Plans are already afoot to bring festive cheer to all Southern Healthcare care homes this Christmas. Our care home communities at Seaton, Dawlish, Exeter, and Plymouth are busy planning a raft of activities for the holiday season.
We want all of our residents to feel at home, so our Christmas activities are often based on traditions we have all enjoyed over the years with the aim of rekindling warm memories of past festive seasons, as well as ensuring that the environment they are in now is just as fun and happy. With that in mind, here are 20 Christmas activities for care homes that everyone can enjoy.
1. Christmas crafting corner
Set up a crafting station where residents can make Christmas tree ornaments or holiday greetings cards. This activity is hands-on, creative, and helps everyone feel connected to the holiday spirit.
2. Cookie decorating workshop
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of freshly baked cookies! Baking is one of the most popular Christmas activities for care homes and it’s no different at Southern Healthcare homes where we have regular Bake Offs and seasonal baking sessions. Make batches of cookies with keen bakers from your care home and set up a decorating workshop with icing, sprinkles, and edible festive decorations. Residents can decorate (and eat) Christmas cookies together.
3. Festive films
Create a cozy atmosphere with classic Christmas movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, Scrooge, Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone. Serve hot chocolate and popcorn for a complete cinema experience.
4. Christmas carol singalong
Get the mulled wine and mince pies ready and host a carol singing session where everyone can sing their favorite Christmas songs – it’s top of the list for Christmas activities for care homes! Invite residents’ family and friends, or a local choir or musician to join in, or simply use a karaoke machine for maximum festive fun.
5. Christmas Bingo
Why not give Bingo a holiday twist by using Christmas-themed words or images instead of numbers? This classic game is both entertaining and easy for everyone to play, so it’s the perfect game for an afternoon of festive fun.
6. Christmas decorations
At Southern Healthcare we know the importance of having a sense of purpose and the impact this has on the wellbeing of our residents. We also strive to create strong care home communities through meaningful relationships and shared experiences – just like family life. So let your care home residents participate in decorating the care home and the Christmas tree(s). Provide plenty of baubles, tinsel, and lights, and encourage everyone to add their personal touch.
7. Gingerbread house making competition
Gingerbread house kits are easy to find and can be a delightful group activity. Why not split the residents and staff into teams, so they can work together to build and decorate their gingerbread houses. You could even get your social media followers to judge the best gingerbread house!
8. Festive photo booth
Create fun memories by setting up a festive photo booth with props like Father Christmas hats, elf ears, reindeer antlers, and tinsel. Capture fun moments and create a festive photo board for the care home.
9. Seasonal stories
Perhaps one of the most underrated Christmas activities for care homes is a seasonal book reading group. Create a quiet space and arrange a story event where residents can listen to classic Christmas tales either read out loud or on a podcast. This is a relaxing activity and a great way to bring back fond memories of Christmas’ gone by.
10. Wreath making
Create Christmas wreaths from fresh or faux foliage (faux foliage is kinder on the hands). Provide frames, foliage, and ribbons. Maybe call in an expert and turn it into a wreath-making workshop.
11. Candle making workshop
Buy festive candle making kits and create some homemade Christmas gifts for friends and family members.
12. Christmas quiz
Host a Christmas quiz to test everyone’s knowledge of festive traditions. It’s a great way to spark conversation and share memories.
13. Secret Santa
Organise a Secret Santa exchange with a small budget.
14. Winter walks
It can be easy to stay couped up inside when the weather gets chilly, but fresh air really is good for the body and mind, so wrap up warm and take residents on a short walk to enjoy the winter scenery. Remember, not all Christmas activities for care homes need to be extravagant!
15. Christmas market
Southern Healthcare residents love being part of the local community, so we often arrange trips out with them. Why not make it a special festive occasion and visit a local Christmas market or do what our Exeter care home (The Old Rectory) did and create your own Christmas market.
16. Christmas light switch on
Arrange for a drive or a virtual tour of Christmas lights in the local area. If this isn’t possible, why not stage your own Christmas lights switch on with mince pies and mulled wine or tea.
17. Choir performance
Invite a local school or community choir to perform Christmas songs. Live music brings cheer and excitement to any holiday gathering.
18. Hot chocolate bar
Set up a hot chocolate station with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles. Residents can create their own cozy winter drinks for a special chilly day treat.
19. Live music
Live music is a regular feature in all our Southern Healthcare homes – we even have our very own house band! Get everyone in the festive mood by playing some Christmas classics.
20. Christmas party!!
The pinnacle of Christmas activities for care homes is of course the annual Christmas bash. Put on Christmas jumpers or festive partywear and get the food, festive music (preferably vintage – think Nat King Cole) and entertainment started!