[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 for December (1–10)
Pom-pom tree
When it comes to Christmas decorations, a tree is the classic choice.
But many people find it challenging to prepare a large tree.
That’s why I’d like to suggest making a pom-pom tree.
A pom-pom is a palm-sized ball made from yarn.
By gluing several together into a tree shape, you get a pom-pom tree.
This size is perfect for decorating a desk or bookshelf.
By the way, using two colors of pom-poms makes for a beautiful finish.
Try coming up with your own original color scheme!
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!
Pinecone Tree
As the trees in the park begin to change color, many seniors might enjoy taking walks and collecting pinecones.
Why not try making a “pinecone tree” using the pinecones you gathered yourself? It’s very easy to make and perfect as a casual Christmas decoration.
Pinecones look great as they are, or you can paint them—adding color changes the feel and makes it fun.
Brush on some glue and stick on beads, glitter, or any materials you like, and you’ll have a lovely mini Christmas tree!
[For Seniors] Fun Crafts Recommended for December (11–20)
Christmas card
What kind of Christmas card should I give this year? Here’s a simple Christmas card idea that’s perfect for anyone planning to send cards to grandchildren or friends.
It’s easy to make by hand, and because it’s a 3D pop-up card, it really boosts the festive mood! All you need to do is fold a sheet of construction paper in half, make a few cuts with scissors, and fold the cut parts.
Add paper cutouts of motifs like trees, ribbons, or snowflakes to make it look even more festive.
It’s simple yet stylish! Can’t wait to see the surprised look on the recipient’s face.
Fukumamori
Why not try handmaking a Fukumamori, a charm said to bring happiness? It’s a great idea both as an accessory for seniors to wear and as a gift for someone special.
Cut slits at both ends of the center of a piece of felt, then attach a string and decorative pom-poms onto tape and sandwich them between the felt.
After sticking fabric and buttons onto the felt, decorate with triangular fabric and beads, and finish by tying the string.
Create a heartwarming gift with a Japanese or Christmas theme!
Milk carton accessory case
A simple trinket box you can make from an empty milk carton.
It makes a nice Christmas gift for seniors, and it’s also great as a seasonal recreation activity.
Paste wrapping paper on both the outside and inside of the carton, then cut off any excess.
Make slits along the lines you drew on the inside, crease the folds, and glue the pieces together from the inside in order.
Finally, decorate the edges with lace to finish.
Try using Christmas-themed wrapping paper, lace, and ribbons.
Simple New Year’s decoration
Let’s make a three-dimensional daruma ornament using a milk carton and a toilet paper roll core.
Cut the milk carton into long, thin strips, roll them into a circular frame, and wrap it with tissue paper, keeping a rounded shape in mind.
Then attach the facial features and decorative parts to complete the daruma.
After that, place the daruma onto a base made from a cut toilet paper core or a stand covered with origami paper.
There’s a wide range of ways to customize it, such as the color of the tissue paper and how you draw the expression, so you can create a piece that feels even more auspicious.
Aim for a cute design and craft a daruma that’s uniquely your own.
