Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications
Advent is a season of pausing, pondering, and preparing to celebrate the arrival of the Christ Child. It is a time of wonder and expectation. The eyes of a small child enamored and mesmerized by lights and shining packages quickly remind us of this fact.
Amidst all the tantalizing smells, sights, and sounds, let us be deliberate in pointing our grandchildren to Emmanuel–God with us. May these practical ideas be a jumpstart for you.
1. Share the Story
There are so many ways to accomplish this. A quick perusal of Pinterest will supply more ideas than you can use.
Two of my favorites ways are Jesse Tree and Story Stones. Using visuals and symbols is especially important when your grandchildren are young. Scripture is read as each visual is focused on.
An advent wreath is also great for incorporating symbols and Scripture readings. The four purple candles represent the prophets, Bethlehem, shepherds, and angels. They correspond to hope, faith, joy, and peace. The white candle lit on Christmas morning is the Christ candle. He is the light of the world. There are various readings to do with each candle. Pick one that is appropriate for the age of your grandchildren. We also add the appropriate nativity pieces as each portion is read. For instance, when angels are spoken of, we add the angels to the advent wreath.
Whichever method you choose to share the story, be sure to use your Bible.
2. Worship
Christmas music is so beautiful and sets the stage for a worshipful heart. We have it playing in the background throughout every day.
Consider choosing a song to learn about its history as well as its lyrics. Share what you learn with your grandchildren.
Maybe choose a song from your ethnic heritage. If you have musicians within your family, play and sing it together. Maybe you could even write your own song.
3. Family Activity
The goal is to spend time together, creating memories and building stronger relationships.
One of my family’s favorites is building a puzzle – each year a more complicated one is chosen in line with the grandchildren’s ages. We enjoy watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate too.
Another favorite is finding a way to serve the community together. Whether it is purchasing items for an at-need family or delivering cookies to the first responders; we want to show love in a tangible way.
You can also play games together. Some of our favorites are Christmas Scattergories, Pictionary, charades, and minute-it-to-win-it games.
During these fun and laughter-filled times, we intentionally point to how God was faithful through the past year. God has provided and blessed in so many ways. We encourage all to share.
4. Shower for Baby Jesus
Consider contacting your area charities or crisis pregnancy centers to see what critical items are needed. It is a joy to gather items that a new baby would need and then deliver them to the center. Conversations with your grandchildren can center around Jesus coming as a baby.
5. Love Jar
Write on slips of paper the reason you love each member of the family. Try to be specific and include several for every member. Place the slips in a jar or candy dish on the table. At Christmas, take a slip out and read it. Continue for the upcoming meals until all the slips have been read.
Another idea is to start in January, writing down all the ways God has blessed your family. Then next Christmas you would read one each day and rejoice anew at how God has been faithful.
6. Send Greetings
Be sure to send greetings to each family. Marco Polo, Zoom, or other apps are excellent ways to stay connected, especially with those who live at a distance.
You could also write a note or letter to each grandchild telling them how you will be praying for them this next year. Think about what character trait you have noticed needs some extra effort and what spiritual gifts seem to be surfacing. Then construct your prayer around those things, always listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
7. Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunts are especially fun for the younger grandchildren. You could write Luke 2 on slips of paper, breaking it up into portions. These slips of paper can be hidden around for them to find. When they are found, encourage your grandchildren to put them in order. Then read the passage from the Bible.
If the grandchildren are very young, hiding items that are found in the Luke account is a good option. Once all the hidden items are found, read the Luke account from a children’s Bible.
8. Honor Your Heritage
Share about the customs and food from where your ancestors came. Look online or find books about how Christmas is celebrated in other countries. It has been so fun to learn how Christmas is celebrated across the world. You may even want to learn how to say Merry Christmas in your family’s native language.
Teach your grandchildren about where they came from; it bridges the past with the present while also giving a sense of security, safety, and belonging.
Making recipes from your ‘home’ country is also fun. Be sure to tell your family stories making connections to how your grandparents celebrated Christmas.
9. Dinner by Starlight (Candles)
Eating dinner by candlelight is a special way to set apart this season. Candles set a tone of contemplation and quiet.
For younger grandchildren, you could make a meal with the food items cut into star shapes. The conversation could center around what part stars played in the Christmas story. One example is the shepherds keeping watch over the sheep at night. Another is the wise men followed the star.
10. Attend Grandchildren’s Events
Show your support and love by going to any event that you can. Most schools and churches have events during this time of the year. Cheer them on.
11. Read a Favorite Christmas Book
Share with your grandchildren some of your favorite Christmas books. The Gift of the Magi is one of my favorites. Another tradition is to read The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve just before the grandchildren go to bed.
Ask your grandchildren about their favorite book and read it to them during this season.
12. Gift Making
One of our favorite activities is helping the grandchildren make gifts for their parents and siblings. They come individually to Grandad or me with their ideas. Depending on the idea, Grandad or I will help them make their gift. It is a double blessing as we get to spend concentrated time with them while also teaching them a skill.
In past years, Grandad has done woodworking, painting, and building with them. I have done crafts, photography, and cooking.
Final Idea
This year may you focus more on giving your presence and less on presents. May you purpose in your heart to find ways to be more present in your grandchildren’s lives this next year.
Be creative if your grandchildren live at a distance or other barriers or obstacles make it difficult. Remember even if you cannot talk to your grandchildren, you can always talk to God about your grandchildren. Go to Him, rest in His presence, relish His promises, and rely on His faithfulness!
Let’s remember Deuteronomy 4:9 “Make them known to your children and your children’s children” and Psalm 16:6 “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Do not forget during this busy season to stop, rest, and share your God stories with your grandchildren. Help them come to believe, adore, and celebrate the Christ Child.
