We challenge you to double down your efforts this coming year to use your natural involvement and potential impact to intentionally influence your grandchildren toward spiritual matters.

Kay Arthur, of Precept Ministries, is known to say “There is no retirement in a time of war.” We are waging war not only for the souls of our grandchildren but for those generations not yet born. May we equip our grandchildren to fight the evil one’s attacks.

For this coming year, here are some ways you and your church can live out intentional Christian grandparenting.

Ideas for Churches:

• Launch a church ministry for grandparents – It may just take adding the focus of grandparenting to current ministries for adults.
• Start a grandparenting prayer group – Get together and pray for grandchildren of your church. It could be part of a current prayer time or be added to the beginning of another adult activity.
• Participate in grandparenting events – Grand Monday Nights is our free weekly webinar. Take advantage of National Grandparents Day to celebrate, honor, and challenge your grandparents. Also, check out our national Grandparenting Summit and Grandparenting Matters live, virtual, and on-demand seminars.
• Consider hosting a grandbaby shower – It’s a great way to welcome grandparents into the world of grandparenting and share the importance of their biblical role within the family.
• Include grandparents in child milestone events – Starting with child dedications, include grandparents. This shows the important responsibility they have in the family. Allow grandparents to join with the parents in dedicating themselves to helping disciple the grandchild. At each subsequent milestone, find ways to involve them in the celebration.
• Offer grandparent-grandchild activity – Be creative and think of something they could do together. The focus is on fun and faith where the purposeful activities allow you to naturally share your faith legacy.
• Organize an intergenerational activity – Have an event at your church that encourages and includes all generations. This is a great way to gather families together around one activity. It could be a serving activity or one just for fun. See a great idea in Discipling Your Grandchildren, one of the books in the Legacy Coalition series.
• Continue to learn and be equipped – Our website and store have great resources to encourage, equip, and help you engage more intentionally with your adult children and grandchildren. We are here to help you.
• Think outside the box – On the fifth Sunday in a month, a church in Iowa has grandparents staff the children’s ministry. The grandparents and the children benefit greatly from this interaction.

Ideas for Individuals:

• Joint Bible study – Choose and purchase an age-appropriate Bible or Bible study for you and the grandchild(ren). Consider a time and place to meet, in-person or virtually, to discuss. For young grandkids, they can read the Bible story to you which has the added benefit of helping their reading skills.
• Pray – Consistently pray for each grandchild by name and need. Great resources like our Prayer Placemat are available at our store.
• Share blessings and hopes – Meet in-person or virtually on New Year’s Eve. Allow them to share the blessings of last year and what they are hoping for next year. Their hopes can become part of your prayers for them this coming year.
• Communicate your love – Write a note letting your grandchildren know you desire to love them more dearly this year as you seek to follow our Heavenly Father’s example of steadfast, lavish love flowing from a heart of grace and truth.
• Traditions – Be sure to pass on the who, what, where, why, when, and how of the tradition. So what new tradition will you start this new year? Remember it has been said that traditions are the stories that families write together. What will be the family stories shared next December and beyond – all the way from your grandchildren to those not yet born.
• Speak a blessing over each grandchild – Create a special time of great significance in the life of your grandchild. You could use Numbers 6:24-26.
• Plan an experience or adventure with a grandchild – Instead of material gifts for the grandchildren, consider giving an experience or adventure that you do together. Memories are powerful reminders of your love, care, and interest in them.
• Mealtimes, Car rides, Holidays, Anytime – Use the Let’s Talk conversation cards. They’re a great way to learn about your grandchild as they also learn about you.
• Learn and use apps like Marco Polo – Seek to connect with your grandkids in age-appropriate and interesting ways. Ask them what apps they use, whether it’s Snapchat, Marco Polo, or whatever. Have them show you how to use it and then stay connected with them.

What is at least one thing you can implement this coming year?

Whether you are just starting with baby steps or ready to take giant leaps, make a conscious choice to do something to purposefully equip yourself, other grandparents, and your grandchildren this coming year.

We also encourage you to be very purposeful in sharing with your family what Christmas means to you this holiday season. Enjoy!

Christmas is a reminder of God’s Good News!

Luke 2:10-11: “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

I John 4:14: “ The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the Word.”

John 3:16: “ For God so loved the world that HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 1: 14: “The Word of God became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory…..”

Romans 6:23: “The wages of sin is death but the GIFT OF GOD is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

– Tina Bradford, Director of Prayer

Christmas is a time to focus.

To me, Christmas is a time focused on gratitude for our Lord and Savior!

– Joannie DeBrito, Family Support Specialist

Christmas to me means – EASTER!

My heart turns toward the whole story – Jesus came as an infant because of my sin problem.

He came then for one reason, to redeem. To me, Christmas is all about Easter! I had a need. He is my solution.

While I celebrate our Savior’s birth, I’m mindful of the “why” – and thinking of what took place on the cross many years later. I’m thankful – and will praise Him through all of eternity for it.

– Jane Larsen, Director of Connections

Christmas is a time to remember the reason we celebrate.

Christmas means our special opportunity to read the Christmas Story with all our family who are present.

They look forward to it every year, and it reminds us all of the reason we celebrate!

