One of the Best Holiday Activities for Someone With Dementia
The holiday season has a way of drawing out nostalgia. A song on the radio, the scent of pine, or the glow of a familiar ornament can instantly transport us to another time. For a person living with dementia, those sensory moments can unlock memories that feel long forgotten. One of the best holiday activities for someone with dementia to bring those experiences to life is by creating “story ornaments”—handmade decorations inspired by personal memories.
What Story Ornaments Represent
Story ornaments are small, handcrafted decorations tied to a person’s life story. They may feature family photos, favorite quotes, or snippets of fabric from something meaningful. What makes them powerful is their ability to evoke long-term memories and emotions that still live deep within.
For someone with dementia, holding a tangible reminder of their past—a picture of a beloved grandchild or a piece of sports memorabilia—can help them feel grounded and connected. These ornaments act as gentle cues that say, “You belong here. Your story still matters.”
How to Make Story Ornaments Together
The process can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. What’s important is that each ornament holds a personal touch. Here are some inspiring ideas:
Memory globes: Fill clear ornaments with small photographs, snippets of ribbon, or written notes of special memories. You can even add objects like a tiny charm or a piece of wrapping paper from a past holiday, giving your loved one something familiar to explore and reminisce over.
Fabric and texture ornaments: Use fabric from an old shirt, quilt, or tablecloth and wrap it around ornament balls or embroidery hoops. Textures can trigger comforting sensory cues, especially if the material was once worn or used by someone meaningful.
Mini storybooks: Create a tiny flipbook of photos and captions, hole-punch it, and tie it with string to hang on the tree. Turning the pages together encourages conversation, helping a loved one share memories in short, manageable moments.
Handprint keepsakes: Use air-dry clay or dough to make handprint or fingerprint impressions. Once dry, paint and seal them. These keepsakes highlight connection across generations, and decorating them together can bring joy even if memories are faded.
Map ornaments: Print a section of a map showing meaningful locations—childhood homes, wedding sites, or vacation spots—and glue it onto wood slices. Tracing travels and familiar places can evoke stories your loved one may not have shared before.
Musical memories: Write or print lyrics from a favorite carol or hymn, decoupage them onto wood or paper, and finish with a dusting of glitter. You might even play the related song while crafting to help spark recognition and lift the mood. This creative activity not only produces something beautiful for the tree—it also provides an opportunity to reminisce, talk, and laugh together.
When Memories Feel Distant
Some ornaments may not bring an immediate reaction, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to test memory but to offer comfort. Even without clear recollection, the warmth of human connection, the feel of familiar materials, or the simple act of creating together can bring joy and calm.
A Season to Remember With CareWorks Health Services
At CareWorks Health Services, we believe that holiday traditions can be healing, especially for families affected by dementia. Our caregivers specialize in finding creative ways to nurture joy, dignity, and connection.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia in Laguna Hills, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, or anywhere else in Orange County, we’re here to help. Call us at (949) 859-4700 to learn how our compassionate dementia care services can make the holidays more meaningful for your whole family.