As December approaches, the festive season brings a wonderful opportunity to lift spirits, celebrate traditions, and foster togetherness among care home residents.
But December can also be a busy, sometimes overwhelming month for activity coordinators, with extra events, seasonal decorations, and an endless supply of holiday cheer to spread.
I'm here to help you make the most of December with easy, meaningful activity ideas that embrace the holiday season while keeping stress to a minimum.
If you are celebrating Christmas in your care home, keep it simple with classic Christmas crafts. Classic crafts can evoke fond memories and allow residents to express their creativity without complicated supplies.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
Handmade Christmas Cards
Provide card stock, stickers, stamps, and markers. Encourage residents to create festive cards for loved ones or fellow residents. This activity can be extra meaningful if residents also receive cards from one another!
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Use plain baubles as a base for decorating with paint and sparkles (this is a great way to upcycle some that look tired). These ornaments add a personal touch to the home’s decorations and make for a lovely keepsake.
Wreath-Making with Nature Finds
Collect pinecones, holly, ivy, and sprigs of pine. Residents can arrange them on simple wreath bases to create festive decorations for doors or communal areas. The sensory aspect of handling natural materials often enhances engagement.
Plan a Festive Film Afternoon with Hygge Vibes
Winter afternoons are perfect for cosying up indoors with a warm drink and a classic film. Choose popular films, such as It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, or Miracle on 34th Street. Create a warm, festive atmosphere with blankets, mulled fruit juice or hot chocolate, and biscuits or mince pies. This simple activity is low prep and easy to set up but can bring a lot of joy and relaxation.
Get Residents Involved in Decorating
Invite residents to participate in decorating the care home, making it a communal, collaborative event. Divide tasks to suit everyone’s abilities and preferences, some might enjoy arranging table centrepieces, while others might love putting up lights or choosing a spot for the Christmas tree. This participation can help residents feel invested in their environment and bring back warm memories of decorating for Christmases past.
Tip: Don't be tempted to put Christmas decorations up too early - this is their home not a shopping centre. Hold conversations with individual residents about their own Christmas habits to help decide when the decorations should go up in communal areas. Those who like the decorations up early can be supported to decorate their own rooms.
Host a Christmas Baking Day
Nothing says “festive” like the smell of freshly baked mince pies or gingerbread. Set up a simple baking station where residents can help mix, shape, and their creations. If baking together isn’t possible, consider pre-baking plain cupcakes or biscuits and setting up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles. These treats can be enjoyed with a cup of tea for a cosy afternoon activity.
Organise a Reminiscence Afternoon
This season can be a reflective time, full of memories from Christmases past. Create a cosy space where residents can gather to share their memories, family traditions, or even recipes from their younger years. Consider using a few props like vintage decorations or old family photos to spark conversations. This is also an opportunity to learn about unique traditions from different backgrounds that could inspire future activities.
Celebrate Winter Festivals Other Than Christmas
While Christmas is usually a primary focus, acknowledging other winter festivals like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the Winter Solstice adds an inclusive, warm spirit to the month. Share a bit about each holiday, whether through a mini display, a story, or even a small craft. This can help all residents feel seen and valued and offer a gentle way for them to learn about and respect each other's traditions.
Plan a “Countdown to Christmas” Calendar
Create a simple advent-style calendar filled with mini activities leading up to Christmas Day. Each day could reveal a small activity, such as singing a Christmas song, trying a new Christmas recipe, or watching a short Christmas film clip. This adds an element of surprise and keeps each day in December special. Consider involving residents in coming up with ideas, which can be a fun activity in itself.
Tips for Staying Organised and Stress-Free this December
With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some tips to help you stay calm and organised this December:
Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible
Map out the month in advance, but allow room to adjust based on the residents' energy levels or preferences. Flexibility will help you adapt to last-minute changes.
Make Use of a Festive Toolkit
Create a festive toolkit with easy-to-reach themed puzzles, stories, colouring pages, or crafts. This will help you pivot if something unexpected arises.
Encourage Resident Helpers
Many residents enjoy having jobs they can do independently or with minimal guidance. Consider assigning “decorating assistants” or “party planners” to get residents involved and lighten your load.
Take Time for Yourself
Finally, remember that December is a busy month for you too. Try to schedule a few minutes each day to recharge, whether it’s with a quick walk, a hot drink, or a moment of quiet reflection. Self-care is key to sustaining the festive cheer!
With some preparation, flexibility, and creativity, December can be a joyful and fulfilling time for both you and the residents. These activities and tips can help create a warm, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the season while honouring each resident's unique experiences and backgrounds. Embrace the festive season, celebrate with a grateful heart, and enjoy the wonderful connections that this time of year brings.
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