The holiday season isn’t just about twinkling lights and festive treats—it’s also about the magic that grandparents bring to the table. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, thoughtful gifts, or the warm presence that only a grandparent can provide, their love often shines brightest during the most wonderful time of the year. Let’s take a closer look at three different grandparent styles—each bringing their unique touch of love and holiday cheer to their grandkids.
Granny & Papa from Ohio: The Holiday Homemakers
Granny and Papa from Ohio are all about creating lasting memories that will be cherished for generations. With 17 grandkids and 22 great-grandkids, they have plenty of little ones to love on, but somehow, they make each one feel like the most special child in the room. Their home is always buzzing with activity during the holidays, and their love is poured into everything from homemade gifts to unforgettable traditions.
Each year, Granny and Papa host the annual family cookie bake-off in their cozy kitchen. The grandkids gather to make batches of their favorite holiday cookies, all while listening to classic Christmas tunes and snacking on hot cocoa and gingerbread. Granny teaches the little ones how to perfect the art of rolling dough, while Papa handles the tricky task of decorating the gingerbread houses. By the end of the day, their kitchen is a sweet chaos of flour, frosting, and laughter. Every grandchild gets a special box of cookies to take home, a little piece of love wrapped in sugar and spice.
But it’s not just the treats that make Granny and Papa’s holiday magic so special. Every grandkid receives a handwritten card from them, tucked inside a festive envelope. The cards are filled with personal messages, reminding each child of how much they are loved and how proud Granny and Papa are of them. These little notes often become treasures that are kept for years, providing a reminder of the thoughtful love they received during the holiday season.
Papa in Colorado: The Adventurer and Giver of Grand Gifts
Papa from Colorado has 19 grandkids, and when it comes to the holidays, he’s all about big gestures. If you’ve ever experienced a Christmas morning at his house, you know that the fun isn’t limited to the presents under the tree—though those are something to behold. Papa has a reputation for giving larger-than-life gifts, often ones that are meant to create unforgettable experiences rather than just add to a toy collection.
Papa believes that the holidays are about creating memories that will last a lifetime, and he often takes his grandkids on holiday adventures. Whether it’s a sleigh ride through the mountains or a snowy hike to a secret holiday cabin he’s rented just for the day, Papa fills his grandkids’ lives with thrilling, one-of-a-kind experiences. And for those who aren’t up for the cold, he’s known for surprising them with gift vouchers for fun family activities, from trips to the ice rink to tickets to the best holiday shows in town.
Of course, Papa doesn’t just focus on experiences. He also spoils his grandkids with thoughtful surprises that are tailored to each one’s interests. For example, one might get a custom snowboard if they’re an adventure enthusiast, while another may find a new sketchbook and art supplies if they’ve shown a creative flair. For Papa, it’s less about the price tag and more about ensuring each grandkid feels seen and appreciated with a gift that celebrates their individuality.
Mema in Arizona: The Heartfelt Giver of Traditions
Mema, who lives in sunny Arizona, is the kind of grandparent whose love is woven through every holiday tradition. With 12 grandkids, she ensures that the holidays are as much about the joy of togetherness as they are about the excitement of the season. Unlike the other grandparents who may focus on extravagant gifts, Mema’s approach is all about instilling warmth, comfort, and connection.
Each year, Mema hosts a grandkid crafting day where the kids get to make holiday ornaments, bake their favorite treats, and write personal letters to Santa. Her house is filled with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla, as she guides the kids through creating personalized holiday stockings, hand-painted ornaments, and scrapbook pages filled with memories from past holidays. These crafted treasures are then lovingly displayed throughout the house, each one carrying a memory and the deep affection Mema has for each of her grandkids.
Mema’s gift-giving is also heartfelt, focusing on practical but meaningful gifts like hand-knitted scarves, personalized holiday journals, and memory books. These items are meant to help the grandkids capture the magic of the holiday season and carry it with them throughout the year. In her eyes, the best gift is one that will provide comfort, warmth, and lasting value.
Beyond gifts and crafts, Mema takes the time to share stories with her grandkids, teaching them the true meaning of the holiday season. Every Christmas Eve, she gathers her grandkids by the fireplace and reads them classic holiday tales, offering them life lessons wrapped in the magic of storytelling. Mema believes that the holidays are about connecting to family and cherishing the simple moments together, and she does just that with her special brand of love.
The Verdict: Different Styles, Same Heart
Grandparents truly do bring something unique and irreplaceable to the holiday table. Whether it’s the hands-on fun of Granny and Papa in Ohio, the grand experiences of Papa in Colorado, or the meaningful traditions of Mema in Arizona, each grandparent fills their grandkids’ hearts with love in their own special way. From thoughtful gifts to unforgettable experiences, these three grandparents show that there’s no one right way to give love—it’s about the heart behind the gesture.
So, whether it’s extra helpings of homemade cookies, a snowy mountain adventure, or a personal craft project, these grandparents remind us that love is the best gift of all. And while their approaches may differ, one thing is clear: their grandkids know how very loved they all are.
