Lovely senior life

[Christmas & New Year] Craft Ideas for Day Services in December

Work experience in a hospital as a physical therapistNakamū
I worked as a physical therapist at a general hospital for about four years. I’ve supported a wide range of patients, from those needing emergency rehabilitation to those doing rehabilitation at home at a comfortable pace. As a writer, I’d be happy to share health-related information with many people. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!
Care Worker Initial Training Certification ObtainedNakajima Junko
Leveraging my experience working as a care worker at a day service, I am currently active as a writer in the caregiving and welfare fields. Beyond writing, I hope to expand my work into web design and illustration. I am a mother of three who has begun studying to become a certified social worker.

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!

[Christmas / New Year] Craft Ideas for Day Service in December (1–10)

New Year’s decorations

[Craft Idea] New Year Decorations: Fan Wall Hanging (December/January) (Wall Decorations) (Recreation for Seniors, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service, Early Childhood Education) (Origami DIY) (Creative Activity, Psychiatric Recreation)

New Year’s decorations

When it comes to New Year’s decorations, fan ornaments are very popular.

So this time, I’m introducing a handmade fan wall decoration idea.

It’s a bit of work since you’ll be making the fan from scratch, but the finished piece will be striking and gorgeous—definitely worth a try.

You’ll make five parts: ornamental cabbage, sasanqua camellia, bamboo leaves, an origami crane, and the fan.

For the ornamental cabbage, the key is to soften the origami paper by crumpling it first, then cut out the pieces.

The sasanqua and bamboo have many parts, so fold the origami and cut multiple pieces at once.

You probably already know how to fold the crane.

The fan is made by accordion-folding origami paper.

Once the parts are ready, have fun arranging and decorating.

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Kadomatsu

[Craft Idea] Kadomatsu (New Year’s pine decoration) Paper Craft (New Year/January) (Senior Recreation) (Early Childhood Education) (Creative) (Wall Decoration) (3D) (Seasonal) (Easy)

Kadomatsu

Once the fun Christmas events are over, Japanese people quickly switch into New Year mode, don’t they? For the wall decorations that brighten up the space after Christmas motifs, it’s best to go with something that evokes the New Year.

If Christmas means Christmas trees, then for the New Year…

that’s right, kadomatsu! In the featured video, they skillfully create a three-dimensional kadomatsu using simple materials like colored paper, scissors, and glue.

If making perfect cylinders is tricky, you can use toilet paper rolls, and there are also websites that offer free templates.

Try making a lovely kadomatsu using whatever method is easiest for you!

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Snow Blossom

A must-see display idea! Beautifully decorating 'Snow Flowers' - Winter Wall Decorations - Senior Care Recreation - Preschool Crafts - How to Make Snow Flowers

Snow Blossom

How about making beautiful snow blossoms that are perfect for winter? You can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop: tissue paper and paper doilies.

First, stack five sheets of tissue paper in two alternating colors, then make creases by folding back and forth like an accordion.

Staple the center, cut both ends diagonally, and gently open the layers one by one.

The trick is to fluff them open lightly so they don’t tear.

Another key to a beautiful finish is to stretch the tips of the petals so they stand out crisply.

These fine hand movements and the use of scissors and a stapler help improve concentration and can aid in dementia prevention.

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[Christmas & New Year] Craft Ideas for Daycare in December (11–20)

Christmas wreath made with pipe cleaners

[100-yen DIY] Christmas wreath made with chenille stems (pipe cleaners) — christmas wreath

Christmas wreath made with pipe cleaners

This is a cute, small Christmas wreath made by forming a circle with softly coiled pipe cleaners.

Since the goal is to create a tiny finished piece, it naturally draws attention to fine finger movements and focus on handwork.

Make parts of uniform length by wrapping a pipe cleaner around a pencil, then thread those parts onto a single pipe cleaner that serves as the wreath base.

It’s important to pay attention to the length of each part and carefully shape everything into a neat circle.

Because the base is a small wreath, it’s recommended to use small decorations like stickers or beads.

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Daruma ornament

[Elderly Recreation] Easy New Year’s Craft: Daruma Decoration [Making/Handicraft]

Daruma ornament

Daruma dolls are well-known good-luck charms.

Let’s make a perfect New Year’s daruma decoration using familiar materials! How about everyone at your facility making them together to welcome good fortune in the new year? Prepare several long, thin strips cut from milk cartons.

Roll each strip and staple it to form the inner core in the shape of a daruma.

Next, wrap the core with red tissue paper, attach a paper face with a daruma’s features, and finish by adding gold origami accents—done! It’s cute as is, but adding a base or a folding screen will make it feel more like a display piece.

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Mini Christmas tree made of pine cones

[Christmas Dollar Store DIY] Make a Christmas Tree with Pine Cones ☆ Pinecone Christmas Tree DIY

Mini Christmas tree made of pine cones

Let’s try making a Christmas tree—an essential holiday decoration—using pine cones.

The key points are that the finished piece is small and cute, and the detailed work helps build concentration and fine motor skills.

Use a pine cone as the tree’s base, paint it with white paint to look like fallen snow, and attach fir leaves in the gaps.

Then add small decorations like beads and set it on a stand, and it’s complete.

You’re free to choose whatever decorations you like, so this craft really lets each person’s individuality shine.

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Christmas boots

[100-Yen Christmas DIY] Christmas Boots Made from a Paper Carton

Christmas boots

Why not try making Christmas boots, a popular item that evokes the feeling of winter? First, cut a prepared juice carton into the shape of a boot.

Next, trace and cut felt fabric to fit, then attach it with double-sided tape.

Wrap quilt batting around the top of the boot and decorate with pom-poms to finish.

You can display it as interior decor or use it to store your favorite small items.

The soft, gentle colors and fabrics make it a soothing piece.

The detailed handiwork also serves as brain training for older adults.

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