The holidays are one of the best times of the year for seniors to spend time with their kids and grandkids. Many fun holiday activities with grandparents can bring the generations together and make lifelong memories.
Grandparents can pass down old traditions, teach younger generations a new skill, or enjoy fun activities together. Discover some fun holiday activities for seniors to enjoy with their grandkids.
Bake Treats
Baking treats is one of the most popular holiday activities for seniors and their grandkids. Seniors can pass along old family recipes and teach their grandkids baking techniques that they’ve learned.
Baking is an excellent way to bond, experiment, learn new skills, and spend time together. You can even bake extra treats for neighbors, a shelter, or local first responders.
Watch Holiday Movies
There’s nothing better than settling in on a cold night to watch a holiday movie. Some movies are only shown for a few weeks of the year, and holiday movies can bring back great memories.
Enjoying holiday movies with family is one of the best holiday activities for seniors with limited mobility and doesn’t require any planning or stress. Watching old movies with the grandkids can introduce them to new stories and artists. Grandparents can also watch new holiday movies that the kids enjoy expanding their horizons.
Decorating for the Holidays
There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by decorating. From outdoor lights and holiday figurines to indoor lights and table spreads, there are endless ways to decorate and make your space unique.
Grandkids can help their grandparents unpack holiday decorations and learn about family keepsakes and ornaments passed down from previous generations.
Decorating can also be done in conjunction with other fun holiday activities with grandparents, such as listening to music or watching movies. Letting the grandkids help decorate can include things like making ornaments or art. Decorating is a great way to encourage grandkids to explore their creative side.
Build a Gingerbread House
Building gingerbread houses has been a holiday tradition for centuries and is always on the list for fun holiday activities with grandparents. There are many ways to build gingerbread houses.
Seniors can make them from scratch, buy a kit, or even use unconventional materials like cardboard or wood. Decorating a house together makes for great bonding time and teaches patience and collaboration. Grandkids can also express their individuality through their house and walk away with something they are proud of.
Holiday Crafts
Another great way to get in the holiday spirit and prepare for decorating is through holiday crafts. Most local craft stores have seasonal sections where you can find all the supplies you’ll need to create unique holiday crafts. A few examples include:
- Making ornaments
- Making tree toppers
- Painting
- Drawing
- Flower arrangements
- Wreath making
Holiday crafts can be saved for years to come and give you something to look forward to each year when you unpack the holiday decor. Crafts are one of the best ways to document a particular time in a child’s life and reflect on memories each year.
Look at Holiday Lights
Many communities have some holiday decor around town in addition to neighbors decorating their own homes. Spend an evening driving or walking around town admiring the decorations.
Some communities even have guides you can follow to see the best decorations around town. Admiring holiday lights get grandkids excited for the holidays and gives them an appreciation for the community.
Contribute to a Good Cause
The holiday season often highlights the needs of your local community. There are many ways to give back, from coat drives to toy donations. Grandparents can volunteer with their grandkids at a local food shelf, shelter, or salvation army.
Grandparents can also go shopping for toys with their grandkids and donate them to a family in need. Giving back during the holiday season is a lifelong value that grandkids will take with them and always remember.
Write Holiday Cards
Holiday cards have become less popular with the growing popularity of digital communication. Teaching grandkids the value of a handwritten note is one of the most worthwhile holiday activities for seniors and their grandkids.
Grandkids can write holiday cards to their friends, teacher, or even a stranger like a veteran overseas. Grandparents can help come up with holiday messages and assist with handwriting. Grandkids can even make their own cards and decorate them with holiday art.
Make the Most of Your Holiday Season
The holidays often come and go faster than we expect. It’s important for grandkids to spend time doing fun holiday activities with grandparents. Whether spending an afternoon baking or spending the whole season watching movies together, make a point to make plans this holiday season.
