Christmas Around the World

Purpose of the Activity

This activity series aims to provide a rich, multi-sensory experience that promotes cognitive engagement and emotional well-being. By exploring different cultures, we encourage residents to learn new things, share their own memories of travel or family heritage, and connect with one another. The combination of music, food, and hands-on crafts stimulates the mind, awakens the senses, and creates joyful moments throughout the holiday season.

Materials Needed

General Materials for All Weeks:
A world map or globe
A whiteboard or large easel paper with markers
A Bluetooth speaker for music
A tablet or TV for showing pictures or short videos
Simple "passports" (small folded paper booklets) and a stamp or festive stickers
Printed images of each country's flag

Week 1: A French Noël
Food: Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake), either store-bought or from your kitchen, and cups of hot chocolate.
Craft: Small, simple shoes (cardboard cutouts or toddler-sized shoes from a thrift store), glitter, glue, and other decorations for residents to decorate for Père Noël.
Music: A playlist of French Christmas carols like "Il est né, le divin Enfant" and "Petit Papa Noël".

Week 2: An Irish Nollaig
Food: Store-bought mince pies or Irish soda bread with butter and jam.
Craft: Battery-operated LED candles (one per resident), red ribbon, and artificial holly springs for decorating.
Music: A playlist of Irish folk Christmas music, such as songs by The Chieftains or Celtic Woman.

Week 3: A German Weihnachten
Food: Slices of Stollen (German fruit bread), gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), and warm apple cider.
Craft: Green pickle-shaped ornaments (can be purchased online or made from green construction paper) and glitter glue pens for decorating. Include nutcracker-themed coloring pages and colored pencils as another option.
Music: A playlist of classic German carols like "O Tannenbaum" and "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht".

Week 4: A Japanese Kurisumasu
Food: A simple sponge cake with strawberries and whipped cream (a classic Japanese Christmas cake) and fried chicken bites (a fun, modern tradition).
Craft: Squares of colorful origami paper for folding simple stars or festive shapes. Provide pre-folded examples. For memory care residents, make pre-folded models for them to decorate. 
Music: A playlist featuring Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," which is very popular during the holidays in Japan, along with other cheerful, festive music.

Estimated Duration

45-60 minutes per session

Ideal Group Size

6-10 residents