Holidays at River Landing: A Season of Warmth, Light, and Meaningful Giving
There’s something truly special about being a resident at River Landing at Sandy Ridge during the holiday season. From the moment you enter the community, joy is everywhere you look. Festive lights shimmer along the golf course setting a serene and welcoming tone. Evenings become magical as residents gather with friends and family to enjoy the sparkle of the season and the warmth of time spent together.
The festivities begin in November with the annual Holiday Market, where residents and team members get a head start on gift-giving while supporting local artisans. December brings even more excitement with performances, parties, and seasonal events that fill the campus with laughter and celebration. But at River Landing, the holidays extend beyond gatherings and decor- they are also a time to give back and uplift others.
One of the most cherished traditions is River Landing’s deep and ongoing partnership with the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, the state’s largest private adoption and foster agency. This relationship began when a personal journey led Executive Director Tom Smith to the organization, sparking meaningful conversations about ways River Landing could support children and families during the holidays. Intrigued by the Christmas celebrations and eager to make the season as festive as possible, River Landing’s leadership joined efforts with Children’s Home Society to host a holiday party and expand their giving.
Starting in 2017, River Landing residents and team members began providing a festive holiday meal, complete with turkey, seasonal sides, crafts, a visit from Santa, and the joy of opening gifts. River Landing volunteers also embraced the Children’s Home Society tradition of “adopting” holiday wish lists for children in foster care, an effort that historically impacts more than 1,000 children each year.
When the pandemic shifted in-person gatherings, the tradition evolved into a drive-thru celebration hosted at the River Landing Clubhouse, where residents and staff volunteers handed out gifts, meals, and plenty of holiday cheer. The giving spirit has never waned; residents remain deeply committed to ensuring every child experiences a wonderful Christmas.
The partnership has continued to grow in meaningful ways, expanding far beyond the annual holiday celebration. Throughout the year, River Landing supports Children’s Home Society through fundraising efforts and ongoing volunteer opportunities, strengthening the connection between the two organizations and ensuring that children and families feel supported well beyond the holiday season.
Each year, River Landing at Sandy Ridge reimagines the festivities to bring joy to both residents and the greater community. Whether enjoying the glowing lights on campus or helping create holiday memories for children and families, residents experience a season filled with connection, generosity, and the true spirit of the holidays.