A Taste of Christmas Feasts

Purpose of the Activity

This activity is designed to spark conversation, engage the senses, and provide a wonderful opportunity for cognitive stimulation and social connection. By exploring global traditions, residents can learn something new, share personal memories, and enjoy a pleasant sensory experience. It fosters a sense of community by connecting residents through the universal language of food and celebration.

Materials Needed

Visual Aids: Large, color printouts or a slideshow of:
German Stollen (a loaf, often covered in powdered sugar)
Italian Panettone (a tall, dome-shaped bread)
Filipino Bibingka (a flat rice cake, often on a banana leaf)
A world map (optional, to point out the countries)
Discussion Prompts: A sheet with brief, interesting facts about each food.
Tasting Supplies:
One readily available international treat (e.g., shortbread cookies, small slices of fruitcake, or panettone if you can find it).
Small plates and napkins.
Serving tongs.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, and water.
Ambiance (Optional): Festive tablecloth, instrumental holiday music playing softly in the background.