Ideas for festive goals to set for the people you support

The festive season isn’t just about decorations and parties – it’s a fantastic time to bring purpose, fun, and connection into the lives of the people you support. Setting short-term, festive goals can add excitement to the season while encouraging socialisation, creativity, and collaboration among care teams and residents.

Here are 10 festive goals to inspire you:

1. Create a seasonal recipe together

Cooking or baking something festive – such as mince pies, gingerbread, or a dish that reflects someone’s cultural traditions – can be a delightful sensory experience. It encourages teamwork, creativity, and provides a delicious reward to share. Make sure to include a wide range of religious traditional dishes in this activity. For example, to represent Jewish culture, you could make traditional dishes made at Hanukkah, such as potato latkes and Hanukkah biscuits.  

2. Host a festive-themed talent show

Encourage individuals to showcase their talents, whether it’s singing a carol, reciting a poem, or participating in a group performance. Preparing for a talent show offers something fun to work towards and promotes confidence while strengthening social bonds.

3. Make festive decorations or crafts

Set a goal to create handmade decorations for communal spaces or personalised cards for loved ones. Crafting is a great way to spark creativity, provide a sense of achievement, and open the door to meaningful conversations between residents and care teams.  

4. Learn about another culture’s festive traditions

The festive season is wonderfully diverse! Explore holidays like Hanukkah, Diwali, or Kwanzaa with the people you support. A goal could involve learning a new tradition, trying a festive recipe, or crafting something symbolic to another culture. This encourages inclusivity and celebrates diversity.

5. Plan a small festive outing

Visiting local Christmas markets, enjoying a walk to see festive lights, or attending a holiday concert can provide a welcome change of scenery and shared joy. Planning the outing together can add to the excitement and encourage decision-making.

6. Write a collective ‘gratitude tree’ or festive wishes board

Encourage residents to reflect on the past year by writing what they’re thankful for or their hopes for the coming year. These reflections can be displayed as a ‘gratitude tree’ with paper leaves or on a festive board. This activity helps create a sense of community and reflection.

7. Organise a festive-themed quiz or game day

Host a quiz, bingo, or game session with a seasonal twist! It’s a fun way to engage cognitively, promote friendly competition, and create opportunities for laughter and interaction. You could consider scheduling this after residents have learned about other cultures and include questions on these cultures. Add small prizes for an extra touch of excitement.

8. Start a festive book or story club

Set a goal to read a festive story or poem together, such as A Christmas Carol or other seasonal favourites. This activity encourages group discussion, stimulates memory, and provides an opportunity for shared enjoyment.

9. Plant a seasonal garden or indoor display

If you have access to a garden or planters, create a festive display with seasonal plants like poinsettias, holly, or winter bulbs. This goal offers a chance to work together, connect with nature, and enjoy the beauty of something that grows and thrives during the season.

10. Create a festive playlist and host a sing-along

Put together a playlist of everyone’s favourite holiday songs and host a sing-along event. Music is a powerful way to lift spirits, evoke memories, and bring people together. Bonus points if the team performs too!

Why festive goals matter

The festive season provides an opportunity to explore goal-setting in a fun and engaging way. Short-term goals are achievable, bringing a sense of accomplishment and joy. They also allow care teams to practise the process of setting and tracking goals while fostering connections and brightening the festive period for everyone.

Get started today

Think about what’s most meaningful to the people you support and build goals around those interests. Whether it’s creating something, learning something new, or simply enjoying shared experiences, these festive goals are sure to inspire fun, connection, and celebration!

Learn more about Log my Care’s Outcomes and Goals feature and how it can support you with end-to-end goal management.  

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