For care homes and people in care, Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating precious memories. In this spirit, we’ve put together 15 fun and easy Christmas activities for residents in care homes and people in care. These activities are designed to be inclusive, ensuring everyone can join in the festive fun.
15 activities for care homes this Christmas
1. Big Christmas Care Singalong
The Big Christmas Care Singalong, sponsored by PASS, is a free and inclusive virtual Christmas concert for everyone in social care. Hosted by ‘Big’ Ian Donaghy, care settings can tune in anytime from Sunday 10th December and listen to and sing along with performers from all over the world.
- You can watch the Big Christmas Care Singalong, sponsored by PASS, on-demand from Sunday 10th December
- Remember, it’s about enjoying the music and the company, not hitting every note perfectly!
2. Christmas quiz for care homes
Organise a Christmas quiz as a fun and engaging Christmas activity for residents and carers.
- Prepare a mix of questions related to festive traditions, music, and history to cater to a wide range of interests.
- You can include visual aids or play snippets of famous Christmas songs for a more interactive experience.
- Set up teams to encourage social interaction and friendly competition.
- Here’s 57 fun Christmas quiz questions and answers to get started.
3. Decorate the Christmas tree and make precious memories
This Christmas, make decorating the tree a special event that includes all your care home residents.
- Start by organising a craft session where everyone can make or choose ornaments.
- Provide easy-to-handle materials like large beads, colourful paper, and ribbons, so that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate.
- Encourage residents to share stories or memories associated with their ornaments, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the tree.
4. Storytelling evening
Arrange an evening where care home staff, residents, and guests can share classic Christmas stories or personal memories.
5. Christmas wreath making
Wreath making can be a delightful and inclusive activity for all residents during the festive season.
- Prepare a station with a variety of materials that are easy to handle, such as soft ribbons, lightweight pine cones, and faux berries.
- This setup allows residents with limited dexterity to be involved by selecting their preferred materials and guiding others on where to place them on the wreath.
- Here’s a handy guide on how to make a homemade Christmas wreath.
6. Virtual family visits
Arrange video calls for care home residents and people in care with family members who can’t visit in person. This can help residents feel connected and loved during the festive season.
- You can use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet to host virtual visits for free.
7. Board games evening
Host a board games evening to bring residents and carers together for some friendly competition and laughter.
- Set up a variety of games that cater to different interests and skill levels, ensuring there are options for everyone.
- Popular choices include classics like checkers, chess, and Scrabble, as well as more contemporary games that are easy to learn.
8. Christmas ornament crafting for care homes
Set up a table with all sorts of materials – like glitter, colourful paper, and ribbons – and let residents create unique ornaments.
- This activity is great for those who enjoy working with their hands and can be easily adapted for residents with limited mobility by providing easy-to-handle materials.
9. Festive light drive
If possible, organise a drive or a stroll to see local Christmas lights and decorations. This can be a magical experience for care home residents and people in care.
10. Care home Christmas card exchange
Organise a Christmas card exchange to foster connections among residents and people in care. Set up a card-making area with all the necessary supplies, including pre-made cards for those who may find crafting difficult.
- Encourage residents to personalise their cards with signatures, stickers, or simple messages.
- This activity allows everyone to share in the joy of giving and receiving holiday wishes, making it a memorable and inclusive part of the festive season.
- Here’s 160 free printable Christmas cards to get started.
11. Christmas movie night
Host a relaxed movie night with Christmas classics. Make the room comfortable with pillows and blankets, ensuring everyone has a good view of the screen.
- This activity is perfect for all, providing a cozy atmosphere where care home residents can enjoy films and share laughs over popcorn or their favourite snacks.
12. Christmas cookie baking
Host a Christmas cookie baking day inviting residents to participate in various ways. Set up stations for mixing dough, cutting shapes, and decorating cookies.
- Involve all residents by letting them choose their favourite flavours and cookie shapes.
- Even for those who might not be able to actively bake, the experience of being part of the decision-making and enjoying the delicious cookies is equally engaging and enjoyable.
- We love this Christmas cookie recipe!
13. Festive bingo night for care homes
Plan a festive bingo night with a Christmas theme to add extra cheer. Use extra-large bingo cards, ensuring that everyone can participate comfortably. It’s a perfect way to bring everyone together for an evening of inclusive fun!
- For a festive twist, consider swapping the numbers out for festive symbols, such as Christmas trees, reindeer, and party hats.
- You can print a selection of free bingo cards using this helpful website.
14. Christmas lunch
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive lunch! People in care and staff together over delicious food, complete with party hats, Christmas crackers and (questionable) jokes.
- Adapt the menu to cater to all dietary needs and ensure the dining area is accessible for everyone. It’s not just about the food; it’s about enjoying the festive atmosphere and good company.
15. New Year’s Eve countdown
Organise a special event to ring in the New Year, complete with decorations, music and food and drink.
- Consider a mock countdown for those who can’t stay awake until midnight.
Over to you!
These 15 activities are designed to bring joy to every resident and the people in your care this Christmas. They cater to various abilities, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun and feel the warmth of the festive season.
Let’s make this Christmas a time of happiness and shared experiences for everyone!
