As grandparents we seek to be intentional, grasping every opportunity the Lord opens to share our faith with our families. Advent season is a prime time to accomplish this critical responsibility with joy. As you make memories through sharing family traditions and stories this season, strive to capture and capitalize on the true “reason for the season.”
Making Memories
Making memories and passing along memories are some of my favorite things to do. Memories have become even more precious as I age. Memories have to do with our family stories and our keepsakes — those intangible feelings that are aroused and those tangible items that bring deep feelings.
One of our favorite holiday activities is decorating the house for Christmas. Traditions are a great way to pass along memories whether carried over from my home, my husband’s home, or traditions we started on our own. We love to see which ones our grown children have taken to their homes and melded into their family traditions. Story sharing often erupts as each ornament is carefully and lovingly unwrapped and placed on the tree — “I remember when…”
Beyond decorating our home, we bake cookies for community service workers in our town. It is a highlight to deliver them with a word of thanks. Often, we are involved with helping the grands make siblings gifts. We also play games and do various activities together. Depending on the age and interest of our grandchildren, we play games. We build the games around Christmas song titles, facts, and symbols. [Pinterest has lots of ideas.] As you think of things to do, focus on building relationships to not only your grandchildren but to Jesus Himself — the reason for the season.
A word of encouragement for those who live at a distance and may not get to be with your grandchildren: be creative, thinking of ways to include them in some of your holiday traditions. Using technology is one sure way. Another is to send a box of age-appropriate goodies, a craft, or a movie that they could enjoy — especially if there is a movie you watch every year as a family. It takes a little more effort but will be worth it.
Sharing Family Stories
Christmas is all about the best gift being given! Giving gifts is part of the grandparent experience. From the time the pregnancy was announced, grandma was thinking of what cute outfit or toy she would buy while grandad considers what tool, sports equipment, or fishing gear he should purchase first. Grandparents love to give gifts! Grandparents love their grandkids! As you contemplate what to give your grandchildren this year, here are some things to consider.
Gifts come in as many sizes and varieties as the grandchildren. Is there a way to pass on your legacy — your story through your gift giving? Some of my favorite childhood memories are around special gifts full of meaning given by my grandparents.
With our grandkids, we have been very purposeful with our gifting. At Christmas, we started each family with their own Lionel train set to put under the tree. For many years we added to their sets. This came from the memory of my dad and his love for trains. We desired to pass along grandad’s love for trains to the next generation. Traditions, too, can become a treasured gift!
As we downsized our home it led to streamlining the Christmas decorations. What a fun time we had allowing each grandchild to choose from our ornaments, nativity sets, and lighted Christmas village houses. The stories behind the items were shared as well. What a blessing now to hear the older grands share the stories as each are displayed. These treasured items become heirlooms that are shared and passed down along with the stories.
This holiday season, the power of being together making memories and sharing stories, can help ground your grandchildren giving them a sense of security and belonging. What are those family stories you desire to pass along to your grands? As you celebrate this Christmas season, may you hear “I remember when grandma… I remember when grandpa…” Making memories and sharing stories is a year-round privilege and pleasure, so don’t forget to be intentional throughout the year.