– Barb Lorenz, Director of Grand Monday Nights

Christmas means getting out my nativity sets,

As each piece from each set is lovingly unwrapped, it is like receiving THE GIFT all over again.

Not just the gift of the nativity set but the gift of Jesus. A gift that never gets outgrown but grows with you, never wears out but renews every day, and never fades in interest or value but becomes more cherished every day.

May the spirit of Christmas be celebrated more than just one day a year.

– Deb del Villar, Director of Communications

Christmas means familiarity.

I have celebrated the arrival of God to our planet for 76 Christmases.

Familiarity doesn’t always breed contempt. Sometimes it breeds complacency, and we enter into the holy-day season with a ‘Ho Hum! Hum Bug!’ attitude of been there, done that.

How does one combat the Grinch who attacks our mind-less, thought-less, heart-less souls and dulls our exuberant shout ‘Thanks be to God’ for His inexpressible, indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15)!?

The repetition of rehearsing and reading Doctor Luke’s version of The Story (Lk 1-2), attending grandkids’ holiday programs, decking the halls and malls, and going to church celebrations and concerts without ‘pondering’ and preparing the soil of our hearts can keep the seeds of joy and hope from sprouting.

The Christ-mas story is encased with paradoxical drama, replete with extremes: fear and courage, sorrow and joy, questions and faith, wonderment and exclamation, despair and hope, and the reminder that absolutely nothing will be impossible with God!

In fact, that’s what sets our Great God above other ‘gods.’

Gabriel’s announcement, Zechariah’s silent response, Elizabeth’s joyful anticipation, and Mary’s magnificently stunning, prophetic song of praise (Lk 2:46-55) revive my joy to this mystery of the ages.

What an incredible account of God’s plan to quietly and oh, so silently enter into our world to then carry out His magnificent ‘save’ of all mankind… and me!

And then there’s the reality check that impacts and softens, no… breaks my heart and quickens my resolve.

Reflecting on the news of our day and comparing it with the news from 2100 years ago, I discovered similarities.

I am reminded that mankind is in need of being rescued, in need of a Savior, in need of Light to lighten our load and light up our world!

The hopes and fears of all the world are met in Thee, Jesus… You, who was and is God and Man, came in the fullness of time to dispel darkness and destroy sin, death, and despair.

That’s what all those pretty lights are all about during this season! Joy to the World!

My prayer is that I, and we, might allow the Light of the world to shine in and through us so this needy world will catch a glimpse of the One who came to deliver, save, and bring joy, hope, peace, and love.

May the night and days before and after Christmas, and all through your house and family, help you…

• Test positive for faith, keep distance from doubt
• Isolate from fear, and trusting God through it all
• Shelter and rest in place and in peace!

– John Coulombe, Director of Spiritual Development

Christmas is a time to celebrate and pass on traditions.

The joy of family traditional foods (Swedish rye bread, sugar cookie decorating with grandkids, Christmas kringle are my favorites).

The meaning of traditions that have been passed down for 3 generations (grandchildren performing the nativity play, family caroling to neighbors, Grandpa reading the Luke 2 passage of Jesus’ birth, giving of gifts to those we love).

Gathering with family and friends for special events and celebrations, and sitting beside the lighted Christmas tree as we welcome the Light of the world to our hearts in a special way during the Advent season.

This year has taken on extra sweet meaning as our 8th grandchild was born Nov 29th – Luciana Gioia aka Lucy Joy, meaning light and joy!

What a perfect name (Joy is Granzy’s middle name) for this little baby girl who has brought a special light and joy to our family this Christmas season!

– Brenda Peitzman, Director of Seminars

Christmas means PEACE.

What does Christmas mean to me? That is a question that as an adult I have honestly never been asked.

As a child, it was asked many times, with the expectation of an answer “The celebration of Jesus’s Birth.”

Posed now at 71 years young, I must say I had to ponder the question for a bit. I even asked the Holy Spirit to help me with an answer that truly fits me.

As promised in scripture if we ask, He will help us, and He quietly answered me as I lay silently in bed listening.

Christmas to me means – “PEACE.”

I am, because of the Who of Christmas, baptized into the peace that passes all understanding.

Because Jesus voluntarily left the comfort of Heaven to become a man (born of a woman) and then gave his life on the cross, I have been reconciled with our Father into a family of Peace.

As a pastor for 23 years, I studied and attained much of the knowledge Scripture has given us about peace with the uses and functions of that peace.

Yet only in the last 5 years as a retired pastor and actively serving in the ministry of Legacy Coalition has this truth become very real.

Sharing the call of Intentional Christian Grandparenting alongside Legacy Coalition has caused me to walk daily in the power and direction of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit guides my steps and my finances, and even my relationship with my wife of 48 years. Today we daily ask and seek His direction and supply, then we step out to follow that direction.

Today we know that God is indeed in control. Even when a subdural hematoma forced me into brain surgery with 16 weeks of rehab (Ed), or a broken clothesline demanded a shoulder replacement with months of rehab (Jo Beth).

Our faith is firm that each step was and is directed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Because of Christmas, we can start each day with thankfulness and confidence that He will direct our path. Then, whatever comes, He is already there knowing what tomorrow brings.

