Regardless of how you celebrate, making holiday memories with your grandchildren is a way to create cherished moments that last a lifetime. The beauty of having young grandchildren is the opportunity to create memories and traditions before they become attached to their electronic devices! We have some ideas to try and remember that attention span can be limited depending on age, but you may find that some of these suggestions hit the mark.
Indoor Activities
You can do so many indoor activities with your grandchildren that it might be hard to choose!
Crafts
Make DIY Christmas ornaments using clay, wooden shapes, popcorn, and dough together. Make sure whatever craft you choose is appropriate for your grandchildren’s ages. If it is too difficult, they will lose their attention. Make holiday cards, wreaths, or garlands to decorate or give as gifts.
Decorating
Helping to decorate the Christmas tree is something almost anyone of any age can do. It is a time-honored tradition in which everyone can participate and have fun.
Baking
Is there anything better than baking during the holidays? Your grandchildren can help bake by stirring, sifting, decorating cookies, and helping to clean up!
Storytelling and Reading
Read holiday stories and share interesting and funny holiday memories. Look at photo albums together. Serve hot chocolate.
Movies
You can watch classic holiday movies such as Home Alone, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or The Polar Express.
Singing
Engage your grandchildren in singing Christmas carols. Have printed copies (more for you than them!) so they can learn the words.
Games and Fun
Gift wrap together, and accept that the finished product may be a bit messy! Play a Christmas scavenger hunt by hiding festive items around the house with clues.
Attend a Holiday Service or Performance
Make plans to attend a special Christmas or other holiday service that includes grandchildren.
Find Christmas plays, concerts, or dance performances that grandchildren will enjoy.
Holiday Get-Togethers
If your family entertains during the holidays, include the grandchildren. The holidays are a time for all the family, not just adults. Let the grandkids help by setting the table or assisting where they can with cooking.
Outdoor Activities
You may or may not live in an area where it snows. If you are lucky enough to have a white holiday season, there are some great outdoor activities for grandkids. If there is no white Christmas, you can still enjoy other activities.
Building a Snowman
Help your grandkids build a snowman and decorate with ornaments.
Sledding
What grandchild doesn’t like sledding? Choose an area that isn’t too crowded. A plastic toboggan is a good bet. Check to see if horse drawn carriage rides are available.
Ice skating
Ice skating for grandchildren will require some hands-on management, which may not be appropriate for you, but another adult can help.
Light Displays
Drive through the neighborhood or other decorated streets. Parks often have light displays with activities for children.
Giving Back
Christmas is a time of charity, and what better way to teach grandchildren about the gift of giving? Tips for including grandchildren:
- Explain the Purpose: Help them understand why giving back matters.
- Let Them Choose: Involve children in deciding which activities or causes to support.
- Make It Fun: Add holiday music or decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
- Celebrate Their Efforts: Acknowledge their contributions to instill pride in their generosity.
Some ideas on what to do:
- Work with your grandchildren to assemble holiday gift packages or Toys for Tots for needy families.
- Fill out cards for nursing home residents.
- Make donations to the local food bank.
- If you knit, make blankets, scarves, or hats for the local shelter and take your grandchildren to deliver them.
- Leave secret gifts or treats on neighbor’s doorsteps.
- Engage your grandchildren in identifying service providers you would like to thank with a holiday card. Examples include your postal person, firefighters, teachers, librarians, etc.
Making Unforgettable Holiday Memories with Your Grandchildren
Making holiday memories requires commitment, creativity and flexibility. You may not know what will work and what won’t, which is ok. It is important to plan to include grandchildren throughout the holiday season and have activities that are appropriate for their ages. Your adult children will be grateful to have your active participation and the memories you create will last long into the future.
Contact Us
Ready to join a community that celebrates you every day? Contact us at Park Place or The Chateau to schedule a tour and see firsthand why so many active adults are proud to call Highlands Residential home. Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions and help you find the perfect place to start this exciting new chapter of your life.