[Elderly Care Facility] Fun-filled recreational activities for a Christmas party: crafts, rhythmic exercises, games, and even a snack-time activity
Are you looking for recreation ideas to make the Christmas party at a senior facility even more fun and lively? In this article, you’ll find loads of ideas you can enjoy together with older adults—from simple ball games to exercises set to Christmas songs, as well as crafts and snack activities.
We’ve gathered ideas that are easy to prepare and safe to try.
Please take a look and use these Christmas recreation ideas to create a heartwarming time filled with smiles across generations!
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[Elderly Care Facility] Engaging Recreational Activities for a Christmas Party: Crafts, Rhythm Exercises, Games, and Even a Snack Activity (71–80)
Towel Rock-Paper-Scissors
Towel Rock-Paper-Scissors is a game where you can enjoy a heated battle using a towel.
It was invented by Idea Wakuwaku Rehabilitation, who is also active as a YouTuber, and it has even been featured in TV segments.
The game is for two players.
All you need is one towel and a table.
Here’s how to play: First, sit facing each other across the table.
Place the towel in the middle so that each end points toward a player.
You’ll play using one hand.
That’s all the setup.
Then, play rock-paper-scissors; the winner pulls the opponent’s end of the towel, and the loser holds their end down so it isn’t taken.
Reindeer Chocolate Cake
These cute cupcakes use distinctively shaped pretzels as reindeer antlers! No matter how old we get, the approach of Christmas still makes us fidgety with excitement.
Why not include them in your Christmas snack activity? To make them, melt chocolate bars and butter in a double boiler, add sugar and eggs and mix, pour into cups, and bake in the oven—that’s it! Finish by decorating with pretzels and chocolate pens to create the eyes and nose.
Their moist texture makes them easy to eat, even for older adults.
Umbrella Roulette
Here’s a game using an umbrella that’s sure to liven up Christmas parties and everyday recreational activities.
Can you picture an umbrella? An umbrella has several ribs covered with vinyl, right? Using that structure, let’s play a roulette-style game.
Open the umbrella and toss a ball between the ribs and the vinyl; where it lands will determine the points you score.
Seniors might be surprised by this unconventional way to use an umbrella.
However, there’s data suggesting that taking on new challenges increases cognitive load and helps train the brain.
Enjoy a fun time with this innovative umbrella game!
[Elderly Care Facility] Liven-up recreation for a Christmas party: crafts, rhythm exercises, games, and even a snack activity (81–90)
Santa Claus the Scatterbrain
This is a fun dance set to the song “Awatenbō no Santa Claus,” which comically portrays Santa Claus.
It’s a full-body dance, but since the lower body mainly uses step-like movements to catch the rhythm, it should be easy to do even while seated.
The choreography reproduces the lyrics through arm movements, with the key being to express the comical world through big, expressive gestures.
To convey the joyful spirit of Christmas, I also recommend not only making your movements large but singing along as you move your body.
Easy rhythm exercises for Jingle Bells
This is an exercise routine that emphasizes the fun of moving your body, producing sounds with bells and clapping in time with the music.
By letting the bells ring, participants can fully feel the world of “Jingle Bells.” A key point is which part of the body you strike to sound the bells.
By gradually making the combinations of hands and feet more complex, you can also add a brain-training effect as participants think about what movement comes next.
Rather than focusing on speed, encourage them to perform each movement accurately and use large motions to get their bodies moving thoroughly.
Present Balance Game
This is a game that lets you enjoy the challenge of balance with a Christmas tree motif.
You stack toilet paper rolls—slit and spread open—and paper plates alternately to resemble a tree, then place present boxes on it without letting it topple.
By using a paper plate for the base of the tree as well, intentionally creating a wobbly structure, players naturally focus on balance when placing the boxes.
Pay attention to decorating the tree and presents, too, so players can feel the Christmas atmosphere while concentrating on their hand movements.
Meringue cookies
Meringue cookies are light in texture and adorably cute.
Since they need only a few ingredients, they’re perfect for a Christmas snack activity! To make them festive, shaping them like Christmas trees can lift the mood.
First, add granulated sugar to egg whites and whip over a hot-water bath until stiff peaks form.
Next, mix in cornstarch, transfer to a piping bag, pipe into tree shapes, and decorate with silver dragées or other sprinkles.
Then just bake them in the oven! If you add food coloring during the whipping step, they’ll look even more stylish.
They also make great gifts, so give them a try!