– Ed and Jo Beth Vinson, Resource Center, Legacy Coalition

From Legacy Coalition to you – Have a very Merry Christmas!

Grandpa and Grandma started the tradition. It had long been part of the family celebration when I married into my wife’s family. But I gave it the name it has gone by ever since — The Christmas Eve Junk Food Extravaganza.

Christmas Eve

We gather in the home of Grandpa and Grandma and set out plates of cookies, pies, cakes, candies, and anything else that’s sitting around. The dining room table is piled high as the grandkids, cousins, aunts, and uncles fill their plates. We always eat far too much, but it rarely looks like we’ve made a dent in the food.

In recent years, Grandma has started introducing healthy foods, like vegetables, into the mix. We tease her about it, but nobody really minds.

When we finish eating, we gather in the living room. There is a lot of musical talent in the family, so the grandkids take turns playing the piano while everyone sings Christmas carols. I’m not much of a singer, so I volunteer to read Luke 2 every year.

Christmas Day

Christmas day starts slowly. Grandma always makes a big breakfast. The grandkids know there are presents, but they also know none of them will be opened until the adults finish eating and chatting. When we finally make our way into the living room, we find all the kids huddled around the tree.

Dinner is in the middle of the afternoon. Grandpa always starts with a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for becoming a man, dying for our sins, and rising again to give us life. The main course is always ham, so tasty and delicious it’s like eating candy. And, of course, the other dishes include seafoam salad, a concoction made with jello, Cool Whip, and pears which tastes far better than the name would indicate.

In the evening, it’s time for another tradition. Again, Grandpa and Grandma started it long before I arrived but I am responsible for the name — The Hokey Film Festival. We watch Holiday Inn or Christmas in Connecticut or some other old favorite. Even the kids, who normally couldn’t be dragged kicking and screaming into a room where a black-and-white movie is showing, gather around.

Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas has traditions of its own. My brother-in-law and I take off in his truck, with whatever kids want to come along. We explore the backwoods of Arkansas looking for remote trails to hike or waterfalls to explore. Grandma, the aunts, and whatever kids want to tag along, head into town for shopping and a nice lunch. Grandpa mostly stays home alone and sleeps. That’s his own tradition, and he enjoys the break in the busy season.

The grandkids are mostly grown now. Some of them have kids of their own. The family is more spread out and not everyone makes it every Christmas. But we continue the traditions with whoever makes it.

Conclusion

Traditions are important. The kids love the togetherness of having everyone in the same room singing, listening to the Scripture, or watching old movies. It’s safe. There’s no pressure to be someone you’re not. No worries about whether you’re accepted. Everyone is equally important and equally loved. It’s a haven. And that’s exactly what family is supposed to be.

As a grandparent, you are in the perfect place to emphasize the traditions in your family. If you don’t have any, it’s never too late to start. Whatever traditions you have, see them as a platform for ensuring that the main thing remains the main thing.

Make sure the story behind Christmas is told well and given prominence in all you do. After all, our traditions should help us remember why we have the traditions in the first place.

Denise dreaded Christmas. What used to be a joy-filled holiday was now a date she wished wasn’t even on the calendar. Family relationships weren’t the same after her husband Tim left. Just two years later, their daughter’s marriage ended in divorce. Accusations were made. Wounds were deep. The rift between mother and daughter was wide, and the air was thick with tension whenever they were together. Denise wanted her precious grandkids to know about God, but she felt powerless.

Christmas had become sour because of broken and toxic family relationships.

Dominique and Crystal made a big deal about Christmas. Still, the focus was on Santa, elf movies, decorations, and lots of expensive gifts, especially from the other grandparents who were more financially able to be extravagant. Dom’s parents, Will and Nina, were frustrated grandparents. Nothing in their grandchildren’s Christmas focused on Jesus. Whenever it was mentioned, Crystal would flippantly say, “You know, we just want Christmas to be fun for our kids (implying that including Jesus would be boring).”

Christmas had become secularized by materialistic values.

Alfonse and Maria enjoyed close relationships with their three daughters and spouses. All were believers and made a genuine effort to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. They had always read the Christmas story together before opening gifts. Maria noticed their older grandkids were tuning out the familiar scriptures. They needed some freshness in how they reminded the grandchildren of Jesus’ birth.

Christmas had become stale due to a lack of creativity.

Family Dynamics Impact Christmas Celebrations

If one of those scenarios sounds a bit too familiar, you may think “Why do I even bother?” Let me offer two powerful reasons and urge you NOT to give up.

First, you have so much potential for influence!

You’re in an ideal position to spiritually impact your grandchildren, Grandma or Grandpa. You are second only to parents in potential influence. No Sunday School teacher, youth worker, or pastor has the potential you have. You have their heart. You have a childhood-long relationship. You know and love them, and they know and love you.

More importantly, Scripture commands it!

Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV) is so clear; “…teach them to your children and to their children after them.” According to this verse, we are to teach two generations, not just one. We teach by telling our faith stories and sharing what we have seen Him do. As the spiritual matriarch or patriarch of your family, it is your responsibility to do all you can to pass on your faith. Your choice is not whether or not to do it, but how to do it. Let’s explore the “hows.”

