Recommended Origami for Seniors: Fun December Theme
As December arrives, the wind turns colder and it becomes a season with more indoor recreation.
Let’s try origami, which is great brain training you can enjoy in a warm room.
The process of dexterously using your fingertips to fold paper, and creating while picturing the finished piece, is said to provide beneficial stimulation to the brain.
Origami is also a familiar craft for many older adults, making it easy to get started.
Some may even recall memories of folding paper in childhood or doing origami with their children.
This time, we’re introducing origami with a December theme.
Please use it to help you create wonderful pieces.
[For Seniors] Recommended December-Themed Fun Origami (1–10)
Christmas wreath
The key to this wreath is to roll, not fold! By curling the pieces, you’ll create a wreath with a three-dimensional, voluminous look.
After cutting an origami sheet in half, carefully roll it without flattening, secure it with glue, and then cut it into four equal parts.
Make several of these leaf pieces for the wreath and glue them in a circle on the backing paper so they overlap.
Finally, decorate the wreath with a ribbon and other embellishments made from origami, and you’re done! Be sure to adjust your pressure as you work so you don’t create creases.
Origami: Christmas Stockings
Origami is said to be not only fun but also effective as a brain workout.
That’s why many people probably enjoy showing off their origami to friends and family.
The item I’d like to introduce is a Christmas stocking made from origami.
While many people fold things like trees, if you present this stocking, you’re sure to surprise them.
The stockings you make look cute on the wall, and you can also attach a string to turn them into ornaments.
The folding method is simple and easy to remember, so try making lots of them.
Origami: Poinsettia
When it comes to bright red flowers that color the Christmas season, poinsettias come to mind.
As they appear at florists’ storefronts when Christmas approaches, they’re even called “Christmas flowers.” Let’s make a poinsettia out of origami! It makes a lovely room decoration, so give it a try.
Fold and cut the origami paper to create petals.
It’s very easy, so it’s great for beginners.
Make about three layers of petals and paste them together slightly offset to capture the poinsettia look.
They’re cute not only in red but in all sorts of colors, too!
Origami: Snowflake
You can easily make snowflakes with white origami paper.
Since snowflakes are crystals, aim for a hexagon: fold the paper into a triangle, then fold it into thirds like a paper napkin, and fold it in half once more.
Carefully cut out shapes you like, making sure not to tear the paper.
When you unfold it, beautiful, unexpected patterns will appear—sure to delight with their element of surprise.
Mount them on construction paper in Christmas colors like red or green for a very stylish decoration.
Santa hat-style kusudama
Santa hats turned into a kusudama ornament!? This time, we’re introducing a fun decoration with a big impact.
First, make Santa hats out of origami.
Since there are some intricate parts, take your time.
We recommend using larger origami paper.
After making a total of 30 hats, glue them together.
The key is to assemble slowly, letting the glue dry as you go.
The finished piece looks like Santa hats arranged around a star, creating a festive touch for Christmas.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen flowers bloom facing downward, yet they also resemble blazing flames—a duality that makes them truly captivating.
How about crafting cyclamen out of origami and using them as Christmas decorations? With a wide range of colors available, choosing your favorites—beyond the classic red, white, and pink—will make them even more vibrant.
The flower part takes on a crane-like shape midway through, so the folding will feel familiar.
Then just make the stem and leaves, connect them, and you’re done! Their three-dimensional form is lovely, so displaying them in a bottle or similar container is also recommended.
Three-dimensional Christmas tree
Introducing a Christmas tree you can make with five sheets of origami! It has a voluminous, three-dimensional finish.
We recommend combining dark and light green like fir needles, and using washi paper as well.
The key to the folding method is to make crisp, firm creases.
Once you’ve made all five pieces, align the corners and glue them securely for stability.
Combine the trunk pieces, and it’s complete! Finally, add beads or any decorations you like to make it more festive.
Display this tree and let’s boost the Christmas spirit!