We have compiled a list of activities to try during the festive period.
Are you looking for activities to do together as a family or nice ideas to do with your loved one or the person you care for? These inclusive activities all come with adaptations to make them as accessible as possible.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a great way to remember the festive season, childhood or special occasions and to keep all of these memories in one place.
Adaptation
Pre-cut shapes, use large stickers, and provide easy-to-handle pens and markers, consider the strength of the materials if not going to be handled gently.
Accessibility tip
Provide templates for decorating pages, and consider using scrapbooking kits that only require basic sticking or arranging.
Reindeer Food
A great activity to get you in the festive spirit.
Adaptation
Use pre-measured bags with safe, edible items like oats and sprinkles that can be shaken together in a large, easy-to-grip bag.
Accessibility tip
Keep motions simple, such as shaking or pouring with assistance.
Make Christmas Cards
Make meaningful cards for your close family and friends. A great activity to get everyone around the table toegther.
Adaption
Provide pre-made card templates and large, easy-to-apply stickers. Include markers with grips to support motor skills.
Accessibility tip
Offer stamps for signing names (and other stamps for shapes)or simple decorative touches, reducing the need for complex movements. For many of these activities in a care home setting, if people were unable to physically participate, many enjoy being around the table, watching the activity, laughing at the conversation, and being asked for opinions.
Christmas films
Nothing gets you in the festive spirit like watching Christmas films - especially the classics.
Adaptation
Choose familiar, feel-good films to reduce any cognitive load.
Accessibility tip
Provide comfortable seating and minimise background noise. Use subtitles only if required due to hearing problems - it could be overloaded and distracting. otherwise.
Decorating to Christmas music
Putting the decorations up together is a special activity for many this time of year.
Adaptation
Opt for light, easy-to-place decorations like shatter-proof ornaments or pre-strung garlands.
Accessibility tips
Encourage gentle movements like tapping feet or clapping to music rather than standing or complex actions. Include simple tasks such as passing things to enable involvement where mobility is reduced.
DIY Christmas crackers or gifts
Another great activity to do as a family or group around a table. You also get to reap the reward when the crackers are used.
Adaptation
Offer simple, pre-filled cracker kits or small boxes with gifts that only need minor assembly.
Accessibility tip
Prepare the main components beforehand so participants can enjoy simple, final touches, like tying a bow or adding a sticker.
Christmas Snowflakes
A festive activity that never gets old and another great craft to do as a group or family.
Adaptation
Provide large, pre-cut snowflake templates that can be decorated with markers or stickers instead of cutting.
Accessibility tip
Avoid scissors; use larger materials and let participants stick on or colour sections.
Making Christmas cake
Creating something that everyone can enjoy after is a really rewarding festive activity.
Adaptation
Pre-measure ingredients, and use a mixer or offer help with stirring. Allow participants to help with light decorations on the cake rather than heavy tasks.
Accessibility tip
Use accessible bowls with handles, or give participants a spoon for spreading frosting.
Gingerbread house
You can purchase gingerbread house kits for this activity - another one that you can enjoy once complete.
Adaptation
Provide pre-made pieces and make it about decorating rather than constructing.
Accessibility tip
Use larger candy pieces and frosting bags with wide tips for easier control.
Snow globes
These are great ideas for memory boxes, use old cherished items or photographs inside for your snow globe.
Adaptation
Provide clear plastic jars, pre-assembled base materials, and large decorations. Glue the pieces for easier final assembly.
Accessibility tip
Offer decorations that can be placed with minimal dexterity, like figurines or large glitter pieces.
Baubles
A lovely festive activity that can be done year on year as a lasting memory to hang on your tree.
Adaptation
Use large, pain baubles that can be decorated with paint markers or stickers (durable materials, that won't easily break if handling is not gentle.
Accessibility tip
Provide decorations that are easy to grip, such as large stickers and unique, simple designs.
Christmas walks
Getting outside is beneficial for those with and without Huntington's, fresh air and nature are key for keeping active and looking after your mental health.
Adaptation
Plan accessible walking routes that are flat and easy to navigate, allowing for short walks with scenic views If motivation can be a problem give the route a destination / reward, like a hot chocolate or a visit to somewhere they like etc. Encourage friends and family to join in.
Accessibility tip
Provide rest points.