When Relationships Are Sour…

Is your family like Denise’s with tension, hurt feelings, or outright animosity dominating the atmosphere whenever you’re together? You’re the most mature one in the family (or should be) so take responsibility for restoring peace.

Here are some things you can do:

• Ask for forgiveness. That’s the first thing to consider in reconciliation. If you think you don’t need to, look at the relationship through the eyes of others – what would they say?
• Make sure you see the broken relationship, not the other person, as the enemy.
• A quick resolution is often unrealistic. Even if change doesn’t happen this Christmas, dream of a better relationship in the future, and make this holiday season a step to reach that goal.
• Show grace. It’s fascinating that Jesus, the complete embodiment of both grace and truth (John 1:14) often led with grace. If you’ve tried to get them to see things your way (that’s leading with truth) and it’s not working, then change to a “Jesus strategy” and lead with grace. Try to genuinely understand their point of view (that’s grace). Forgive. Love unconditionally. When we show unconditional love and grace, the Holy Spirit uses these almost irresistible tools to impact the thinking of others.

If you are to have hope of impacting your grandchildren for Christ, the chain of soured relationships must be broken. Be the best servant in the room. Determine that – this Christmas – you will do your best to be the chain-breaker!

When It’s All About the Stuff…

When Christ is left out of Christmas, either by the parents’ decision or over-indulgent gift-giving, the real meaning of Christmas is lost somewhere in the stuff. What can you do?

Don’t go against the parents’ wishes – after all, they are first responsible for the children, not you. Crystal’s comment to Nina, “You know, we just want Christmas to be fun for our kids” was telling. But it also gave Nina an idea of how to honor Dom and Crystal’s wishes and still bring Jesus’ birth into their Christmas.

Here are some ideas:

• When our grandkids were small, we often had them act out the Christmas story. We designated one end of the living room as Nazareth, and the other as Bethlehem. The wise men weren’t allowed on the scene, of course, until after the “birth” of Baby Jesus.
• My friends Tina and Ray “kidnap” their grandkids to go view Christmas lights. They talk with the kids about why people may have chosen to have holiday inflatables, lots of lights, etc. Plan a similar outing with your grandkids, and be sure to go by a house with a manger scene which gives you a perfect chance to share with them the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth.
• Host a birthday party for Jesus. Your grandkids can help bake and decorate the cake if they’re old enough, then everyone can enjoy eating it. Don’t forget to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jesus. Tell or read the story of Jesus’ birth. My friend Elaine does this at what she calls “Advent Angels” – an annual, pre-Christmas event packed full of faith-based crafts, movies, snacks, and fun for her grandkids.
• Together, practice the act of giving. Take cookies to a shut-in neighbor or your local police department. Deliver canned goods to the food bank or some warm socks and gloves to a shelter. By giving, you’re sharing a valuable perspective and also the joy that comes from doing so.
• Research and implement Jesus-focused Christmas traditions from other countries, especially your family’s country of origin.

When Christmas Becomes Stale…

As your grandchildren become teens, it’s challenging to keep Christmas spiritually fresh, especially if they’ve heard Luke 2 so many times it’s memorized. Rituals become rote, and routine becomes boring.

Here are a few new ideas to try:

• Make gifts more experiential. Instead of things, give experiences, like tickets for you and your grandkids to attend a sporting event or concert. Registration for a church youth group event. Family memberships to a zoo. Coupons for a “grand date” for you and your grandchild.
• Make gifts more personal. My friend John customized a study Bible with his own notes for each of his grandkids. Do that for your grandkids on a milestone Christmas – maybe their 13^th.
• Make gifts more useful. Try a “four-gift Christmas,” where you give each grandchild exactly four gifts: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. This helps grandkids focus when putting together a wish list and it’s an idea that is easily adapted whether you have limited funds or more than enough.
• Make conversations more meaningful. One of our very best Christmases was when – after the presents were opened – we each shared the most meaningful thing that had happened to us in the past year. After lots of laughter, tears, high fives, and hugs, we agreed it was one of the best Christmases ever.
• Make the atmosphere more spiritual. Before you gather, ask each family member’s favorite Christmas carol, and make a playlist of family favorites for background music during the day. At an appropriate time, ask each one to share why they like that carol.
• Make Christmas more memorable. Get out the special plates; dress up; just do things differently than you normally do.
• Write one verse of the Christmas story on each of the gift tags of the presents for your grandchildren, and then tell them they have to find them and read them before opening their presents.
• Make the approach different. Your older grandkids need to be able to answer the “why” questions of faith. So instead of reading the Christmas story, read passages and create activities that emphasize the reasons behind the birth of Jesus. Here are three ideas:
  • Read prophetic passages like 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6, Micah 5:2, and others; then read their “fulfillment counterpart” and emphasize how knowing fulfilled prophecies substantiates your faith. Or, write each set of corresponding passages and wrap them in coordinated packages to be opened.
  • Write out John 1:14, Galatians 4:4-5, Philippians 2:6-8, and other passages that point out the theological implications of Jesus’ birth on decorative paper, roll them up as scrolls, and hang them on the Christmas tree. Use them for your “reading of the Christmas story.”
  • Create some “gifts to the world” packages, and in them put a statement or symbol of how the birth of Jesus impacted human history. For example, on the gift tag, write “To: Women  From: Jesus.” Inside, put a card with Galatians 3:28 on it, and “Equality”, with your own statement about how Jesus impacted the status of women. On another, write “To: Sick From: Jesus.” On the card inside write “Medical Care” and Matthew 25:37-40. You can also do this for education, arts, charities, business, government, family, etc. Or, you can do the same with concepts that originated with Jesus, like grace, forgiveness, love, or hope.

