Fun Things to Do With Grandparents for the Holidays

The benefits of intergenerational relationships are well-documented, and the holidays offer special opportunities for youngsters and their grandparents to share and create lasting memories.

Deck the halls.

Kids and grands can team up to decide what goes where this year or make homemade decorations and ornaments. String popcorn (not as easy as it sounds) or cranberries. You could also loop together paper rings like families did in the “old days.” Fold origami birds or make paper cutouts and string them together to make garland and window decorations.

Learn a new skill together, such as wreath-making.

Head into the woods to cut your own Christmas tree.

Bake.

‘Tis the season to bake cookies and plan meals that focus on family favorites. Kids love to help in the kitchen, and they can learn so much, especially with the hands of experience to guide them. Can’t do it together in person? Challenge family members wherever they are to a cookie decorating contest and share the results via pictures.

Take in the outdoors.

Bundle up and go for a walk outdoors. Fresh air is important all year round, and you can look for small, seasonal treasures such as rocks, leaves, nuts and pine cones. Bring them home and create an arrangement with them.

Look and listen for winter birds. Make a bird feeder or birdhouse for the yard. If even simple woodworking isn’t your thing or your grands are small, make decorative birdhouses instead.

Plan a butterfly garden the kids can plant in the spring.

Take an ice skating lesson (or show your grandkids you’ve still got the moves (or at least some of them).

Go places!

With the kids out of school, there’s time to do all those things you’ve been meaning to do. Visit the zoo to see what the animals get up to in the winter. Visit a museum or a theme park. Take in a ball game, a concert, or a first-run movie.

Take in a live production of “The Nutcracker.” And if one of your grands is in the production, don’t miss it. Sit right down in front so they know you’re there.

Gather the family, friends, and neighbors and go caroling.

Go to brunch at a real restaurant.

Stay cozy indoors.

Load up on popcorn and hot cocoa with all the trimmings and binge holiday movies – classics for the adults, newer future classics for the kids. Sing along with all the songs in “White Christmas.”

Take turns telling stories – real ones as well as made-up ones.

Gather family photos and make a memory book. Create or add to your family tree.

Play games. Cards, board games, and puzzles are fun for all ages.

Read, to them or with them. Love of books and reading is a pleasure your grandchildren will thank you for every day of their lives.

Spread joy by sharing with others.

Help the kids choose toys and clothes to donate. Collect food to donate, adopt a family, or help serve a holiday meal at a community center if the kids are old enough to participate.

Make cards and small gifts for Secret Santa recipients, especially for local seniors who don’t have grandkids or who aren’t lucky enough to have them nearby during the holidays. You could even invite one or two to join you for Christmas Eve festivities or Christmas Day dinner.

Just be you.

The holidays aren’t really about presents; they are about people, especially family. Spending time together is the greatest gift of all, no matter what you’re doing.

Holidays at Magnolia Manor

At Magnolia Manor, the holidays are more than a season—they’re a celebration of community, joy, and the people who make our mission possible. As a nonprofit, we’re grateful for the generosity of donors who help us continue enriching the lives of our residents, especially during this festive time of year. Every gift, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. Donate online today.

To discover the warmth, energy, and spirit that make Magnolia Manor feel like home, call us at 1-855-540-LIFE or schedule a tour today. We’d love to welcome you.