Keep Calm, It’s Only Christmas - Christmas activities in care homes
- Bright Copper Kettles CIC
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Every year around this time, the same mix of excitement and panic starts to bubble up in care homes everywhere.
You can almost feel it in the air - twinkling lights going up, boxes of decorations being dragged out of storage, the smell of mince pies (and stress!) in the corridors.
And then comes the thought: “There’s only me doing activities…”
If that’s you right now, please take a deep breath.
You are not alone, even if it sometimes feels like you’re single-handedly running Santa’s workshop, directing the carol singers, and wrapping 60 gifts all at once.
Let’s get something straight: you can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything.
Christmas in a care home doesn’t need to be a whirlwind of non-stop activities. What residents remember most isn’t how busy it was, it’s how connected they felt.
The small, shared moments matter most:
Singing along to a carol that sparks a memory.
Decorating a tree together.
Sharing a cuppa while talking about Christmases gone by.
These are the golden threads that weave a sense of belonging.
Use your support - even if it’s not another activities person.
At this time of year you often have extra support from management and staff - if this is true for you - brilliant! Make use of that.
Ask others to take ownership of little parts:
Care staff could help with a short sing-along after lunch.
Kitchen staff might enjoy helping residents make festive treats.
Maintenance could help hang decorations or set up a quiet reflection corner.
People often want to help, they just need a gentle nudge and a clear task.
Choose quality over quantity for Christmas activities in care homes
Instead of filling the calendar, focus on meaningful experiences.
Perhaps:
A Tree Decorating Afternoon sharing thoughts about their favourite ornaments.
A Reminiscence Session about past Christmas celebrations.
A Quiet Christmas Room for those who find the season overwhelming.
One or two well-planned, heart-warming activities a day can be more powerful than a packed schedule.
Look after you too.
This is so important. You give so much of yourself, emotionally and physically. Make sure you build in breathing space. Even ten minutes with a cup of tea and no tinsel in sight can help reset your mind.
And remember, when you’re calm and grounded, your residents feel it too.
The truth is...
Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. The magic isn’t in the decorations or the number of activities. It’s in the warmth, laughter, and shared moments you help create.
So this year, repeat after me:
"Keep calm, it’s only Christmas."
Do what you can, delegate where possible, and let the rest go.
Because the heart of Christmas in every care home isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. 💚
If you are looking for some simple ideas to add to your Christmas activities, consider joining the Activity Coordinators Toolbox.
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