The holidays are a whirlwind of joy and chaos, especially for parents juggling the needs of multiple kids across different ages. As a mom of twin toddlers, I know firsthand that the joy of the season comes from more than just gifts and decorations—it’s about finding those small, magical moments of connection.
This time last year, my boys were six months old, and my favorite holiday memories came from the most unexpected places. During the holidays, what started as the dread of waking in the middle of the night turned into a cherished memory of snuggles under our little pre-lit Christmas tree. I vividly remember my sons gazing in awe as the lights swirled across the ceiling in mesmerizing patterns.
Another favorite memory was attending DuPage Doubles’ Cookies with Santa. As a first-time parent, I was terrified of the logistics of venturing out of the house with two babies, let alone attending an event. However, as soon as we arrived, we were greeted with such warmth by a room full of people who understood exactly what we were going through. There was no judgment—just encouragement to enjoy the moment.
We shared a hilarious connection with our newfound friends as we all tried to wrangle two babies into a photo with Santa (and, of course, one of mine inevitably tried to grab Santa’s beard!). It was chaotic, but also a moment of pure joy.
No matter the age, the holidays are a chance to celebrate togetherness, even amidst the beautiful mess of real life. Here’s your ultimate guide with ideas for gifts, activities, and treats to bring a little sparkle to the season for every age group!
Before we dive in, a quick note, this guide includes Amazon Affiliate links, which means DuPage Doubles earns a small commission on purchases made through these links. We use the funds to help support our club’s activities with no added cost to you. Featured products are independently chosen based on our personal experiences, and we receive no concessions from manufacturers. You’ll also find links to holiday events my family has enjoyed; DuPage Doubles is not affiliated with these.
Please remember, you know what works best for your family, so use this guide as inspiration and make purchase decisions accordingly. I hope it inspires joyful holiday moments for your family!
Babies (0-12 months): Tiny Moments, Big Memories
Babies may not remember their first holiday, but these moments will stick with you forever. It’s all about sharing sensory experiences, like twinkling lights or soft holiday music.
Gift Ideas:
- Simple sensory toys to help little hands explore. My kids loved a Tissue Box with soft and crinkly cloths and a sorter box.
- Holiday pjs to snuggle in-style and take some fun photos with your babies.
- Echo Dot to get to both fun and soothing music times hands-free, which I found to be especially important when my hands were full of babies! Bonus, Amazon will ship it to you in a fun box that your babies can enjoy right away!
Activities:
- Take a walk around the neighborhood and see the lights and decorations while babywearing or pushing a stroller. Did you know DuPage Doubles has a whole baby carrier library to help you find the right one for you?
- Create a sensory experience exploring shiny wrapping paper and colorful tissue paper. Alternatively, get a soft holiday blanket and give your kids a ride on it or play Peek-a-Boo.
- Snap family photos in front of a lighted tree for a keepsake to treasure. Pro Tip: Get a pocket-sized tripod and timer option on your phone to snap some pictures wherever you are!
Holiday Treat Idea: Fruit Puree Popsicles (Best for 6mo+)
- Blend 1 cup of pureed fruit (like apples, pears, or bananas) with a splash of formula or breastmilk.
- Pour into holiday-themed silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for 4-6 hours.
- Serve as a cool, soothing treat for a fun treat or even for teething relief.
Toddlers (1-3 years): Exploring Holiday Magic
Toddlers love to get hands-on! The holidays are a time to spark their curiosity and let them explore in fun, simple ways.
Gift Ideas:
Activities:
- Visit a walk-through holiday light display with oversized glowing ornaments or inflatables. Winter Lights at Central Park in Oakbrook and Peppermint Path at Lisle Community Park are both really cute options that are contained for toddlers’ short attention spans and doesn't require a lot of planning.
- Let them “help” decorate the tree with unbreakable ornaments. These wooden ornaments here or these fun gingerbread men here are beautiful and also won’t shatter.
- Create a sensory bin with holiday-themed trinkets, plastic cookie cutters and bows. Always make sure items don’t have small parts that can be easily swallowed and supervise the child when exploring the items.
Treat Idea: Decorated Sugar Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla in a bowl. My boys love playing with spoons and measuring cups while the mom cooks.
- Add 2 ¾ cups flour and 1 tsp baking soda, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into holiday shapes with cookie cutters
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then decorate together with sprinkles and icing
Younger Kids (4-8 years): Building Holiday Traditions
Younger kids are old enough to remember these moments, making this the perfect age to start traditions they’ll treasure.
