17 Creative Christmas Activities for Care Home Residents

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring joy, connection, and creativity to care home residents. At The Kefi Studio, we specialize in crafting meaningful experiences for elderly communities, and this winter, we’ve curated a list of engaging Christmas activities that are sure to bring festive cheer to your care home. Whether you’re looking for interactive crafts, cozy socials, or fun games, there’s something here for everyone!

1. Christmas Jumper Party

Host a cheerful gathering where residents can show off their coziest or quirkiest holiday jumpers. Add to the fun with music, a festive photo booth, and prizes for the most creative designs.

2. Make Your Own Ugly Sweater

Turn plain jumpers into festive masterpieces with this craft session. Provide decorations like felt cutouts, sequins, pom-poms, and fabric glue. Residents can enjoy customizing their sweaters and wearing them proudly at your Christmas Jumper Party. Alternatively, this could also be a paper craft activity. 

3. Our Christmas Campaign

Register your care home for The Kefi Studio’s Christmas campaign where we deliver handmade gifts and cards to residents who may not receive gifts or visitors during Christmas.  

4. Volunteers Are Here to Help

Our trained volunteers can lead activities, provide companionship, or lend a hand in organizing your holiday events. From crafting to game hosting, they bring energy and enthusiasm to every occasion.

5. Christmas Traditions Around the World

Explore global holiday traditions with a storytelling session. Share unique customs like Germany’s Christmas markets, Mexico’s piñatas, or Finland’s sauna traditions. Follow up with themed crafts or foods inspired by these cultures.

6. Making Sock Snowmen

This adorable craft turns socks into cute snowman decorations. With some rice, buttons, and fabric scraps, residents can create their own frosty friends to display or gift.

7. DIY Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up a self-serve hot chocolate bar with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and syrups. Pair the drinks with holiday cookies for a cozy and delicious social event.

8. Find the Elf Treasure Hunt

Hide little elves (or other festive trinkets) around the care home and create a treasure map or clues. Residents can search individually or in teams for a fun and lighthearted challenge.

9. Making Cardboard Gingerbread Houses

Skip the sugar and craft gingerbread houses from cardboard! Provide paint, stickers, and other decorations so residents can personalize their creations.

10. Milk and Cookies Tasting Menu

Host a festive tasting session featuring different types of cookies paired with flavored milk or hot drinks. Residents can enjoy sampling while reminiscing about their favorite holiday treats.

11. Secret Santa: Handmade Edition

Organize a gift exchange where participants create something special for their recipient. Our volunteers can help with crafting cards, ornaments, or other small handmade treasures.

12. Paper Flower Evergreen Garden

Brighten indoor spaces with paper flowers that last all year. Use green construction paper for stems and red or white for blooms to create a festive indoor garden.

13. Pin the Nose on the Snowman

A holiday twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this game is simple, fun, and perfect for residents of all abilities.

14. Warm Massages and Facials Pampering Session

Treat residents to a relaxing spa day with warm hand massages and gentle facials. Use festive scents like peppermint or vanilla for an added holiday touch.

15. Making Clay Ornaments and Snowflakes

Provide air-dry clay, paint, and ribbon for residents to craft ornaments or snowflakes. These make lovely keepsakes or gifts.

16. Fluid Painting

Encourage creativity with fluid painting! Residents can pour, tilt, and swirl paint on canvases to create beautiful abstract art. Add glitter for a festive sparkle.

17. Santa Hat Socials

Hand out Santa hats and host a merry gathering with carols, hot drinks, and storytelling. It’s a simple but effective way to bring residents together.

By incorporating these activities into your care home’s holiday calendar, you’ll create a season full of laughter, connection, and festive spirit.

For more ideas or support with organizing activities, contact The Kefi Studio at iramv@thekefistudio.co.uk. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for your residents!