[Christmas Party at the Nursing Home] Staff Take on the Challenge! Fun Performances Everyone Can Enjoy
At a nursing home’s Christmas party, the ideal performances are ones that residents and staff can enjoy together and really get excited about.
Activities everyone can join in create a sense of unity in the room and turn into wonderful memories.
In particular, performances that reveal an unexpected side of the staff—who spend time with the residents every day—are sure to be a big hit.
From music to handmade crafts to dance, we’ll introduce a variety of ideas that can liven up the event.
They can all be chosen to fit your preparation time and group size, so please use them as a reference! Let’s plan heartwarming Christmas performances that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
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[Christmas Party at the Nursing Home] Staff Take on the Challenge! Fun Performances to Get Everyone Excited (21–30)
The March of the Toy Soldiers
If it’s a concert featuring songs that older adults have heard before, it’s likely to be an even more enjoyable time.
For example, a concert of “The Parade of the Tin Soldiers,” which is also played on cooking shows, could be a good idea.
Since it’s known as a cooking show tune, using instruments like pots, frying pans, and ladles could really liven things up.
Staff who perform could wear aprons and triangular kerchiefs, which would make for a fun production.
Also, songs familiar to older adults may help trigger memories from the past.
Starting with “The Parade of the Tin Soldiers,” people might reminisce about cooking with family or recall learning recipes, which could naturally lead to conversation.
Hige Dance
Speaking of the famous skits by Cha Kato and Ken Shimura, the “Hige Dance” is one of them, isn’t it? With a fake mustache under the nose, they perform silently, and the unique hand movements in the choreography draw laughs.
A Hige Dance act that once took the nation by storm is sure to satisfy older adults as well.
Even if you mess up—like the ball failing to stick to the sword—the playful charm of the Hige Dance will keep things lively.
It would be even more enjoyable to have seniors join in by helping with the performance.
Matsuken Samba
The glittering performance of “Matsuken Samba” would be a great fit for a Christmas party, wouldn’t it? “Matsuken Samba,” sung by Ken Matsudaira—famous from “Abarenbō Shōgun”—is something many older adults are likely familiar with.
Watching staff perform “Matsuken Samba,” everyone can hum along and share laughter with those around them, which should really liven things up.
If the staff wear authentic-looking costumes—kimono and wigs, for example—the older attendees will probably enjoy it even more.
And be sure to do the final call-and-response together with the seniors!
line dance
The charm of line dancing lies in performers lining up in a row on stage and moving in sync with the same choreography and steps.
I imagine older adults would be moved to see the staff’s neatly coordinated steps right in front of them.
If it’s a performance for a Christmas party, it’s also a great idea for all the dancers to wear matching costumes like Santa Claus or reindeer.
A line dance set to Christmas-themed music would likely get the whole venue buzzing with excitement.
It could also serve as a conversation starter between staff and older adults in the days that follow.
chorus
Speaking of Christmas, it’s also an event strongly associated with choirs—like scenes of hymns being sung in church.
In keeping with that image, how about giving the gift of a Christmas song choral performance? Many Christmas songs are classics for choir, so there are plenty of options to choose from—that’s another plus.
Staff members could perform, or you could set it up so that participants can join in easily; either way, it’s likely to be a hit.
Kiyoshi’s Zundoko Song
Let’s perform a celebratory dance to Kiyoshi Hikawa’s signature song, “Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi.” The fact that it’s a gentle enka number is a big point—it can help not only the dancers but also the audience feel relaxed as they watch.
Since the song doesn’t have fixed choreography, deciding what kind of movements to use is important; imagining something like a Bon Odori style might make it easier to understand.
Put care into the costumes as well, and make sure to convey both the joy of matching movements to the song and the spirit of celebration.
one-shot gag
As a way to liven up a Christmas party, how about some cleverly planned one-shot gags? Simple, quick acts are sure to be enjoyed not only by seniors but also by staff.
These days, you can find all kinds of items at 100-yen shops, so preparation is easy and inexpensive, which is great.
And if you come up with something high-quality, it can shine not only at the senior appreciation party but also at year-end and New Year parties and other events—so why not give it a try?
