No matter what cultural holiday you celebrate at the end of the year, coming together as a community is something that our residents at Centennial Living really enjoy. To get the most out of a party, there will need to be some easy Christmas activities for seniors, that are also lots of fun to take part in. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 ideas to keep everyone entertained, and having the best time possible this holiday season.
1. Secret Santa
One of the best parts about celebrating Christmas is seeing someone’s face light up when you give them a gift. Secret Santa is a fantastic way to get everyone involved, and it’s a whole lot of fun too. Each person involved purchases or makes something, wraps it and puts it under the tree – and don’t forget to set a price limit like $10- 15 When it comes time for the party, everyone picks a present and unwraps it. This is a fun, unique and cost effective way to give gifts to friends this holiday season.
2. Trivia
Trivia is always an absolute hit when it comes to larger groups of people, and it is a fun way to pass the time. Teams of 4 or 5 can work together to answer rounds of questions, and there can even be musical elements if you fancy it. You can find Christmas themed trivia questions, ideas online, or you can even make them up yourself.
3. Gift Wrapping
Wrapping presents can be tricky sometimes, especially if you have a whole pile of things to wrap. Set up a gift wrapping station at your Christmas party, and make light work of sorting out your gifts. You’ll need sticky tape, scissors, ribbon, wrapping paper, cards, and pens to write notes with.
4. Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts are a great way to relax and spend time with your friends. Making something instead of buying it is really satisfying, and you’ll be able to admire your handy work years to come. Whether it’s a wreath for the front door, a Christmas card for the grandchildren, or a decoration for the tree, there are endless ideas for your arts and crafts activities.
5. Movie Night
Grab a projector, a big screen, some comfy couches, the popcorn, and make a list of your favourite holiday films. There are old classics like Miracle On 34th Street, Holiday Inn, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or more contemporary options like Love Actually, Home Alone, or The Grinch.
6. Bingo
Forget the stock standard bingo cards, it’s Christmas time and that should be celebrated. Instead of numbers you can make up your own cards with reindeers, snowmen, gifts, Christmas puddings, Santa’s face, Christmas trees, stockings, candy canes or simply print one out from the internet.
7. Cooking
Get a little messy in the kitchen while making delicious treats for your family and friends. Christmas cookies, puddings, cakes, and preserves are a fun way to spend an afternoon, and you can even give them away as gifts once they are all decorated and packaged up.
8. Tree Decorating
One thing that always brings groups of people together is decorating your Christmas tree. Whether it’s a real tree with the fresh smell of pine, or a bright coloured artificial tree, your communal space will be decorated and ready to go. Make sure you have all your favourite things – fairy lights, glass globes, decorated pine cones, paper garlands, sparkly tinsel, and a star or angel for the top of the tree.
9. Song Requests
It’s not a party without music and to make sure you have all the tunes that your guests will love, you can ask them to make requests. Give our small pieces of paper and pens for everyone to write their favourite songs down on. Using Spotify or another music streaming service, you can input all the titles and listen to them on shuffle.
10. Dress-Up Theme
Everyone loves a themed party, especially when it’s dress up! Encourage your guests to wear something to celebrate the holidays, whether it’s a pair of fun earrings, a novelty tie, or their favourite Christmas jumper. It’s always a great laugh creating these memories, and makes for some wonderful photo opportunities too.
Visit Centennial Living’s assisted living villages in Melbourne today
Choose the right path for your retirement today and visit us at Centennial Living. We have a lot of different options when it comes to your living arrangements and they can be tailored to your needs. Spend your later years as relaxed as possible, and stay connected with those around you in a popular retirement home community.
To learn more about life with Centennial Living, don’t hesitate to get in touch! You can reach out to us today by calling 1300 098 000 or leaving an enquiry via our contact form.