Gift Ideas:
Activities:
- Take them to a zoo lights display or a town square with light tunnels and festive décor. Check out Festival of Lights at the Cosley Zoo in Wheaton for a stress-less option or Holiday Lights at Lilacia Park in Lombard, both of which are free!
- Host a cookie-decorating party with icing, sprinkles, and fun toppings.
- Plan a holiday scavenger hunt for ornaments or candy canes around the house.
Treat Idea: Gingerbread Houses
- Mix 3 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Cream 3/4 cup butter and 3/4 cup sugar. Add 1 egg and 1/2 cup molasses. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Roll out dough and mold into house shapes using gingerbread molds or cutters.
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Use icing to "glue" pieces together and decorate with candy.
If this seems like too much work, you can just buy a pre-made house kit and focus on assembly and decoration!
Older Kids (9-12 years): Discovering Independence
At this age, kids want independence but still enjoy family traditions. Connection is about letting them explore new things and shine through creativity and responsibility.
Gift Ideas:
Activities:
- Take them to Christmas at Cantigny where they can see historic McCormick House in holiday decor, go ice skating, or check out a Very Taylor Christmas every Sunday.
- Let them lead a family bake-off, making cookies from start to finish.
- Create DIY ornaments as gifts for teachers or relatives.
Treat Idea: Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cream together 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional).
- Gradually add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into circles.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Melt 1 cup semi-sweet or white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of chocolate over each cookie and immediately sprinkle with 1 cup crushed candy canes.
- Let cookies set at room temperature or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Teens: Balancing Cool and Connected
Teens may act too cool for holiday traditions, but they still crave meaningful moments. Let them help shape the family’s holiday plans while keeping things light and fun.
Gift Ideas:
- Teens can process their emotions with a journal.
- Help your multiples (or singletons!) establish a good skin care routine with simple beauty products.
- Encourage your kids to go screen free and calm their mind with the Shashibo Shape Shifting Box.
Activities:
- Visit an immersive light display, like Morton Arboretum Illumination featuring over a mile of decorated natural landscapes and light shows.
- Break out your family’s favorite board games and have a game night.
- Challenge them to bake trendy desserts like hot cocoa bombs.
Treat Idea: Hot Cocoa Bombs
- Melt chocolate and brush it into silicone molds to form half-spheres. Let set.
- Gently stretch and push the mold to get the half-spheres out.
- Fill half the spheres with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows.
- Seal two halves together with melted chocolate. Add additional decorations as desired!
- Serve with warm milk—watch them melt and enjoy!
Young Adults (College-Aged): Nostalgia Meets New Traditions
For young adults, the holidays are a chance to reconnect with family traditions while introducing new ones of their own.
Gift Ideas:
Activities:
- Go for a holiday lights drive while reminiscing about childhood memories. This year, Northwestern Medicine Field, hosts Santa’s Rock ‘N Lights.
- Bake nostalgic treats like cookies they loved as kids.
- Watch holiday movies you’ve enjoyed together over the years.
Treat Idea: Shortbread Stars
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Mix 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 cups flour until a dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into star shapes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
Grandparents: Cherishing Traditions
Grandparents love time with family. The holidays are a perfect chance to bridge generations through traditions and storytelling.
Gift Ideas:
Activities:
- Take a slow walk through a nearby light display or go to the Festival of Lights at the Phillips Park in Aurora for a great drive-through option. You can find more info here.
- Share holiday stories or watch classic holiday movies together.
- Include them in cookie-decorating sessions with the kids.
Treat Idea: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cups flour, and a pinch of salt until dough forms.
- Roll into balls, press your thumb in the center, and fill with jam.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
YOU! (Mom, Dad, & every caregiver in between): Finding Your Holiday Joy
You’re at the heart of all the holiday planning, but it’s just as important to carve out moments that feel special for you. Whether it’s joining DuPage Doubles for a holiday event like Cookies with Santa, enjoying a romantic stroll through a holiday light display, or hosting a small gathering with friends to share some laughs, take time to find those little moments that spark joy and recharge your spirit. Happy Holidays!
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About DuPage Doubles
DuPage Doubles is a community of parents of multiples who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising twins, triplets, or more. We focus on creating opportunities for social connection and fostering a supportive network for families of multiples.
Learn more about us on our website: https://dupagedoublesfamiliesofmultiplesclub.wildapricot.org/
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About the Author:
Natalia is a mom of 18-month-old fraternal twin boys. She has been a member of DuPage Doubles since 2023. She enjoys traveling with her husband, wellness, spending time with her family and talking about her kids.
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