8 Christmas Activities for Elderly in Nursing Homes

When the holiday season rolls around, it can be a lonely time, getting swept away by nostalgia and memories of years passed. For nursing home residents in particular, they may not have the opportunity to spend the holiday with loved ones. In order to support mental and emotional well-being during the holiday season, care homes can plan activities that will enhance joy, foster connection, and create a sense of community amongst residents. 

How to Make Your Holiday Activities Go Smoothly 

Planning activities doesn’t need to be daunting. We have put together 8 of our favorite Christmas activities for elderly in care homes​ in order to get you inspired for this holiday season. When preparing the details try to prioritize simplicity and flexibility in all activities. For example, avoid Christmas games with too many rules, or physical capabilities as that can lead to disorder, confusion and exclusion. Ensure activities cater to various mobility and cognitive abilities. 

What are the Best Christmas Activities for Elderly in Care Homes?

Creating a joyful and inclusive holiday season for residents in a nursing home, assisted living, or senior living requires thoughtful planning and attention to their unique needs. With a mix of engaging, accessible, and festive activities, care homes can create a sense of togetherness and celebration that everyone can enjoy. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best Christmas activities to brighten the festive season and bring cheer to residents.

Decorating the Common Areas

An easy way to bolster the Christmas spirit is by setting the mood with holiday decor. Nursing homes often decorate themselves, but inviting residents to participate and hang ornaments or string lights is a great way to kick off the season. Ensure when picking out ornaments they are easy to handle (i.e.avoid balls with tiny loops that are difficult to hang on the tree). Instead aim for large hooks and large ribbon loops. Setting up a table with Christmas cookies and a festive drink like eggnog can round out the activity.

Note: Ensure you have inclusive decor, as not everyone celebrates Christmas. Consider having a menorah or a couple dreidels to open up the activity to more residents.

Hosting a Christmas Carol Sing-Along

One of the best budget-friendly Christmas activities for elderly residents in nursing homes is hosting a Christmas Carol Sing-Along. Singing together not only lifts spirits but also promotes social engagement, and it’s a wonderful way to involve both staff and residents. Choose classic Christmas songs that everyone can enjoy, and invite family members, volunteers, or even a local choir to participate.

Watching Classic Christmas Movies

Nothing evokes the warmth of the holiday season quite like classic Christmas movies. For a cozy evening in, set up a community room with rows of chairs and a projector – can be rented or purchased for cheap. Encourage residents to dress in their favorite cozy pajamas for seniors and bring blankets to further set the atmosphere.

Create a snack station with hot cocoa, candy canes and small bags of popcorn or chips. Holiday movie suggestions include family favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life or Home Alone. Watching these beloved films will undoubtedly bring a sense of nostalgia and holiday cheer to all involved.

Crafting Homemade Ornaments

Crafting homemade ornaments is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season while sparking creativity and joy among residents. Provide easy-to-use, pre-cut materials such as wooden shapes, foam, and colorful decorations, allowing residents to personalize their ornaments with their names, favorite colors, or festive symbols like stars, snowflakes, and holly. This simple but meaningful activity offers residents the opportunity to create their own unique keepsakes, which they can hang in their rooms, gift to loved ones, or contribute to the communal holiday decor. Not only does this craft help foster a sense of accomplishment, but it also brings a personal touch to the holiday celebration, making everyone feel more connected to the season’s spirit.

Organizing a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

A Secret Santa gift exchange is a great tradition to start in any nursing or care home, where residents can exchange small, meaningful gifts. This activity encourages socialization and creates excitement among residents, as they try to guess who their Secret Santa might be. Set a budget, and create a sign up list to ensure only those who are interested participate. Some residents may not have the ability to go out and purchase gifts so consider purchasing some gifts ahead that a Secret Santa can “shop” from such as a plush shawl, wheelchair blanket, or cozy slippers. Including staff and caregivers in the gift exchange can also be a great way to foster a sense of inclusivity.

Hosting a Christmas-Themed Bingo Game

Christmas Bingo is an easy and engaging activity that is inclusive for all abilities. Create bingo cards with festive holiday images like Christmas trees, ornaments, and Santa Claus. Small holiday-themed prizes that are also practical such as holiday lip balms or fuzzy socks, can make the game even more fun for residents. Bingo games are not only fun but also a great way to stimulate cognitive function and memory, while fostering a competitive yet friendly atmosphere among residents.

Decorating Personalized Stockings

Set up a festive crafting station with a variety of supplies, such as glitter, paint, felt shapes, buttons, and colorful ribbons, for residents to personalize their own Christmas stockings. This creative activity allows residents to express their individuality while contributing to the holiday cheer. Once decorated, these stockings can be proudly displayed in the common areas, enhancing the seasonal decor and giving residents a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not only does this craft provide a fun, hands-on experience, but it also adds a personal touch to the festive atmosphere, making everyone feel more connected to the holiday spirit.

Inviting Local School Groups or Volunteers

One of the best ways to spread holiday cheer is by inviting local children’s choirs, scout groups, or volunteers to perform or visit residents. Children and older adults often form strong bonds, and these interactions can lift everyone’s spirits. Volunteers can also be paired with residents for one-on-one holiday crafting sessions or even to share stories of past Christmases. Fostering intergenerational connections during the holidays not only brings joy but also creates meaningful, lasting memories for all involved.

Spreading Holiday Cheer in Nursing Homes

The joy of the holiday season knows no bounds—it should be felt by everyone, no matter where they are in life. Nursing homes have a unique opportunity to create meaningful experiences by organizing festive, engaging Christmas activities that bring residents together. These activities don’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or overly complex. With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, you can create a warm, celebratory environment that fosters a sense of community, connection, and joy among residents. 

If you’re looking for the perfect gift, explore our gifts for nursing home residents to bring and spread Christmas cheer. Whether it’s crafting, singing, decorating, or simply sharing a moment of togetherness, these simple gestures can make all the difference in spreading holiday cheer and creating lasting memories.