There’s nothing like the love of your grandparents. Who else sees so few faults in your life? Who else lives to make you feel special? Who else fills your world with wonder and joy and delight like Grandma and Grandpa (or Nana or Papaw or Mimi or Grandad)?
And while I can’t speak from experience, I’ve heard that being a grandparent is one of the most rewarding blessings a soul can enjoy. If I’m so lucky in the future, I’d love to pour into the lives of my kids’ kids. I’ve even already been contemplating my grandma moniker. Do you think I could get them to call me The Queen?
At Christmas time, grandparents love pulling out all of the stops — flooding their special little ones with gifts galore. But in the end, we all know that toys don’t equate to love. And gift upon gift won’t even necessarily create enduring memories. What’s a grandparent to do? You can express your adoration of your precious grandchildren without sending your budget overboard. Use these tips to build a sweet relationship based on much more than presents.
Set a limit
When it comes to kids and Christmas, the temptation to go overboard is natural. So if you’ve found yourself in the position of buying too much in the past, don’t think ill of yourself. Of course you long to lavish good gifts upon your grandchildren. It’s a deep part of who you are.
However, space is limited in every kid’s bedroom. Just ask this mom who spent two full days helping her ten year old with a major clean up. Unless you plan on keeping that holiday haul at your house, set a limit for the physical items you will buy. It’s also smart to consider how much you’d like to spend per grandchild before you begin shopping.
Relive Christmas past
While gifts bring great joy, what your grandchildren really long for is quality time with you. This year, consider sharing a bit of your past with your sweet ones. If you live in geographic proximity, take your troupe on a tour of where you grew up. Talk about the traditions you shared with your family of origin at Christmas time.
Drive by where the tree farm was located. Prepare a holiday dish you made with your parents. Or create Christmas cards together and hand deliver them. Whether it’s your favorite Christmas carol or a classic movie, spend more time than you do money this year.
Share a new experience
You could also consider creating a new tradition this year. Perhaps you’ll visit that museum with the special holiday exhibit. Or maybe you’ll drive around looking at the best light displays and blaring your favorite songs of the season. Check into local high schools’ choir programming. Buy tickets to see a Christmas movie in the theater. Arrange for your entire family to attend a church service.
It’s never too late for new beginnings. Let this be the year you establish a holiday habit that lasts well into the future.
Serve together
This time of the year easily alters our view of the world. If we’re not careful, we begin to think that the entire galaxy revolves around us, from the gifts we receive to the special foods we devour. Shift the experience of receiving to one of giving back.
Choose a volunteer opportunity to share with your grandchildren this year. Bake cookies to deliver to neighbors. Go Christmas caroling in the local nursing home. Prepare care packages for soldiers far from home. Serve at a local charity like the human society, Salvation Army, or homeless initiative. Give your grandchildren the gift of a broader view of the world and help them realize that even as children they can make a true difference. The gift of serving outlasts any toy you could purchase and is more priceless than the most expensive gift.
The world would be gray without grandparents. Our memories of Christmases of the past have little to do with the items we received and more to do time spent with the people we love — especially if they are no longer with us. Use this special season to build stronger bonds with your sweet kiddos. From Dec. 1 through the end of the year, make the most of each opportunity to invest in their lives. In the end, you’ll give a gift each boy and girl will never forget.
