How to Involve Grandchildren in Christmas Traditions
The holiday season is magical, but it becomes even more special when shared with family. Involving your grandchildren in Christmas traditions is a wonderful way to bond, create lasting memories, and pass down the values and customs you cherish. If you’re living in senior living Everett, there are plenty of ways to engage younger generations, whether they’re visiting in person or connecting virtually.
Start with Stories
Children love stories, and the holidays are filled with them!
Share Your Holiday Memories: Tell your grandchildren what Christmas was like when you were their age. What games did you play? What were your favorite gifts?
Read Together: Pull out classic holiday books like The Night Before Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. If they’re old enough, invite them to read with you.
Make Decorations Together
Kids love crafting, and the results can brighten your space all season long.
Homemade Ornaments: Use simple materials like salt dough or popsicle sticks to create unique tree decorations.
Paper Snowflakes: Teach them how to fold and cut paper into beautiful snowflakes to hang in windows or on walls.
Personalized Stockings: Decorate plain stockings with fabric markers, glitter, or felt shapes.
Bake and Decorate
Holiday baking is a classic tradition—and one where little hands are always helpful.
Cookie Decorating: Make sugar cookies and let the kids go wild with frosting and sprinkles.
Simple Recipes: Choose easy, kid-friendly recipes like no-bake treats or Rice Krispies ornaments.
Share the Love: Package baked goods to gift to neighbors or other residents in your community.
Create New Traditions
Don’t be afraid to start something new together!
Holiday Movie Night: Choose a family-friendly Christmas classic, make popcorn, and enjoy a cozy movie night together in senior living.
Christmas Countdown: Use an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. Fill it with small treats, jokes, or handwritten notes.
Memory Scrapbook: After Christmas, work on a scrapbook with photos, ticket stubs, and mementos from the holiday season.
Joan, in assisted living Lynnwood, shared her favorite tradition with her three granddaughters. “Every year, we make a gingerbread house together,” she said. “It’s not always perfect, but it’s ours. Last year, the roof caved in, and we couldn’t stop laughing. That’s the memory we’ll always keep!”
Make It About Connection
The holidays are less about perfection and more about spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re passing down traditions, sharing your favorite carols, or simply laughing together, involving your grandchildren in holiday activities is a gift they’ll treasure forever.