[Christmas & New Year] Craft Ideas for Day Services in December
December is a month when you can feel the Christmas atmosphere, including through decorations at day-service centers.
Christmas, New Year’s, and other major events come one after another.
In Japan, December is written as “Shiwasu,” reflecting how bustling this time of year can be.
Older adults may also be sensing the arrival of December.
So this time, we’re introducing craft ideas for day-service centers that are perfect for December.
We’ve assembled a wide variety of projects—decorations to brighten up Christmas, pieces that boost the festive mood, and New Year’s items, too!
They’re great to make and display in your own room, and would surely delight family members as gifts.
Enjoy a wonderful December with heartfelt, handmade items!
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[Christmas & New Year] Craft Ideas for Day Service in December (61–70)
Advent calendar
Are you familiar with Advent calendars? Advent refers to the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
To help everyone enjoy Christmas, let’s make a calendar and get ready! You can easily make one with origami.
First, fold 24 triangular pieces and arrange them in the shape of a tree.
Using green will make it look like a fir tree, which is recommended.
After writing the numbers, put a small treat inside each one—and it’s complete! You’ll have something to look forward to as you count down to Christmas.
Christmas-colored flag
These simple flags made up of a row of triangles capture the fun atmosphere of events and festivals.
To convey a Christmas vibe, we recommend arranging Christmas colors like red, green, and white.
Place each triangle so that they overlap slightly, and pay attention to the center crease of each triangle—focusing on this part will create a sense of depth, even though it’s a flat decoration.
The string simply passes through the gaps between the triangles, allowing it to move freely.
This makes it interesting not only for simple curves but also for following more complex shapes.
Christmas garland
A simple and charming Christmas garland featuring a row of trees made from plastic ribbon (suzuran tape).
The trees are easy to make: wrap the suzuran tape around a backing sheet, cut open one side, and shape it so it flares downward—then it’s done.
Tie the uncut side firmly to keep the shape from loosening, attach a star motif, and use it to hide the knot.
While green is the classic color for trees, we recommend also incorporating red and other colors to decorate them in a festive, eye-catching way.
Christmas tree and ornaments
This is a wall decoration inspired by a Christmas tree, featuring a beautiful three-dimensional look with branches spreading outward.
Focus not only on the tree’s shape but also on the surrounding decorations to fully convey the Christmas atmosphere.
First, roll a piece of green construction paper cut into a fan shape into a pointed cone, then attach strips of paper with fine slits to resemble branches.
To finish the tree beautifully, overlap the pieces as you paste them, imagining that you’re covering the seams between parts.
Once you add the ornament pieces, the tree as a whole is complete.
By stacking and layering the units, you can even create a larger tree.
Santa and the Reindeer
When you think of Christmas, you probably picture Santa Claus and reindeer as the stars of the show.
There are lots of songs about Santa, and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is the most famous reindeer song in the world.
Wouldn’t it be fun to create a whole wall featuring these popular characters? For Santa, it’s best to balance red and white carefully.
Try to arrange things so the white parts of the hat and outfit don’t overlap with Santa’s white beard.
If you make the beard with cotton, your Santa will have a three-dimensional look.
Make the eyes bigger for a younger, childlike Santa.
To make them look like good friends, put the same kind of hat on the reindeer as Santa’s.
Santa Claus
Let’s make Santa Claus, an iconic Christmas motif, using origami.
Draw lines on red origami paper and cut it out, then roll it into a pointed cone to form the base.
Attach parts like the face, beard, and hat trim to it.
Use rhinestones for the facial features, stickers for the buttons on the outfit, and finish by adding a pom-pom to the tip of the triangle.
It’s also recommended to make mascots like a reindeer or snowman using the same base and display them together to enhance the Christmas atmosphere.
Santa paper fan
A Santa paper fan that’s perfect for Christmas decorations.
To make it, simply create a white paper fan and combine it with Santa’s facial parts.
Many senior care facilities host Christmas events in December! As part of your preparations, why not include this Santa paper fan in your day-service craft activity? The process of making the paper fan involves accordion folding, which is effective for finger rehabilitation for seniors.
Plus, it brings out the festive spirit of the season and can be enjoyed together in a lively, social setting—so give it a try!
