The lights are up, the presents have been bought, and the festive menus are written. The Sherry has been ordered, the Bailey’s is on ice, and the smell of freshly baked mince pies fills the air daily. Meanwhile, we’ve adorned the dining room tables with Christmassy decor, and our residents are eagerly looking forward to the local schoolchildren visiting to sing carols.
We’re in full Christmas mode here at Fulford.
But that’s just a sample of the seasonal fun we have in store in the nursing home this year. We’ve also been planning a variety of activities for our residents over the Christmas and New Year period, and we’re sharing some of them with you.
If you’re spending the holidays with older parents, grandparents, or elderly loved ones, you might want to try these gentle, low-impact activities designed to spark festive joy.
10 fun-filled festive activities to try with seniors
1. Tabletop ornament decorating
A fun way to create happy memories and sentimental keepsakes, making and decorating your own ornaments can add a personal touch to your tree and home at this special time of year. Set up a comfortable workspace (a dining table, for example) and keep materials large and easy to grasp. Use pre-cut festive shapes (stars, robins, gingerbread men) and blank baubles and provide stickers, ribbons, glue, glitter, and marker pens for decorating.
Read more: 10 handmade gift ideas for grandparents this Christmas
2. Festive scent exploration
Prepare small scent jars with recognisable festive aromas, including cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel, pine, gingerbread, and peppermint. Allow individuals to explore at their own pace and use each scent as an opportunity to start a conversation. For example, “What does this smell remind you of at Christmas?” This activity offers safe sensory stimulation, which is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia.
3. Seated sing-alongs
Use familiar holiday songs such as “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and even fun classics like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody.” Provide lyric sheets in large print. If you or someone you know plays guitar or keyboard, it can enhance the experience. However, high-quality recordings are just as effective. Encourage gentle movement, such as tapping feet or softly clapping, if comfortable.
4. Christmas-themed bingo
Swap numbers for festive images such as Christmas puddings, stockings, candles, snowmen, holly, and Father Christmas. Use bold, high-contrast pictures for better accessibility. Prizes could include small seasonal treats such as wrapped chocolates, festive socks, or a cup of hot chocolate. Bingo works wonderfully in mixed-ability groups and encourages light social interaction.
5. Warm drink tasting
Serve small tasting cups of cosy winter drinks: classic hot cocoa, spiced apple cordial (alcohol-free, mulled cider-style), mint or cranberry herbal teas, and a mild ginger or chamomile infusion. Label each drink clearly and describe the flavours for those with impaired taste or smell. Pair the tasting with a soft background of Christmas music for a relaxing experience.
6. Hand massages with seasonal lotions
Use gentle, skin-friendly creams with light seasonal scents such as vanilla, cocoa butter, cranberry, or opt for an unscented version if sensitive to fragrances. Keep the massage brief and soothing, prioritising relaxation over pressure. This can help reduce anxiety and promote social bonding. Always seek consent and check for allergies or skin issues beforehand.
7. Holiday reminiscence circle
Sit in a cosy circle with warm lighting and festive decor. Invite those present to share past UK traditions: childhood stockings, Christmas Day telly, roasting chestnuts, school nativity plays, or favourite winter walks. This is especially valuable for memory engagement and building connections.
8. Seated arts & crafts time
Offer simple creative activities such as watercolour postcards of winter scenes, Christmas colouring sheets with bold outlines, or stamp art featuring stars, holly leaves, or snowflakes. Thick-handled brushes and pens help those with arthritis or a weak grip. Display finished artwork on a communal board or send postcards to family members.
9. Homemade Christmas card crafting
Set up a seated crafting station with blank card stock, festive stickers, pre-cut shapes (robins, Christmas trees, snowflakes), tape, glitter glue pens (low-mess), and large-grip colouring tools. Individuals can personalise cards for family, friends, or other residents. Include options such as pre-printed festive phrases (“Season’s Greetings,” “Merry Christmas from All of Us”) for those who may be unable to write lengthy messages. Display finished cards or provide envelopes for posting.
10. Decorate a mini tabletop tree
Provide small, lightweight artificial trees (1–2 feet tall) and a tray of easy-to-handle decorations: ribbons, small baubles, paper chains, bows, and battery-powered fairy lights. Residents can personalise their trees for their rooms, or work together on a few communal trees for lounges. This is a great way to build camaraderie and excitement in the run-up to the big day.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Fulford!
We hope this list has provided some seasonal inspiration. From our home to yours, the staff and residents of Fulford wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.