The holidays are a special time of year, especially for grandparents and grandchildren. Here at Montereau, our residents join our independent living community with the intention of making the most of their retirement—from trying their hand at new hobbies to spending quality time with family and friends. With just a bit of planning ahead of time, you can create unique holiday experiences that your grandkids will remember forever.
To help you make this the most memorable holiday season yet, we are excited to share 10 festive activities you can enjoy with your grandkids. From decorating cookies to watching holiday movies together, these ideas will help make this holiday season special for everyone involved. So get ready to make some cherished memories this year!
1. Try some Christmas cookies and crafting.
This classic grandparent activity is always a hit! Bake or buy some delicious cookies with your grandkids, then decorate them together. You can even let their imaginations run wild by providing craft supplies like icing, sprinkles and colored sugar so they can create their own unique decorations. If you’re feeling extra creative, try making homemade dough ornaments together!
2. Teach your grandchildren the art of cooking.
The kitchens in the Montereau Independent Living neighborhood are perfect for sautéing up something special, baking bountiful desserts or just entertaining with expansive countertops. What better way to bond than teaching your grandchildren how to cook? Whether it’s helping them prepare dinner or baking cookies from scratch, cooking with your grandkids helps build memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, they get to learn an important life skill!
3. Curl up with a Christmas story.
Gather around the fire (real or virtual) and enjoy a classic Christmas story together. Get cozy and discuss the characters in the book as you read aloud—or even act out scenes if you’re feeling adventurous! This is also great for kids who don’t have access to books at home—you can find free online stories that everyone can enjoy together over Zoom or FaceTime. From classics like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to contemporary favorites like “Olivia Helps With Christmas,” stories with Grandma and Grandpa (or Nana and Papa, Mimi and Pop-Pop) are a family favorite!
4. Watch “The Polar Express” together or another favorite film.
Movie nights are the best! Put on your comfiest PJs and watch a classic holiday movie with the grandkids! “The Polar Express,” “A Christmas Story,” Elf”—you can’t go wrong with a feel-good classic. Pop some popcorn, grab some hot chocolate (or eggnog), and get ready to be transported into a magical world filled with adventure and wonder—perfect for getting everyone in the Christmas spirit! If you have a favorite Christmas movie, we’d love to hear about it. Visit our Facebook page and share your film favorite today!
5. Build a gingerbread house.
Deck out an old-fashioned gingerbread house together using candy canes, gumdrops, frosting…the possibilities are endless! Not only does this help keep little hands busy during the holidays, it also provides an opportunity for creativity (and maybe even friendly competition). No matter how messy things get, it’s sure to be a blast. Plus, you get to treat the little ones to some sugar—what else are grandparents for!
6. Go on a Christmas lights tour.
What better way to bring the family together than a night touring neighborhood light displays? From elegant snowflakes hanging from eaves to whimsical inflatable characters billowing in front yards, holiday light displays are a joy to behold. Going for a walk or a slow drive around the neighborhood is a feel-good way to wind down the day and bond with your loved ones.
7. Have a snowball fight (if there’s enough snow!).
Snow days can be a great bonding experience with your grandchildren. Playing in snow can bring joy and excitement to a day spent at home. One fun activity that you can enjoy together is having a snowball fight! All you need is enough snow and a fun spirit and you have yourself a game. So if the weather allows, set up your battlefield and let the games begin! A classic game of “dodge ball” is sure to add some laughter to a snow-filled morning. Be sure to warm up with a mug of hot cocoa.
8. Attend a holiday concert or play.
One of the most fun things for seniors to do with their grandchildren during the holidays is attend a concert or play. It brings families together and provides a memorable experience that gives everyone something to talk about. Enjoying a swing band, school choir or local theatre group is also an excellent way for seniors to stay socially active and embrace the festive season. Montereau residents regularly enjoy on-campus concerts and outings to Tulsa, so bring the family along to make this holiday season one you’ll always remember.
9. Go on a hayride or visit a Christmas tree farm.
With Christmas just around the corner, what better way to bring the generations together than a hayride or visit to a Christmas tree farm? Grandparents can show their grandchildren how they trimmed the tree as a child, while children can enjoy an exciting ride in a horse-drawn wagon and search for the perfect tree. A bumpy hayride will delight the little ones and bring back joyful memories from yesteryear.
10. Enjoy Christmas dinner—with a special dessert.
There’s a reason holidays center around the dining room table. Breaking bread has been bringing humans together for thousands of years. That’s why the Montereau team puts such an emphasis on dining all year long. From upscale to casual bites, residents have much to choose from. This holiday season, why not invite your family to join you for a meal in one of our restaurant—or treat them to one of Tulsa’s finest? Whether they’re enjoying prime rib or chicken nuggets, grandchildren will always remember the time they spent with you—and a slice of cake or pie might be the cherry on top of the meal!
The weather outside may be frightful, but the holiday season is so delightful when you are surrounded by family. At Montereau, we know that choosing the right senior living community is a big decision, which is why we are here to support you and your family. We offer a full calendar of social activities and top-notch wellness opportunities year-round. This combined with our maintenance-free, white-glove service means you are free to make the most of each and every day.
To learn more about our community, we invite you to contact us for a tour. We look forward to meeting you soon. Happy holidays from Montereau!