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In the latter part of 1882, Rev. Richard Mather had started to aid in the entertainment by providing the means for amusement and larger social comforts for the benefits of the patients in the Asylum. Dr. Steeves, director in November of 1875-1896 said that:
"...Much interest was aroused by Mr. Mather's irresistible movement. The concert was in every way a great success. Some of the best talent we possess in musical proficiency gave their services to ensure this end. Quite a considerable sum was realized as the fruit of the effort, and we have today, through these means, a piano on each side of the house."
Dr. Steeves also refers to entertainment by the Carleton Coronet Band, The Kingsville Band, both being from nearby neighborhoods. By 1899, Dr. George Hetherington reports that concerts were being held weekly and just after the turn of the century, " a choir had been formed to enhance the regular Sunday services that were always well attended."
Long before Christmas took on any of the commercial overtones that it is defined as today, the idea that those with physical or mental illness should enjoy the pleasures of the Christmas season was well established. When Dr. J.V. Anglin took over the directorship of the Asylum, a new direction was evident from the beginning. He wanted Christmas to be a pleasant time for the "inmates". Nearly 1000 Christmas presents were sent in for those who were being cared for in the Institution. 500 inmates at the hospital were made happier because thoughtful officials remembered that Christmas is everywhere and ought to be celebrated properly. Every ward was decorated with evergreens and gaily coloured festoons.
For the patients with no relatives or friends outside gifts were provided by donations sent in by merchants and others in the city, as well as by friends and family of the other patients. Santa Claus was in attendance and into each ward was wheeled a heaping load of presents for its occupants and the nurses saw to it that every patient was given their rightful gift. In 1906, Anglin himself wrote that "Christmas was, without doubt, the most gladsome day of the whole year."
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