Holiday activities to try with your grandkids

As the holidays draw near, many families are excited to spend time with one another. Kiddos love to run around with their cousins and be doted on by aunts and uncles. You can make this year even more memorable with some fun holiday activities. Here are a few to try with your grandchildren:

String popcorn and cranberries

Ditch the sparkling store-bought tinsel this year and opt instead to create your own. You’ll need one or two bags of raw cranberries, embroidery floss, a sewing needle and freshly cooked popcorn. You can cook the popcorn on the stove or buy the microwavable kind – just don’t go for buttered as this will make a mess. To start, thread the needle and use it to poke a hole through a berry. Then move on to popcorn. You can make a pattern, such as two berries per popcorn piece, or let the grandkids go helter-skelter as they string. Little ones can line up the materials while older kids more capable of using a needle make the actual garland. When you’re done, hang up your creation for all to admire!

Decorate a tree

Many family traditions involve preparing for the holidays. If your loved ones celebrate Christmas, consider having your grandkids over to help put up a tree. They can do the heavy lifting of getting the tree in its stand and stepping on a ladder to place the star at the top. Break out all your favorite ornaments with the sparkles and cheer. Talk about the meaning behind the holiday, what you will  enjoy for Christmas dinner and what is going on in one another’s lives. It’s fun to make memories while working together toward a common goal – especially one that looks and smells as good as a holiday tree!

Bake cookies

What holiday is complete without tasty cookies? Host a baking day where your grandchildren come over to make cookies for the upcoming holiday gatherings. Or, head to one of your family members’ houses to take part in this great affair. Make sure to account for any relative’s special dietary needs such as requests for gluten or nut-free options.

Volunteer

The holidays aren’t always a time of happiness and cheer. Some people and animals don’t have a home or food without helpful organizations during this time. Teach your grandchildren the importance of loving and helping one another by volunteering during this season. Help prepare and serve food at a local soup kitchen or walk and play with dogs and cats at an animal shelter. Your family can participate in a Toys for Tots drive, or donate coats and clothing to an area organization that provides for underprivileged individuals. These activities can really bring out the gratitude in your grandchildren as they realize how lucky they are and they can cultivate a desire to help others. Your whole family will feel good about making a difference together.