Making the Holidays Special as a Grandparent

The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and connection, especially when you have grandkids in the picture. But as grandparents, it’s essential to honor the roles our adult children have in creating their own traditions and routines with their families.

It’s a balancing act of honoring their preferences, building lasting memories with our grandkids, and supporting our kids in the ways they need most.

Here are some ways to make this holiday season meaningful for your family, whether you’re near or far.

1. Start with a Conversation: Ask How You Can Support Their Vision for Christmas

The holidays can be overwhelming for young families, so asking your kids how they want to handle Christmas is a great way to show respect and avoid misunderstandings.

Find out what traditions they’re establishing and how you can support those choices, whether it’s planning specific activities, working out the schedule, or even simplifying gift-giving.

Consider asking these questions:

• Are there any new traditions you’d like to start with the kids? This allows you to see how they envision the holidays and adapt to their plans.
• What would be the best way for us to celebrate together? Maybe they want Christmas morning at home or an entire day with you, or perhaps they need some help keeping things flexible.
• What are your expectations when it comes to gifts for the grandkids? Your kids might have boundaries around gift-giving to keep things simple or meaningful.

Asking these questions and listening carefully helps to build trust, and it lets them know that you respect their choices and are there to support them.

2. Create Fun Experiences with the Grandkids, Near or Far

Whether you live close by or across the country, creating meaningful moments with your grandkids during the holidays is a gift. The key is to make these experiences enjoyable, memorable, and aligned with the values you want to pass on.

Here’s how to make it special:

• If you’re nearby: Plan outings or special holiday activities. Make cookies, take them to look at Christmas lights, or enjoy a cozy movie night with hot cocoa and popcorn. These moments can become traditions that they’ll remember fondly.
• If you’re far away: Send a care package filled with their favorite holiday treats, a letter from “Grandma and Grandpa’s Workshop,” or a small gift that reminds them of you. Consider including a holiday-themed craft or DIY ornament kit that you can work on together over a video call. Little touches like this remind them that they are loved and thought of, even from a distance.

Most importantly, tie these activities back to the real reason for the season. Read a favorite Christmas story together, share a short devotion, or teach them about generosity by packing a gift box for a child in need.

3. Support Your Adult Children Through the Holiday Rush

The holidays can be busy and exhausting for parents juggling work, shopping, activities, and everything else. As grandparents, one of the best gifts we can offer is support—whether through practical help or simply offering encouragement.

Ideas to support your kids:

• Offer to babysit: Give them a night out to shop, enjoy a Christmas date, or just take a break. If you’re close by, an afternoon or evening of grandparent-grandkid time can be a wonderful break for them.
• Ask how you can help: Sometimes, it’s as simple as running an errand, picking up extra ingredients, or watching the grandkids so they can decorate in peace. Small gestures make a big difference.
• Stay flexible and understanding: Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace flexibility, show up with grace, and be there to encourage them in the way only a grandparent can.

When we support our children, we allow them the space to focus on creating a memorable Christmas for their kids. Being there for them strengthens family bonds and keeps the focus on love, joy, and connection.

A Holiday Prayer for Grandparents

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the precious gift of family, for the joy of grandkids, and for the chance to celebrate Your Son this holiday season. Help us to honor our children as parents, support them in love, and be a steady presence of joy for our grandkids. Give us wisdom to know how to support our kids and connect with our grandkids in meaningful ways, whether near or far.

Lord, let our love and faith shine brightly this Christmas. Help us to keep You at the center of all we do, remembering the true reason for the season. May we bring peace and joy to our family gatherings and create lasting memories that reflect Your love. We thank You for the blessings of these relationships and for the privilege of being grandparents. Guide us in this season and all the ones to come.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The holiday season is a beautiful opportunity to draw close, create memories, and celebrate what matters most.

By honoring our kids’ desires, creating joyful experiences for our grandkids, and supporting our families however we can, we can make this Christmas truly special.

Here’s to a season filled with love, joy, and the warmth of family!