Grandparents at Christmas

By Susan Elliott-Wright

It's easy to take grandparents for granted or even to find them a nuisance, especially if
they tend to bombard you with unwanted advice. But try to remember that they mean
well, and that they're important people in your child's life. Grandparents not only
have lots of love to give, they also have wisdom, experience and time; and because
they're not constrained by the same worries and responsibilities as parents, they can
be a great source of fun!

This is especially true around Christmastime, when mums and dads are too busy and
stressed to give their children the attention they crave.

Exciting pre-Christmas preparations like making Christmas cards and decorations,
dressing the tree, or making mince pies might seem like hard work for parents, but
grandparents will be happy to help the children with these activities, patiently guiding
the children and freeing you up to do other things.

These days, extended families are often vast and complicated, and may include step-
grandparents and, increasingly, great-grandparents.

Extended families may also be spread over a wide area, so it may be difficult for your
kids to see all their grandparents on Christmas day or boxing day, but try to factor in
visits or invitations at some point over the holiday period.

If seeing the grandparents over Christmas is impossible, encourage the kids to send
homemade cards and presents by post, and to phone or skype on Christmas day.
Get the kids to make presents for their grandparents – there is nothing that will
delight a doting granny or grandpa more than something made by their grandchild's
own fair hands. For example, simple chocolate truffles made from cake crumbs and
melted chocolate and rolled in cocoa powder; a desk tidy made from plastic bottles
and cereal packets; a calendar with photographs of the children, or drawings they've
done themselves. If your parents are grandparents-to-be this Christmas, how about
presenting them with a framed photo of your latest scan?

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can be one of the most
rewarding for all concerned, so at this time of year, let Granny and Granddad know
just how much they're appreciated and make it a magical Christmas for the whole
family.