Conclusion

Family dynamics impact our lives, and the holidays tend to heighten the good, as well as the not-so-good, in each of us.

You may be struggling with broken relationships this Christmas like Denise. Life as it was is no longer the reality, and it’s been tough. Don’t give up, but give grace.

Your grandkids may have come to expect extravagant gifts, so – like Will and Nina – you may need to discover some new (and fun) ways to share the real meaning of Christmas with your family.

Or maybe your Christmases have become stale. Replace what’s ritualistic with fresh, creative ideas while retaining the truth that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Remember, as grandparents, we are perfectly poised to make a difference in our grandchildren’s lives. It’s what we’re called to do, no matter our family dynamics.

So make a spiritual impact this Christmas. It may require prayer, creativity, communication with your adult kids, and effort. But it is possible, and believe me—it will be well worth your effort!

Legacy Coalition is pleased to compile an updated list of gift ideas from our store and resource partners to help you as you Christmas shop this year.

We’ve included links and details when possible. Please note that many of the gift ideas are great for all ages!

(Click here to Skip ahead to Ideas for Grandparents)

Gift Ideas for Grandkids

Younger Grandkids:

My Wish of All Wishes – Book by Larry Fowler
This book is a tool that Christian grandparents can use to express their greatest hope – that their grandchildren will be in heaven with them!
Buy Now

Let’s Talk Cards – Original Edition
Spark meaningful conversations with your grandchildren using these 142 age-specific questions that you ask them or they ask you, all on a handy ring.
Buy Now

Manger in Danger
This is a fun, interactive family tradition that brings the Christmas story from the Bible to life in 25 days of family devotionals!
View the Offer

Grandchild Promise Cards
Write love notes to your grandchildren, including the promises of God.
Buy Now

Generous Kids Book Bundle
Teach kids character traits like generosity, kindness, and empathy with 10 well-crafted children’s books in a keepsake box.
View the Offer

Books
Here are a few different books that are great for the littlest grandchildren.

• The Berenstain Bears
• The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross
• What the Bible Is All About

Follow the Star
This book is a rhyming story that coordinates with a hide and seek activity (included with the book) to learn more about Jesus.
View the Offer

Miss PattyCake
Her resources are faith-based, music-driven, and designed to introduce young children to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible.
Visit the Online Store

Focus on the Family – Clubhouse Jr. Magazine (ages 3-7)
Give your grandchild solid values, godly wisdom, and a growing faith!
Buy Now

Elementary-Age Grandkids:

Let’s Talk Cards – Holiday Edition
Use these conversation cards during 10 different holidays to ask intentional questions and develop relationships with your grandkids.
Buy Now

Creation, Captives, Cross: The Bible Game
A unique blend of trivia, challenges, and hands-on experiences designed to make learning about the Bible both educational and entertaining.
View the Offer

Bibles
Here are a few different Bibles that are great for your grandchildren.

• The Action Storybook Bible
• The Adventure Bible for Kids
• The Jesus Storybook Bible

Focus on the Family – Clubhouse Magazine (ages 8-12)
Give your grandchild solid values, godly wisdom, and a growing faith!
Buy Now

Grandparent Camp Programs
Unique faith adventures for grandparents and their grandchildren focused on leaving a faith-legacy for the next generations. (You can check out Christian Grandparenting Network GrandCamps here.)

Camp Scholarship
Check out the camp that the grandchild would like to attend or has attended in the past and help cover the costs.

Faith Journaling for Kids Book
An Adventure in Creatively Connecting with God; My Thankful Journal for Kids: Giving Thanks Day by Day from Deborah Haddix.
Visit the Website

Gifts around a talent or skill
If your grandchild enjoys music, you could cover the cost of music lessons. If they enjoy sports, you could cover the cost of a league or sports camp.

Older Grandkids:

Let’s Talk Cards – Grown-Up Grandchildren Edition
Use these conversation cards to go deeper into areas of memories, relationships, life, and faith, to strengthen your bond with grown-up grandchildren.
Buy Now

Missions Trip Fund
You can help start a savings account for them to go on the trip!

Adventure/Experience
Find out the cost of something your grandchild would like to do and create a gift certificate with the details to give them.

Summit Ministries
Your grandkids will gain tools to engage winsomely with the culture.
Visit the Website

Personal Journal
You can purchase a journal with a specific grandchild in mind. Then encourage them to develop the habit of writing down what they are grateful for each day along with what God is teaching them, prayers, or praises.

Bible Study Book
You can purchase one for the grandchild and one for you to do together in person or virtually.

Encourage U
Send college-aged grandkids a fun box that can bolster their faith.
Visit the Website

Gift Ideas for Grandparents

Consider sharing this list with your family and friends if they ask you what you want for Christmas.

