[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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- [For Seniors] January Craft Ideas for Day Service Activities
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[Christmas & New Year] Craft Ideas for Daycare in December (11–20)
Christmas bell
Christmas bells that lift the holiday spirit! Just one in a day-service room can make the space feel festive.
Why not make your own Christmas bell using construction paper and origami? It’s also great for fine motor practice for older adults.
For the bell part, roll a semicircle of construction paper, then thread a pom-pom or similar item onto wire to act as the clapper.
Make two bells, gather the wires together, and decorate with holly or other motifs to finish.
You can also have fun customizing by changing the color and size of the paper.
Christmas mobile
What we’d like you to make for a day-service gathering with friends and companions is a Christmas mobile.
First, use templates of Christmas trees and stars to cut shapes out of construction paper.
Next, connect folded pieces to create three-dimensional items.
Finally, thread stars and trees with string from the top, and you’re done.
By adjusting the number of mobiles hanging from above, you can make the decorations even more festive.
You can also work together in a group to make many mobiles and hang them up to play.
Give it a try and create a unique piece that twirls around.
Poinsettia wall decoration
When it comes to plants that evoke Christmas, poinsettias are a must.
Let’s try making a poinsettia craft using origami.
By cutting into folded origami paper and then unfolding it, you can create shapes that look like spread-out leaves; the process is simple—just layer those pieces.
To make it look more like a real poinsettia, red and green origami are the standard choices.
But it could be fun to change the colors or try variations like using crepe paper to experiment with different vibes.
If you mount it on a backing sheet, it should also work well as a large decorative ornament.
Zodiac ornament
It’s customary to start preparing decorations in December, just before the New Year, with wishes for a good year woven into them.
Decorations inspired by the zodiac animals add a cute touch thanks to their animal motifs, and they make it easy to express hopes for the coming year.
Aiming for finished pieces featuring animals dressed in kimono is recommended, as it strongly emphasizes the atmosphere of a Japanese New Year.
Choosing soft materials is key; they help create a gentle feel that seems to carry your wishes into the new year.
Paper cup cracker
Paper cup crackers that shine at Christmas parties and events for seniors.
First, punch a hole in the center of the bottom of a paper cup, then make slits at the lower edge and curve it.
Thread a rubber band through the hole, feed it through aluminum foil, and roll it up to finish.
Place cotton balls or crumpled origami inside the cup; when you pull and release the rubber band, they shoot out with a pop.
Use light, soft materials and keep safety in mind.
Try making this item to celebrate the coming of Christmas and the New Year.
A Santa Claus whose expression changes
This humorous craft features a Santa Claus whose facial expression changes as you turn it.
It’s great because you can make it with familiar materials like paper cups and origami! Cover the first paper cup with red origami and cut out Santa’s face area.
Make the eyebrows and beard with white construction paper.
Next, draw various facial expressions on the second paper cup.
Stack the cups, and as you rotate the bottom cup, the face will change! It’s fun to play with after making it, and it also works as a small Christmas decoration—give it a try!
[Christmas, New Year] Craft Ideas for Day Service in December (21–30)
New Year’s decoration with camellias and mizuhiki
Would you like to make an elegant New Year’s decoration using mizuhiki cords? First, thread your favorite beads onto three mizuhiki cords.
Glue the cords onto the backing paper in an S-shape, then decide where the beads should go and glue them in place as well.
In the remaining blank areas of the backing, arrange and glue felt pieces shaped like pine, bamboo, plum, and camellia, along with squares of washi paper with traditional patterns.
Once your design is set, attach the backing to a gold base, add a cord for hanging, and you’re done.
Using black backing paper will make the mizuhiki stand out beautifully.
