they can ring them as we sing. This provides them with a little exercise. Because nurses and staff enter when they want to the residents sometimes have very little control over who enters their room and their life. We always pause at the door and ask permission to enter. If the residents say no, we more on. When we visit residents in their rooms, I look for an item to comment on and ask questions. For example, "That is a beautiful Christmas card on your bulletin board. Who sent that to you?" Sometimes the residents just need somebody to listen.