2025 Legacy Planner
This is a practical tool to inspire and encourage you to have a greater spiritual impact on your family all year long.
Buy Now

Prayers for My Grandchildren Placemat
A great reminder to pray for your grandchildren, no matter how far away they are.
Buy Now

Legacy Coalition Book Series
We have books on a wide range of topics for grandparents!
View Books

Grandparent Camp Programs
Unique faith adventures for grandparents and their grandchildren focused on leaving a faith-legacy for the next generations.

Airline Ticket to Visit
What better gift could you receive than a visit to see your family?

My Declaration Artwork
Beautiful calligraphy of what it means to be an Intentional Christian Grandparent. (Suitable for framing)
Buy Now

Resources from Debbie Haddix
She has a number of books and free resources available for grandparents.
Visit the Website

We hope you found these gift ideas helpful and that you have a blessed Christmas season!

Your Team at Legacy Coalition

Giving gifts is part of the grandparent experience that is looked forward to with great anticipation. From the time the pregnancy is announced, Grandma thinks of what cute outfit or toy she will buy while Grandad considers what tool, sports equipment, or fishing gear he should purchase first.

Grandparents love their grandkids, and they love to give them gifts!

Gifts come in as many sizes and varieties as the grandchildren. Is there a way to pass on your legacy/story through your gift-giving?

Gifts You Received

Some of my very favorite childhood memories are around special gifts full of meaning given by my grandparents.

There is the Asian doll that they brought back from their mission trip. The stories of their trip and how God worked are intertwined and mingled when I remember that gift. The velvet gray poodle bank comes next. How I loved to put my coins in that bank. You see, my grandfather was a New York City banker and saving money was very important to him. He even gave me my first coins to drop inside.

Yet my favorite gifts were from another bank – treasures that the sea had left on the shore bank. While visiting each summer, walks with my grandfather at sunrise and sunset were common pleasures. Often, I left with my pockets full of treasures found.

The importance of loving and serving God, saving money, and spending time together were powerful gifts given to me by my maternal grandparents.

Giving Traditions

With our grandkids, we have been very purposeful with our gifting. At Christmas, we started each family with their own Lionel train set. 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.

We also began the tradition of giving a special toy truck to each family. Each Christmas this one box is the highlight – even though several grandsons are now older teens. The grandsons have already decided among themselves who will get what trucks. It is a tradition that is looked forward to each year. Traditions themselves can even be gifts.

Giving Heirlooms

As we downsized our home, it led to streamlining the Christmas decorations. What a fun time we had allowing each grandchild (we have 11) to choose from our ornaments, nativity sets, and light-up Christmas village houses. Grandma collected nativity sets and shared the stories behind each one as it was chosen. Grandad did the same with his light-up houses. The stories behind the ornaments were shared as well. What a blessing now to hear the older grandkids share the stories as these gifts are displayed each year. These treasured items become heirlooms that are shared and passed down along with the stories.

What items could you give to your grandchildren to remember you by? It could be a tea or china set, jewelry, watch, quilt, furniture piece, or even a doily tatted by your grandmother’s hands. As we age, it is good to think about slowly giving away some of our special possessions to our older grandchildren. You may even get to see them enjoy the heirlooms!

Giving in Creative Ways

I have heard that some grandparents have wrapped up items, placed a grandchild’s name on the package, and stored it for safekeeping. Upon their death, the packages would be found and given to the appropriate grandchild. Be sure to include a handwritten personal note to the grandchild with the item – what a treasure this would be. The stories behind the item are what bring life and meaning to the object.

Some additional ideas to help pass along your faith are to scrapbook family photos accompanied by the rich history behind the photos. Speak about the grandchildren’s place in your family’s story. Journaling your story or writing letters to your grandchildren are also special ways to pass along your family’s identity. Be intentional in pointing out God and all He did throughout your life.

Conclusion

As you celebrate this Christmas season, what stories will you share? Do you have memories around your Christmas decorations that could start a conversation where your faith journey can be expressed?

Maybe some of these could become keepsakes that connect your family history to this next generation, evoking powerful memories and feelings. These become the things that your grandchildren carry into their families and even pass down to a generation that is not yet born.

May this generation and the next hear these sweet words – “I remember when Grandma… or Grandpa…”

The ladies in the church nursery were very impressed. Katelyn was the most polite child they had ever seen. Only 13 months old, and yet she said “please” every time she wanted something. When she wanted to be picked up, she would walk up to an adult, raise her arms above her head and say, “up, please.” When she wanted back down, she would politely say, “down, please.” The ladies wondered how this child had been taught so well, so young.

“It was easy,” her parents explained when asked. “We just taught her that the word for ‘up’ is ‘up, please’ and the word for ‘down’ is ‘down, please’. And when we give her something, she’s not allowed to take it until she says ‘thank you.’ It wasn’t long before Katelyn figured out what words were what. Although many years have gone by, she still finds it very easy to say “please” and “thank you.” She wasn’t taught to watch for occasions to be polite. Instead, she was raised with politeness as part of her world.

It works with teaching politeness, and it works with teaching about the Lord.

In Deuteronomy 11:18-20, Moses instructs the Israelites about the charges, statutes, judgments, and commandments of God. “Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

In other words, the Jews were supposed to raise their children with God’s instructions as part of their world.

