There’s no denying that magical feeling of the holiday season. It’s all about gathering with family and friends, creating new memories and delicious meals, and spreading cheer. But with the holiday season often comes inevitable stressors: food shopping, making sure your home is beautifully decorated, and ensuring you’ve checked your gift list – and then checked it twice. While it can be easy to get overwhelmed by your holiday to-do list, it’s important to take time to enjoy the season and create special moments with your loved ones. And perhaps the best place to start is with the youngest members of your family – your grandchildren!
Seeing the joy of the holidays through the eyes of a child can reignite the holiday spirit in just about anyone – and your grandchildren can make excellent accomplices for developing your own special family traditions. Check out these 5 fun activities to do with your grandchildren this holiday season.
Bake Holiday Treats
For many children, their first memories of cooking or baking are with their grandparents. And regardless of which holiday(s) you celebrate, food is likely to play an important role in your festive gatherings. The holidays are a perfect time to welcome your grandkids into the kitchen as your sous chefs – you’ll create countless memories and have an extra set of hands in the process! Consider planning a baking or cooking day and invite the grandkids over to your kitchen. You can start by teaching them the secrets to perfecting renowned family recipes – or try your hands at some new recipes selected by your grandchildren. This is a great activity for children of various ages – even your youngest helpers can participate by mixing ingredients or decorating baked goods like cookies or gingerbread houses. The best part? You don’t have to stick to a specific menu – so you can cook and bake to your heart’s content. The possibilities are endless!
Watch Holiday Movies or Shows
Perhaps one of the most looked-forward-to holiday pastimes is kicking your feet up with a warm beverage and watching your favorite holiday movies or TV programs. And why not share this cozy tradition with your grandchildren? As the holidays approach, pick out some of your favorite holiday movies and ask your grandchildren to share some of theirs. Then, invite them over for a day of watching holiday classics and new programs together. You can even encourage them to wear their warmest fuzzy socks or favorite holiday pajamas for maximum comfort. And don’t forget the hot chocolate!
Get Crafty
More time with family means more time to get crafty! Get your grandkids involved for some holiday crafts and let them showcase their inner creativity. From paper snowflakes to homemade ornaments, to hand strung garland and decorations to display around the house, there is no shortage of fun holiday craft ideas. You can check out Pinterest for some festive inspiration and choose crafts based on skill level. Regardless of your grandchildren’s’ ages, there is something for everyone. So, break out your craft box and get to cutting, gluing, drawing, coloring, writing, or even sewing! After all, there’s no better gift than a homemade creation.
Foster the Spirit of Giving
The holidays are a season of giving – and what better way to celebrate than by giving back to charities or those in need? While children often associate the holidays with receiving gifts and presents, you can make the season more meaningful by creating a tradition of giving back. Whether you volunteer at a homeless shelter, serve a holiday meal, prepare holiday baskets, or even collect warm winter blankets and coats for those in need, there are many different kinds of opportunities to give back. Keep an eye out for organizations looking for help this holiday season and invite your grandchildren to join in the cause. After all, volunteering together and helping others in need is a wonderful way to create special bonds – and memories that will last year after year.
Tour the Christmas Lights in Your Area
The holidays are said to be the brightest time of the year – and for good reason, just think of all those holiday lights! From town tree lightings to local storefront displays, to festively decorated neighborhoods, to impressive displays of lights choreographed to music, there is plenty to see – and often close to home. Some regions even offer drive-thru light displays for a more immersive experience. Check out your local Facebook page or ask around for some recommendations to take in the holiday lights in your area. From there, bundle up your grandkids and loved ones in their warmest clothes and take a tour of all the festive sights – either by car or stroll!
And there you have it – 5 fun holiday activities to do with your grandchildren this holiday season. Regardless of what activities you decide to do this holiday season, remember that it’s all about spending quality time together and creating your own traditions.
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