Children also enjoy choosing and decorating the family’s tree, seeing holiday lights dresssing up houses and yards in the neighborhood, participating in extended family gatherings and savoring foods that are once-a-year family favorites. This all contributes to creating a classically favorite time of year for children.

But Christmas is not just for kids, for the messages of love, peace and promise belong to all ages. As it becomes harder for grandparents and older folks to participate in all the Christmas activities they once enjoyed, there are still many ways they can be included. In the franticness of the season, however, this age group can be easily overlooked.

A great way for parents to teach their children about the real spirit of the season is by shifting the focus slightly. By encouraging participation in giving, instead of just receiving, children will experience the joy that comes from creating happiness for someone they love, and grandparents can benefit by feeling more included in the fun of the season.

Grandparents, elderly neighbors and residents in adult living facilities would all benefit from the enthusiasm, joy and creativity that children naturally bring. Help your children spread that magical spirit to the older generation, because Christmas isn’t just for kids!

Try this:

1. For grandparents who live nearby, inlcude them in as many of your children’s Christmas programs and musical events as they are able to attend.

2. Bring a small tree and let children help grandparents with lights and decorations.

3. Small, wrapped gifts could be placed under the tree with directions to open one each day leading up to Christmas (some ideas: a small nativity set, Christmas tea towels, a box of See’s candy, nuts, a holiday tablecloth, a Christmas book, a wreath for the front door, etc.)

4. Other welcome cheer for elders could be lights around their front door, a poinsettia on the porch, or a red amaryllis to watch bloom.

5. A Christmas music CD or a favorite Christmas movie would be fun.

6. Invite grandparents to take part in a gingerbread-house-making party, or to help decorate Christmas cookies.

7. Let children invite friends to go caroling at grandparents’ or an elder neighbor’s home. Bring hot chocolate and homemade cookies to share.

8. For grandparents who live a distance away, call often so they know they aren’t forgotten.

9. Help address Christmas cards or assist with a Christmas letter. Buy the stamps and mail.

Jan Roberts is an educator in La Cañada Flintridge, an accomplished speaker, author, and she provides individual parent consultation. She has been an instructor for the Parent Education program at La Cañada Presbyterian Church for 14 years, is a former Palm Crest Elementary School teacher and a mother of three grown children. Readers may send parent questions to TheParentCoach@ sbcglobal.net.