Turn a plain cardboard box into a festive Christmas photo booth! This simple and creative activity is a wonderful way to bring cheer to your residents. It allows seniors in aged care to pose through a decorated frame for cheerful holiday photos that everyone will love, creating beautiful keepsakes for families and boosting morale.
🧰 You’ll Need: (Materials)
- 1 large cardboard box (big enough for a face-sized window)
- Scissors or a craft knife (for staff use only)
- Tinsel garlands (in various colors)
- Christmas baubles or ornaments (small, lightweight ones work best)
- Tape or glue dots (strong adhesives)
- Optional: Fairy lights, ribbons, bows, or felt cut-outs
- A table to rest the box on
- Camera or phone for taking photos
🪚 Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut the Window
Carefully cut out a square or rectangle on one side of the box. Ensure the opening is large enough for a resident’s face to fit comfortably. This will be the “photo frame.”
Step 2: Decorate the Frame
Wrap tinsel garlands around the edges of the newly cut hole. Use tape or glue dots to hold the tinsel firmly in place. Once the tinsel is secure, start adding small baubles, bows, and other festive touches to create a beautiful, lush frame.
Step 3: Add Extra Sparkle
Continue the decoration by adorning the top, sides, and front of the box with more Christmas decorations. This is where you can add flair—a battery-powered light garland can be draped across the top for a magical glow, making the photos even more special.
Step 4: Set Up and Snap the Photos!
Position a chair behind the box for residents, ensuring the background is clear and well-lit. Invite residents to sit behind the box and peek their faces through the opening. Take photos of each resident — it’s a fun way to create festive keepsakes or personalized Christmas cards to send home to families.
Extra Tips for Maximum Fun
- Offer Props: Keep a basket of festive props nearby, like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, oversized glasses, or feather boas, to encourage silly and memorable poses.
- Make it a Group Activity: While only one person can fit in the frame, involve other residents in the making of the box! Decorating the box is a great low-intensity craft activity that fosters collaboration.
- Print on the Spot: If you have access to a small photo printer, printing the pictures immediately can add to the fun and provide instant gratification for the residents.
- Create a Memory Book: Compile all the photos taken into a “Residence Christmas Memories” album to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
