Festive Fun to Start the Week 🎄
Cozy crafts, warm sips, gentle memories, and a dash of holiday laughter for your residents.
❄️ ✨ ❄️
🎨 Cinnamon Star Keepsake Ornaments
This cozy, cinnamon-scented ornament activity is perfect for Assisted Living, Memory Care,
and mixed-ability groups. Residents create simple star-shaped keepsakes using a soft cinnamon dough.
The warm aroma and hands-on steps make it an easy, heartwarming December craft that doubles as a
meaningful gift.
💡 Tip: Ask each resident who they’re making their ornament for—this simple prompt sparks beautiful
memories and connection.
At a Glance
- Time: 45–60 minutes
- Group Size: Any
- Focus: Sensory, fine motor
- Makes: 12–20 ornaments
Supplies
- 1 cup ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup applesauce
- 2 tablespoons white school glue (for strength)
Quick Steps
- Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and glue until a soft dough forms.
- Roll to ¼ inch thickness between wax paper.
- Cut shapes, poke a hole for ribbon, and air dry 24 hours.
🍽️ Warm Spiced Cranberry Punch
A cozy, aromatic drink perfect for socials, holiday programs, and sensory groups. It offers sensory
stimulation, hydration, and a comforting shared experience—easy to prepare in a slow cooker for large groups.
Tip: Serve in mugs and pair with quiet background music or themed trivia to turn it into
a comforting December mini-event.
Ingredients (Serves 12–16 cups)
- 1 gallon (128 oz) cranberry juice
- 2 large oranges, sliced into rounds
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 8–10 whole cloves (in a tea ball or cheesecloth, if possible)
- ¼ cup honey or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Optional: 2 cups ginger ale added just before serving for sparkle
Directions
- Add all ingredients except ginger ale to a large pot or slow cooker.
- Simmer on low for 30–45 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
- Stir in optional ginger ale just before serving.
🎄 ❄️ 🎄
🧠 Winter Memory Moments
A gentle reminiscence activity ideal for Assisted Living, Memory Care, and small groups.
These simple winter-themed prompts encourage residents to share favorite traditions, childhood
memories, and meaningful seasonal moments. It supports cognitive engagement, emotional connection,
and social interaction without pressure or performance.
Tip: Pass around a familiar winter item—like a pinecone, ribbon, or cinnamon
stick—to help spark memories naturally.
Suggested prompts
- “What winter treat reminds you of home?”
- “Who made December magical for you?”
- “What winter smells instantly remind you of home—pine, cinnamon, woodsmoke, something cooking?”
- “Did your family have any small traditions—like specific decorations, songs, or routines—that always made the season feel special?”
- “Who taught you how to wrap gifts?”
😂 A Little Holiday Humor
“When the joy of Christmas decorating finally turns on you…” 🎀😅
📣 Calendar Club: December Done For You
Let us help you glide through December. Ready-to-print calendars, handouts, and seasonal activities are
all included inside Calendar Club.
Wishing you a December filled with warm lights, kind words, and meaningful moments.
— The Activity Directors Network Team
