12 Christmas Apps for Caregivers - Holiday Games & Activities for Stress Relief - Part 2

By Anna Hazard

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Part 1 - Organization + Ambiance

Introduction

The second part of our series on smartphone apps for caregivers and other busy holiday planners focuses on holiday themed games & other app based recreational activities that are suitable for relaxation, stress relief, or entertainment with a festive flair. These apps have been rated as proven hits with adults and should also be suitable for entertaining seniors.
 
All apps are free to use but many can be updated to a more premium version that removes all ads or unlocks more advanced features.

Apps

Christmas Radio

• iOS | Android | Website (Free w/ adds & in-app purchases)
• Connect to 140+ winter holiday themed radio stations for free through WiFi or cellular networks in a streamlined & easy-to-use interface. Includes such popular selections as Jazz Radio Christmas, Kristmas Kountry, as well as a direct broadcast from the "North Pole".  Monthly or yearly subscription is available to remove all ads.

Musical Advent Calendar

• iOS | Android | Website (Free)
• This app functions as an interactive advent calendar throughout the month of December where each new day allows the user to tap a daily door and unlock a new piece of seasonal music from Naxos' classical music catalogue. Includes such classics as Vivaldi's Gloria, Mozart's 'Sleigh Ride', and Handel's 'Messiah' for a total of 25 tracks with over an hour's worth of music.

Elf Yourself

• iOS | Android | Website (Free w/ adds & in-app purchases)
• "Elf" yourself by inserting photos of yourself, friends, and family into holiday scenes with various elves and watch the finished product dance around your screen. Includes the ability to save & share your creations with custom greetings as well as access to new daily free dances & Augmented Reality (AR) dances. Certain scenes & dances are premium content unlocked through in-app purchases.

Christmas Sweeper

• iOS [1, 2, 3] | Android [1, 2, 3] | Website (Free w/ adds & in-app purchases)
• A holiday themed match 3 puzzle game series that is known for being easier & more lighthearted than other more complicated matching games that limit time, lives, or moves. Available in 3 different incarnations with 2200+ levels per game. Includes soothing Christmas music, beautiful holiday graphics & animations, as well as easy swapping, dragging, and sweeping motions that were tailored for usability by seniors. Premium boosts for even easier game play can be bought through in-app purchases.

Hidden Objects Christmas Trees

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with ads & in-app purchases)
• A relaxing hidden object game with over 2000-4000+ holiday themed items such as snowmen, gifts, and reindeer to be found within festive scenes. Includes holiday music & sound effects, zoom view for easier searching, as well as a built-in hint system. Updated iOS version has additional extended levels. Premium boosts for easier game play can be bought through in-app purchases.

Bubble Blast/Shooter Holiday

• iOS [Blast | Shooter] | Android [Blast | Shooter​] | Website (Free w/ ads & in-app purchases)
• Holiday themed puzzle games where you blast or shoot Christmas ornament bubbles to trigger explosive chain reactions for clearing the level. Includes puzzle & arcade modes, 800 - 5000 different levels, and varying difficulties all in a colorful Christmas background environment. One time in-app upgrades available for permanently removing ads or unlocking solutions.