November 19, 2025 by
The holidays are full of sparkle, but let’s be honest: the ornaments with the biggest shine aren’t the glittery ones from the store. They’re the ones with a story. The macaroni star held together by too much glue. The Popsicle-stick snowflake that somehow survived three decades. The ornament that’s just a picture of Uncle Joe’s dog wearing a Santa beard (and still makes everyone laugh every year).
You can take this nostalgia to the next level for someone with dementia and help them better connect with loved ones and the holiday season. It may sound simple, but it’s often an incredibly moving experience: creating story ornaments.
What Are Story Ornaments—and Why Are They So Effective?
Story ornaments, in a nutshell, are homemade decorations tied to personal memories and milestones. They’re perfect for sparking conversation, smiles, and the occasional “remember when…” moment.
Story ornaments are meaningful for everyone, but they’re especially impactful for those with dementia. Emotions and long-held stories are often still residing in their long-term memory, waiting to be unlocked. A photo tucked inside a clear ornament or a snippet of Mom’s favorite hymn written on a tag can act like a key. Suddenly, the past isn’t so fuzzy; it’s right there in her hands.
Think of story ornaments as small but significant reminders: This is your life. This is your family. You are loved.
How to Make Story Ornaments Fun (and Simple)
Don’t worry; you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy craft room. You can whip these up with just a few supplies and a little imagination:
- Personalized ornaments: Slip a copy of a special picture, recipe, or hobby (such as a fishing lure, mini paintbrush, or scrap of quilting material) into a clear ornament, and then decorate with any personal touches you’d like.
- Photo transfer ornaments: Print a black-and-white or sepia-toned family photo and transfer it directly onto a wooden slice or ceramic ornament using Mod Podge.
- Fabric and textile ornaments: Cut a swatch from an old shirt, quilt, or tablecloth that has meaning and stretch it over a small embroidery hoop. Add a tag with the story: “Grandma’s apron from Sunday dinners.”
- Story scroll ornaments: Write a short memory, a favorite saying, or even a recipe on a slip of paper. Roll it up like a tiny scroll, tie with ribbon, and hang. Each ornament becomes a literal “story to open” each year.
- Mini memory book ornaments: Create a tiny flipbook (3–4 pages) with photos and captions. Punch a hole in the corner, tie with string, and hang.
- Handprint and fingerprint ornaments: This is a great craft for the whole family! Use air-dry clay or salt dough to capture a handprint or fingerprint for each person. Paint and seal them.
- Map and place ornaments: Cut out a piece of a map showing the town where your loved one grew up, their honeymoon destination, or a favorite vacation spot. Glue it to a wooden ornament base or seal under resin.
- Word and music ornaments: Print or handwrite meaningful words: a favorite hymn, the chorus of a song, or a family motto. Decoupage onto wood, clay, or fabric.
- Nature-inspired ornaments: Collect pinecones, acorns, or pressed flowers from a meaningful location. Decorate and tag with the memory: “From the park where we always walked.”
- Story chain garland: Write a memory on each strip of paper and loop them together into a paper chain to hang across the mantel. This is a great interactive and collective memory project.
The key is making the ornaments tactile, simple, and personal, something that can be touched, admired, and used as a springboard for storytelling.
Handling the Tricky Moments
Not every story ornament will land the way you hope. Some may stir sadness, or your loved one may not recognize what you were hoping would spark memories. That’s okay. Try again with a different idea. And remember, even if the story doesn’t surface, the act of touching the ornament, feeling the ribbon, or watching the lights sparkle is still soothing. Sometimes the smallest details are what stick.
Bring More Joy to the Holidays With At Home Independent Living
We believe the holidays should be filled with love, laughter, and traditions for everyone, including those with dementia. Our caregivers have specialized training and experience with dementia care, and have lots of creative ideas to spark joy and connection.
Call us any time at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Salina, Syracuse, Clay, and throughout Central New York.