Christmas Day and Boxing Day are a great time for families getting together and for different generations to bond over wonderful traditions. However, for the generations with the biggest age gap it can sometimes be difficult to find an activity that both will enjoy.
So to bridge the generation gap this Yuletide, here are a few ideas from specialist advice website www.myageingparent.com for after dinner has been eaten, sherry downed, presents opened, Queen’s Speech watched… and mum and dad are having a well-earned nap.
Introduce each other to their childhood games
Fun activities like the yo-yo and hula hoop will appeal to the child in us all, while Grandma may well enjoy having a go on a game app on the tablet. Equally, there will be board games that have been with us all down through the generations – like Cluedo, Scrabble or Monopoly – that we can all enjoy, while charades have never gone out of fashion.
Do some of the Christmas cooking together
Maybe this could be the start of a new tradition: while mum and dad take care of the main parts of the Christmas meals, Grandparents and grandchildren can be the “chefs patissier” and prepare the dessert or one element of the main course. Just make sure the head chef is not too inconvenienced!
Put on a performance
For the more musical or theatrical perhaps, a play or musical offering can be created, directed and performed. A simple play about Christmas, re-enacting a favourite story or even singing a few carols will provide traditional entertainment while the champagne and hors d’oeuvres are being served.
Make some Christmas crafts
Christmas provides a great opportunity to get the arts and crafts kit out. See if Granddad wants to help to make some decorations or drawing some festive scenes. If it is in the days running up to the main event, they could create some Christmas cards to be exchanged on the day.
Bring out a favourite DVD
Classics such as Frozen, Aladdin, Ice Age or Toy Story appeal to all ages. Have a family viewing of the little ones’ favourite film… and watch Grandma become the latest fan.
Try out the new bike together!
If the weather’s fine, there’s nothing more fun for a grandparent to see youngsters try out their new bike, scooter or skateboard. A nice brisk Christmas Day walk can also help everyone digest the big dinner and the change of scenery will have benefits to everyone’s mood and health.
Complete a jigsaw puzzle
Here is one classic activity enjoyed by young and old. Bring a few puzzles of different levels to the Christmas Day gathering and see what they can achieve when they put their heads together.
Get the photo album out
It will be interesting and educational to show the youngest family members pictures of the family ancestry, especially ones which show the grandparents in their younger years. Yes… grandparents were young once too, back in the olden days…
