Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For families living with a loved one who has dementia, the festive season may feel a little different, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments. By tailoring activities to the needs of the person with dementia, families can enjoy the spirit of Christmas in a way that is both heartwarming and inclusive.
Here are some thoughtful and simple ideas to help families with a dementia diagnosis make the most of this Christmas season together.
Decorating the Home Together
Decorating the house is one of the most cherished traditions during the Christmas season. For families with a loved one who has dementia, this activity can be an opportunity to reminisce about past holidays. Whether it’s hanging ornaments on the tree or placing fairy lights around the home, these familiar tasks can provide a sense of comfort and joy.
Encourage participation at the person’s own pace. If they prefer, let them place one ornament or garland at a time. This simple act of decorating can spark memories and provide a sense of accomplishment. For those in the later stages of dementia, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft lighting and festive music can still create a cheerful environment.
Christmas Music and Sing-Alongs
Music has a powerful effect on the brain, and for those living with dementia, familiar Christmas carols can evoke a sense of happiness and nostalgia. Playing Christmas music throughout the day or having a family sing-along can bring the family together in a joyous, non-verbal way. Songs like “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Away in a Manger” often hold deep sentimental value and can create a beautiful, emotional connection.
If your loved one is still able to sing or hum along, encourage them to do so, or simply let the music fill the room. You can also add a special twist by creating a Christmas playlist that includes their favourite songs from previous holidays or their youth, which may prompt them to recall fond memories.
Crafting Together
Christmas crafts are a wonderful way to engage the senses and encourage creativity. Simple activities like making paper snowflakes, decorating baubles, or creating a festive wreath can be both fun and therapeutic. These crafts provide a relaxing way to bond while also tapping into the person’s creativity.
For families, making these crafts together creates an opportunity for conversation, laughter, and connection. Even if the end result isn’t perfect, the process of creating something together is what counts most. Consider putting the crafts on display around the home as a reminder of the wonderful moments spent together during the season.
Baking Christmas Treats
Baking is a sensory-rich activity that can bring families closer while filling the home with the irresistible smells of festive treats. Baking Christmas biscuits, gingerbread cookies, or a traditional Christmas cake can be a comforting experience. The tactile nature of baking – from stirring the mixture to cutting out shapes with cookie cutters – can be particularly soothing for someone with dementia.
If your loved one enjoys the process of baking but finds it difficult to manage on their own, offer gentle guidance or encourage them to help with simpler tasks, such as sprinkling sugar or decorating the cookies with icing. Even if the end result isn’t perfect, the act of spending time together will be what is remembered most fondly.
Memory Boxes or Storytelling
Creating a memory box can be a meaningful way to celebrate Christmas, especially for a person with dementia. Fill the box with photos, mementoes, and small items that remind the person of past Christmases or important milestones in their life. Going through the box together can trigger happy memories and conversations about family traditions, favourite foods, or beloved holiday destinations.
Storytelling can also be an engaging activity. Share fond memories from past Christmases and ask your loved one about their favourite traditions. Even if their memory is fading, they may recall special moments with prompts or help. The joy of reminiscing can deepen the family bond and create a festive atmosphere.
Christmas Lights Drive or Walk
For families who enjoy a stroll or drive around their neighbourhood, a Christmas lights tour is a beautiful and calming activity. Many communities go all out with their festive displays, and driving or walking through these lit-up streets can be a magical experience for anyone, including those with dementia.
The lights and decorations often bring a sense of wonder and can spark delight. This peaceful activity provides a chance to enjoy nature, engage in conversation, or simply take in the beauty of the season, all while staying warm and cosy.
Christmas Films or TV Specials
Watching Christmas films is a time-honoured tradition, and many people with dementia find comfort in familiar movies and television specials. Classic films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Snowman, or A Christmas Carol can bring comfort with their gentle storylines and nostalgic charm. The key is to choose films that are lighthearted and not too long, as long viewing periods might become overwhelming.
Watching together as a family can also encourage connection, providing the opportunity to share laughs and exchange thoughts about the films. If your loved one can no longer follow the storylines, simply being in the room together while enjoying the festive atmosphere is enough to create lasting memories.
Mindful Giving
The act of giving is at the heart of Christmas, and for families with a loved one living with dementia, even small gestures of kindness can be deeply meaningful. Consider helping your loved one make small gifts or cards for other family members or friends. This can include making a handprint card or crafting something simple that they can contribute to.
If they are unable to participate in crafting or writing, perhaps they can help with delivering gifts, wrapping presents, or simply offering a warm smile. These actions, while small, can make them feel involved and valued in the festive spirit.
Relaxed Family Time
Sometimes the most precious moments are those of simple, relaxed togetherness. Spend some quiet time as a family, perhaps reading a Christmas story, playing a gentle board game, or sitting together and enjoying a hot drink. The important thing is to create an atmosphere where your loved one feels safe, loved, and connected.
Ensure the environment is calm, with minimal distractions, as some people with dementia may become overwhelmed with too many activities or too much noise. Keep the focus on the joy of spending time together.
While the Christmas season may bring its challenges for families living with dementia, it is also an opportunity to create moments of joy, love, and connection. The activities above, designed with mindfulness and care, offer ways to include your loved one and make the season brighter for everyone. Christmas is not just about grand celebrations, but about being together, cherishing the little things, and creating memories that will warm the heart for years to come. By embracing these activities with patience and compassion, families can create a Christmas that is full of love, despite the difficulties dementia may bring.
Magic Mavis Richardson will be taking up a swimming challenge during Dementia Awareness Week in May to raise money for Dementia Friendly Keighley. Octogenarian Mavis will swim one length for each year of her life and hopes to raise at least £1000.