If you make pancakes, eggs, and orange juice part of a child’s breakfast every day, that child will grow up believing everyone has pancakes, eggs, and orange juice for breakfast every day. Any time she eats breakfast without pancakes, eggs, and orange juice, she’s going to notice something is missing.

If you make the Bible and conversations about the Lord part of every day, your children and grandchildren will grow up believing the Bible and conversations about the Lord are important every day. Any time they experience a day without the Bible and conversations about the Lord, they’re going to notice something is missing.

When your kids and grandkids talk with you about their day — about troubles they have with friends or bullies, about struggles with homework, about decisions they need to make — first you need to LISTEN, then respond with Scripture.

• Don’t preach a sermon; make God’s Word such a regular part of your life that it becomes a natural part of your vocabulary.
• Don’t just point out a pretty sunset; point out the pretty sunset God created.
• Don’t just warn them to avoid sinful behavior; encourage them to glorify God with their actions.
• Make the Lord part of your conversation with your spouse and other adults. Kids watch and learn even when you’re not talking directly to them.
• When you mess up and scream at another driver while you’ve got kids or grandkids in the car, follow it up with an apology and explain how you, and they, all have old natures.

Kids can learn bad behaviors if you model bad behaviors. If you often yell at other drivers in front of your kids or grandkids, just wait until you ride in a car they’re driving someday. But they will also model good behaviors they see in you. If you simply shrug when you get cut off in traffic and say, “I won’t let that driver spoil MY day,” it’s a lot more likely they will not grow up to be aggressive drivers.

Think of the children in your life (your own children, grandchildren, or other family members). What important spiritual lesson can you teach by making God’s Word part of your natural conversation with that child?

We will not hide them [God’s words] from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. His power, and the wonders He has done. (Psalm 78:4)

One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4).

“Children in church services… bored and disengaged. Or so it seems. Indeed, some people think children don’t belong in church services. After all, they can’t understand what’s going on. They should be in their own children’s program that relates to them, right?

I happen to be one of those who believe children can and should be with the family in the church service. And thanks to the creative thinking of people like Linda Weddle, it doesn’t have to be a boring, unproductive experience. Linda reminds us that we grandparents can truly matter in something as basic as going to church… together!”
– (Cavin Harper)

Something I’ve always enjoyed is sitting next to my grandchildren in church and drawing stick figures of what the pastor was preaching. I’m not an artist, but I did well enough to communicate what was happening.

Or (as they grew older) I gave them a piece of paper numbered one to 10 and had them write down 10 phrases they heard the pastor say. Once I even did this at a funeral sitting with three “I’d-rather-be-anywhere-but-here” kids (their parents were doing the music). I gave them each a page that had spaces for 10 words and two lines for them to write down the titles of songs we sang. This kept them busy throughout the service.

I remember one particular Sunday morning, sitting next to the six-year-old at her father’s church. The sermon was a complicated one, but she followed along with me as I drew one picture after the next. Sometimes she whispered a question or a comment. As the service came to an end, she took the paper from me and wrote at the bottom. “I can’t read it, but I believe it.”

That service happened 10 years ago, and the little girl is now 16 and still taking notes in church. (I don’t take credit for this – her parents encourage it.) But I still have the paper with the stick figures portraying the difference between the Old and New Testament with the six-year-old’s scrawl at the bottom.

Is this something you could do with your grandchildren? This would work with children who are used to coming to church, but also for grandchildren who only attend church when they are visiting you. Drawing and copying words can keep them occupied and engaged.

For younger children –

• Supply pencil and paper.
• Make sure you have a hard writing surface.
• Draw simple figures that communicate the message (unless you’re truly an artist and can draw complicated scenes).
• Include simple words they can understand: love, sin, Bible, etc.

For young elementary children –

• Give them paper with blank spaces for them to write phrases they hear the pastor say, or the names of the songs you sing.
• Encourage them to draw their own pictures of what the pastor is saying.
• Allow them to copy your own notes.

For older elementary children –

• Continue to allow them to copy your notes.
• Encourage them to write down references of verses used. (They might enjoy copying the verse out of a Bible. If your church uses a video screen, the verse will probably not be up there long enough for a child to copy the words.)
• Buy them a three-ring binder where they may store their notes.
• Put the date, pastor’s name, etc. on each page, so they can someday look back at what they wrote.

Communicating the message to children sitting next to you not only keeps them occupied, but also encourages them to be a lifelong listener and note-taker.

As I look ahead at the rest of this year, it’s not difficult to see that our national and global situation is in turmoil.

A good friend focused my attention on Isaiah 60:1-2 as a word from the Lord for the year:  “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” 

I can feel the invading darkness of evil like a heavy, moral, and spiritual fog infiltrating our nation at every level. It is precisely at this moment of national darkness that God commands us to arise, let our Light shine, and the distinctive glory of our Lord will be evident to all. It is wonderful to know that God is in control. His word reminds us in Psalms 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength”.

As grandparents, let’s not let the enemy dull our desires to intentionally pray for our grandchildren and their parents. Prayer is our most strategic weapon.

