Fun Multigenerational Family Activities for the Holidays

You can't have the joys of holiday family time unless you're also prepared to manage the inevitable stress. From the logistics of elbow room to bridging generation gaps, it's not easy to have your family and extended family under one roof. And with teenagers glued to their screens, toddlers in need of supervision, and older grandparents just struggling to keep up, it can often feel like family members are having parallel holidays next to each other rather than sharing meaningful time together.

Planning a couple activities that accommodate everyone from 8 to 80 might create a stronger sense of connection before and after the big meal. You might even start a new holiday tradition that compounds ROL for years to come.

1. Games for the Whole Family

Video games are too fast for older adults.

Classic board games might be too slow or complex for younger kids.

A fall chill or snowfall might take the fun out of sports.

And trivia always makes someone feel left out.

Instead, try simple card games, drawing games, charades, bingo, or holiday-themed puzzles and word games that you can scale for everyone. You could also have a family trivia contest where all the answers are about your family. Scavenger hunts in and around the house can give younger players something to do and older family members stories to tell about beloved heirlooms. And if teenagers don't want to put their phones down, well then they can't win any prizes, like small toys, gift cards, or extra treats.

2. Cooking Together

The more years go by, and the bigger the family grows, and the harder it gets for grandma to cook everything for everyone.

Instead of everyone waiting for the holiday meal, make preparing the meal a family activity. No matter what’s on the menu, there's probably a role to suit every level of ability and interest. Even toddlers can tear up lettuce or mix a bowl of batter -- or at least "mix" dry rice, vegetable trimmings, or extra flour just to keep them busy for a few minutes. Family members who don't want to chop or stir can help set the table, circulate appetizers, create a sing-along holiday playlist, take photos, or record recipes for a new family cookbook.

If cooking for everyone has just become too much of a hassle, consider turning your holiday meals into potlucks. You can still help grandma cook the turkey while the rest of your family handles side dishes, beverages, and desserts. Less stress around the kitchen might also turn down the temperature between family members and give everyone more time to relax, chat, and play another round of your favorite game.

3. Head Outside

A couple plates of turkey and an extra slice of pie will drain some of the energy out of your gathering.

You might find a second wind outside. Bundle up, pour some to-go coffee and hot cocoa, and take a walk through your neighborhood or local park. Whose house has the best decorations? Which of the little kids can collect the most pinecones or fall leaves?

Back at the house, while the kids are building a snowman, adults can help grandma and grandpa hang their holiday lights. Older adults can take a seat on the porch under a warm blanket, enjoying fresh air, good company, a front row seat for the annual family football game … and maybe one more slice of pie.

The holidays always remind us of what’s most important in our lives. Schedule a year-in-preview meeting and let’s discuss how Life-Centered Financial Planning can help you create even more meaningful memories with the people you love throughout the year.

At LI Wealth Management, we believe the most valuable returns in life come from the moments you share with the people you love. This holiday season, as you bring multiple generations together under one roof, we’re here to help you create not just gatherings but meaningful experiences that strengthen connection, reduce stress, and build lasting memories.

If you’re ready to shift your focus from the pressures of holiday perfection to investing in moments that truly matter, we’re here to support you. Visit our website to learn more, and when you’re ready, book a free session. Together, we’ll design a spending plan that gives you more room for joy, more opportunities for togetherness, and a life filled with purpose and presence all year long.