[For Seniors] Fun Crafts Recommended for December
December brings fun events and major occasions like Christmas and New Year’s.
Let’s help older adults feel the season with crafts that capture the spirit of December! We’ve gathered many projects that are easy to prepare and simple to make, using recycled materials and items from 100-yen shops.
Moving the fingers during crafting can also have brain-training benefits.
You can display the finished pieces, or take them home to use if they’re practical items.
Enjoy a wonderful time with crafts that are perfect for wrapping up the year.
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[For Seniors] Fun Crafts Recommended in December (111–120)
Santa and Reindeer made from paper plates
These decorations use the curves of paper plates to create Santa Claus and a reindeer.
First, cut a paper plate in half and place it with the curved edge at the bottom.
Attach it to a construction-paper base shaped like a triangle with a circle at the tip to make Santa Claus.
Next, take a paper plate cut into quarters and add eyes, a nose, and antler parts to make the reindeer.
The key is the expressions you draw on the paper plates—focus on the design and craft your own unique characters.
Because the finished pieces are flat, this craft is perfect for wall decorations.
[For Seniors] Fun Crafts Recommended for December (121–130)
A pocket tissue cover sewn in two steps
A handmade pocket tissue cover that can be finished with just two seams.
You can use any fabric you like, making it a perfect idea for Christmas-themed gifts featuring Santa, reindeer, and more.
Draw guide lines on the wrong side of the prepared fabric with a chalk pen, then press mountain and valley folds with an iron.
Next, starting from the third crease from the left, fold in order toward the second crease from the right.
Fold the rightmost crease and tuck it inside, then fold along the second crease from the left.
After folding along the leftmost crease, sew along the lines you drew with the chalk pen.
Backstitch, trim the excess, turn it right side out, and you’re done.
wreath
The paper chain decoration that almost everyone has made at least once! Fold origami paper, cut it into thin strips, roll each strip into a loop and glue the ends together.
From the second loop onward, thread the strip through the previous loop before gluing.
Repeat this process until it reaches your desired length, and in no time your paper chain is complete! It’s very simple, but seeing a paper chain often brings to mind exciting events like birthdays or parties for many people.
To get ready for a fun Christmas, try making a little at a time during craft time.
Christmas coaster
December is full of gatherings with family and friends, like Christmas and New Year’s.
So how about making some coasters that work even when lots of people get together? If you make them with resin instead of cork, you can create coasters with a professional, product-like finish.
Match the event or season by embedding small objects or stickers in the resin.
If you’re making them for your family, adding name stickers can be a fun touch, too.
stand snow globe
Let’s create a festive standing snow globe with a snowy town or Christmas theme.
First, glue the prepared photo onto a piece of thick paper.
Next, put your choice of decorations and glue into a zippered plastic bag.
Spread the decorations and glue evenly inside the bag, then attach it to the item you just made.
Finally, place it in a photo frame, and it’s complete.
You can enjoy watching the decorations slowly fall within the beautiful illustration.
This is a craft idea that seniors can work on safely without using scissors or box cutters.
Christmas tree made from a toilet paper roll
Let’s make a Christmas tree using toilet paper rolls! It’s a simple process that many seniors can enjoy as a craft activity.
All you need to do is cut the rolls and wrap them with construction paper, then glue them in place.
Adding decorations with colorful origami paper and stickers will give each piece a unique and charming finish.
Since you’ll be using your fingertips during the process, it can also help stimulate the brain.
Once the trees are complete, everyone can admire them together and share a lovely moment celebrating the arrival of winter.
Why not enjoy some handmade crafting together in a warm room, so that older adults can have fun while getting creative?
Poinsettia Christmas tree
Here’s an idea for making a Christmas tree with poinsettias.
Crumple, open, and fold origami or tissue paper, sketch a pattern, and cut it out with scissors.
Add vein lines by creasing the paper, and your leaves are done.
Layer green and red leaves on the base and glue them to create poinsettias! You’ll need many leaves, but stacking several sheets of paper and cutting them all at once will save time.
Finally, create a tree framework on the wall and attach the poinsettias you’ve made to complete the tree! Its festive look will likely delight older adults as well.
