Christmas crafts to do with older people
Being creative can be a wonderful outlet for people of all ages, no matter what their ability or cognitive state. When it comes to spending time with older people, having a rewarding activity to do such as this can be great fun, and in the run up to Christmas, can give their house or assisted living facility a wonderful cheerful atmosphere too.
Here are 5 simple ideas for Christmas crafts that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
1. Homemade cards
Grab some blank cards, some glitter and glue, and let your loved ones create their very own Christmas cards to give out over the festive period. You can buy card decorations, stickers and embellishments at craft shops, or just use twigs, leaves and bits you’d find around the home to create unique cards together.
2. Pasta garlands
The materials are super cheap, and this activity is super fun! Paint, glitter or colour in some bow tie shaped pasta and then string it up to create beautiful garlands. Hang them on the tree or around the walls and windows for a festive touch.
3. Painted rocks
Grab some paints and collect pebbles or stones from the garden, then decorate them with Christmassy colours and images for fun decorations. For the more able, try decoupaging cut out Christmas images from wrapping paper or old cards. You can even hide them around the building for a fun treasure hunt.
4. Christmas collage
Cut out some festive images from old cards or wrapping paper, and use them with fabrics, leaves and cotton wool to create gorgeous Christmas collages. You could use these for Christmas cards, wall decorations or tie them up with string to create hanging decorations for the tree or around the house.
5. Tiny presents
Grab some small boxes, maybe from raisins, toothpaste and other consumables, or even see if you can get a bag of Duplo cheap from a charity shop. Wrap them in Christmas paper and decorate with pretty ribbons to create miniature presents as a unique decoration. Hang them from the ceiling, pop them on the tree or use them as place settings at the Christmas table.
Being crafty is something everyone can enjoy, whether they are in full health or living with dementia or physical issues. If you care for an older person, or are visiting a loved one soon, why not take along the materials to enjoy one of these craft activities to get everyone in the festive spirit?