The enemy wants to disintegrate and divide our families, rendering them chaotic, restless, and unfruitful. I believe it’s our place to get on our knees, humble ourselves, seek God’s face, repent of our sins, and intercede for our nations, children, and grandchildren. Then having done all, we stand firm in our faith that God does indeed hear and will answer our prayers according to His will.

Years ago, Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Jews, when their lives were physically threatened. Today, grandparents can stand in the gap with prayer for their grandchildren in the same way as their spiritual lives are threatened.

We live in a day of urgency for the power of prayer to keep the hearts and minds of our grandchildren from falling captive to the enemy’s deception and lies. We are engaged in a spiritual battle that requires a spiritual weapon — prayer.

As grandparents, we can make a significant difference in the world by praying regularly and intentionally for our grandchildren and their parents. We have an opportunity to join together to powerfully touch the lives of another generation.

Grandparents @ Prayer (G@P) intercessory prayer groups consist of small or large groups of people meeting once or twice a month to pray together for each other’s grandchildren and families.

Groups are meeting in retirement centers, schools, churches, and homes weekly. It is a great way to launch a grandparenting ministry focus in your church.

Now would be a great time to get started! Just ask a few grandparents to join you, try it for a few months, and see what happens. Many grandparents have told me that they appreciate a safe place to share their concerns for their grandchildren.

You can find more prayer resources from Christian Grandparenting Network here!

We had just transferred our second-grade daughter from a private Christian school to a public elementary school in our neighborhood. I remember being so concerned about what she might encounter at her new school.

As I took Lindsay to her classroom, I ran into a friend who told me about a group of moms who met on a weekly basis to pray for their children, the teachers, and the school. I jumped at the chance to link arms with them through prayer. Little did I know that God was leading me on a prayer journey that continues to this day.

I learned that these women were part of Moms in Prayer International, a ministry that impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering women to pray. I saw many answers to prayer for our daughter, especially with the teachers she had each year. They were just the right fit for what Lindsay needed at the time. 

Well, our daughter has now been married for almost 15 years. My husband and I have a 13-year-old grandson and 9- and 7-year-old granddaughters. I have the privilege of praying for them in a Grandmas in Prayer group each week.  

No matter where we live, our hearts are the same for our children and grandchildren.

During our time together, we follow the four steps of prayer:

1. Praise – As we praise the Lord for a specific attribute, our focus is lifted off of our circumstances and on to Him.
2. Silent Confession – The opportunity to make sure our hearts are right before God.
3. Thanksgiving – We thank God for answered prayer, rejoicing together at what God is doing in our grandchildren’s lives.
4. Intercession – Lastly, we pray a specific scripture and a request for our grandchildren and for their schools.

My Moms in Prayer group has been a lifeline while navigating through many different types of situations with my grandkids.

Learning how to pray more effectively and intentionally for my grandchildren and growing in my example to them of faith and trust in God has been one of my areas of intentional Christian Grandparenting.

Praying God’s Word for Your Grandchild:

We frequently pray for our grandchild’s salvation. It might be a scripture prayer such as,  “Lord, I pray ____ (name) will declare with his/her mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in his/her heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, so ____ (name) will be saved.” From Romans 10:9

This was answered in a very specific way when our daughter, son-in-law, and three grandkids prepared to move from San Diego to Idaho over a year ago. It was difficult to see them go, but God revealed a big answer to prayer for our grandson at the family going away party. 

My sister brought three white t-shirts to the party and asked each of our grandkids to draw a picture or write something on the shirt. Then each family member would add a personal note. My grandson, who was 11 at the time, didn’t want anyone to look at what he was doing until it was all done. He finally called us all over to see what he had been working on.  

My grandson had drawn a cross with this declaration underneath:  I shall trust, believe, serve, and fight for the Lord because He saved me from sin, darkness and evil. I believe! My heart overflowed with thanksgiving to see how God had answered prayer!

When we pray together, we discover how God answers prayer for other women in our group as well. One woman I pray with has a granddaughter who was born with severe brain damage and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The family was told she would be blind, deaf, unable to eat other than through a tube, and unable to stand or walk. Through diligent and united prayer, she has overcome all these obstacles. She is one of the most popular kids at her school, loved by all who know her, and loves to raise her hands in worship when the family attends church.

Another woman in our group is seeing answers to prayer for her 12-year old granddaughter. She has a very tender heart toward God, loves to talk and sing about Jesus, and truly exhibits the fruit of the spirit in her young life. She and her Nana have recently been corresponding through email and she has even started to ask how she can be praying for her Nana!

I’m so thankful for this Grandmas in Prayer group. It truly is a life-changing ministry for us as grandmas, for our grandkids, and the schools they attend. God works powerfully when we join with other women in prayer for the lives of our grandchildren!

Find out more about Moms in Prayer and join or start a group to pray for your grandchildren!

Robin Clark is the Senior Events Coordinator at Moms in Prayer International headquarters. She has been involved in a Moms in Prayer group since her daughter and son were in elementary school. Both are now married with four children between the two of them. Robin prays on a weekly basis in a Grandmas in Prayer group and loves sharing the ministry with others. Some of her favorite things include reading, Jazzercise, walks on the beach with her husband of 42 years, and spending time with family and friends.