Transport will need to be available to assist people in attending church, for example, and on the day preparations need to be made to ensure visits are scheduled around time sensitive events such as the King’s Speech. 

Make sure to involve people in decorations – both in the choosing and putting up! 

Staff should be attentive to people receiving services saying things like “It isn’t Christmas without…” and trying to make person-centered customs happen. 

Staff and services should also be aware that Christmas isn’t always a jolly time for everyone (see the gov.uk blog for advice here), older people especially may express grief for lost loved ones or the past in general. Some people may wish to reminisce about the past or look at photographs and keepsakes, but others might find that painful, so staff should respond appropriately to each person. 

If people aren’t celebrating Christmas for cultural or religious reasons, staff should be aware of this and make sure they respond appropriately; it may be useful to develop a festive season care plan that clearly identifies people’s requirements.

Christmas is a great opportunity to develop unique traditions appropriate and fun for people using your service. For example, care home management serving a special dinner to care staff and people together on Boxing Day, home decorating parties, forming a carolling choir, or home care services who have a manager or staff dedicated to personally delivering a card and small gift to people — which also functions as a final check to ensure that everyone has everything they need for Christmas.