For seniors: Introducing handmade decoration ideas to welcome a wonderful Christmas
Around Christmas time, many senior care facilities put up decorations like wreaths and trees.
Decorations help create a lovely seasonal feel and capture the festive atmosphere.
So this time, we’re sharing ideas for handmade Christmas decorations.
We’ve gathered many projects that are practical to use and that seniors can enjoy making together.
The materials come from recyclables or items you can get at 100-yen shops, but the results are all high quality.
Handmade pieces are one-of-a-kind and special, so please use this article to help make this Christmas a memorable one.
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[For Seniors] Introducing Handmade Decoration Ideas to Welcome a Wonderful Christmas (81–90)
Pom-pom tree
This warm and cozy craft features pom-poms stacked in the shape of a Christmas tree.
The steps are simple: cut a paper plate, roll it to form the base of the tree, and then attach colorful pom-poms on top.
Next, add beads in the gaps between the pom-poms and finish with decorations like ribbons.
The action of pinching and sticking the pom-poms also helps with finger dexterity.
The color of the pom-poms is key—choosing mainly red, green, and white will effectively convey the Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas wreath at the mall
Introducing an easy-to-make Christmas wreath that only requires twisting pipe cleaners from a 100-yen shop.
This craft uses your fingertips extensively, making it effective for fine-motor rehab for seniors! Why not include it in your preparations for Christmas events? To make it, overlap the ends of two pipe cleaners and twist them together, then clamp a pen, straw, or battery between the pipe cleaners and twist two or three times.
Repeat this process, and once you’ve wrapped to the end, form a circle and twist the two ends together to connect—done! Adding ribbon-shaped pipe cleaners or decorative stickers will make it even more festive.
Try making it with your favorite colors and get into the Christmas spirit.
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.
Snowman made from a Yakult container
How about making cute snowman dolls using Yakult containers? First, remove the foil lid and the plastic sleeve from the containers.
Next, cover them with white fabric; if you want to give the snowmen a soft, fluffy look, using quilt batting is recommended.
Once the entire surface is covered with fabric, use yarn to make hats for the snowmen.
Then, decorate them with beads and other materials to create the facial features like eyes and nose, as well as decorations for their bodies, and you’re done! Make several and display them together to create a lively, gentle atmosphere.
Scandinavian-style Christmas decorations
Here’s an idea for a Scandinavian-style Christmas decoration using drawing paper you can even find at 100-yen shops.
It’s simple yet makes a statement, perfect if you’re looking for decorations with presence.
First, prepare two sheets of drawing paper and paint one with gold paint and the other with silver.
Once dry, cut them into long, thin strips.
Start by weaving three silver and three gold strips into a grid to create a 3×3 pattern.
Then, leaving the central cross intact, overlap the papers side by side and attach them at the edges.
You should get four petal-like shapes.
Make two of these, stack them, and attach the remaining strips as well.
It’s easier to make than it looks, so give it a try!
Cute Christmas wreath
A pop and cute Christmas wreath made with origami.
Origami uses your fingertips extensively, so it’s a great recreational activity for seniors to try! Plus, making this Christmas wreath will help you enjoy the seasonal atmosphere.
The base of the wreath is made by folding several parts and assembling them together.
Adding origami Santa Clauses and reindeer will boost the Christmas mood even more! You can also create a unique finish by arranging different color combinations for the wreath base parts.
[For Seniors] Introducing Handmade Decoration Ideas to Welcome a Wonderful Christmas (91–100)
windsock-style decoration
A beautiful hanging decoration that can be made using the traditional origami crane base.
First, fold the paper in half into a square by matching the top and bottom corners, then unfold it and fold it in half on the other side.
Next, fold the side with the open edges toward the center line to form a triangle.
Flip it over and do the same on the other side, folding the loose flaps toward the center.
At this point, if you firmly fold the top corner downward, you’ll get a neat crane base.
Hold the wing sections with both hands and snap them open to finish.
Connect several of them together to make a tree ornament as well.
