Tips for Spending Time With the Grandkids During the Holidays

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season in many households. For grandparents, the holidays are often an opportunity to reconnect with the younger generation of the family. It can be a wonderful time to bond and create lasting memories.

But grandparents sometimes struggle to come up with ideas for activities the grandkids might enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or just hanging out, here are some tips to help make the most of your time together.

Intergenerational Holiday Ideas for Families

One of the best ways to make the holidays special for your grandkids is to create traditions. Baking holiday cookies together is a classic activity. Similarly, making decorations or homemade ornaments can be a lively and imaginative experience. These activities not only foster a sense of accomplishment but also provide keepsakes that will remind everyone of the time spent together.

A few more suggestions to consider are:

• Dive into storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your grandkids. Reading stories aloud can keep the kids entertained while also offering grandparents a good avenue for making memories. Or you could share stories from your own childhood or family history. This can help your grandkids understand their heritage and create a sense of continuity across generations.
• Plan engaging activities: The holidays offer a range of activities that can be tailored to the interests of your grandkids. If weather permits, take advantage of outdoor opportunities, such as ice skating at a local park, building a snowman, or going for a nature walk. These activities promote physical exercise and provide a chance to enjoy the beauty of the season. For indoor fun, try having a movie marathon featuring holiday classics or playing board games and puzzles. These kinds of pastimes are a relaxing way to enjoy each other’s company and foster family bonding.
• Cook or bake together: The kitchen is a great place for intergenerational bonding. Involve your grandkids in preparing holiday meals or baking treats. Let them help with age-appropriate tasks, such as stirring ingredients, setting the table, or decorating cupcakes. This not only makes them feel included but also helps them develop cooking skills. You might even try a new recipe together, turning the experience into a culinary adventure. Making homemade hot cocoa or festive snack mixes can also be a fun way to enjoy time together while creating delicious treats.
• Explore and learn: Holidays can be a great time for educational experiences that are fun and informative for all generations. If a local museum, a zoo, or an aquarium has special holiday events or exhibits, plan a visit—it’s a chance to explore new interests and learn about different subjects. Alternatively, you could try simple, holiday-themed science experiments at home. These activities can spark curiosity and are a terrific way to learn together.
• Give back to the community: Involving your grandkids in giving back to the community can be a meaningful holiday activity to explore. Look for opportunities to volunteer together, such as sorting donations at a food bank or participating in a charity event. Crafting holiday cards or gifts for local shelters or nursing homes can also be a wonderful way to teach values like kindness and generosity. These experiences help instill a sense of empathy and connection to the wider community. And they can also be the start of an annual holiday tradition.

While planning is essential, being flexible is equally important. Sometimes the best moments come from spontaneous activities or unplanned events. Create a cozy space where you can all relax together, perhaps with blankets, hot cocoa, and a good book or movie. Emphasize enjoying each other’s company and creating an easygoing, festive atmosphere.

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