To take part, care homes must submit photos of their team working with residents to build a gingerbread house, along with their reason for choosing the theme.
The top 20 entries will win a Jo Wheatley cookbook, and will see their entry celebrated in a top gingerbread houses booklet created by UFS. They will also be entered into a prize draw to win a visit from Jo Wheatley, winner of TV Bake Off 2011, who will bake for the home and enjoy a tea party with residents.
The challenge was launched at the NACC Conference and exhibition, where UFS revealed its Christmas recipes and activity packs.
There is something for every care home that enters the Christmas challenge, including a certificate and PR toolkit. UFS will also highlight each care home by posting photos of their gingerbread house and choice of theme on its Facebook page.
James Allred, UFS channel marketing manager, said: "We want to help care homes give their elderly residents a fantastic Christmas this year. Along with our Christmas challenge we’ve created activity packs to help them build their gingerbread homes and inspire them with recipes and ideas for activities over the festive period.”
The closing date for entries into the Christmas challenge is 3 January 2016. The 20 finalists and overall winner will be announced on 18 January 2016.
To find out more about the Christmas challenge or order an activity pack visit www.ufs.com/elderlycare