Holiday Projects for the Kids

(November 2011) - It’s fun to involve the kids in the holiday planning process because it makes them feel important and like they’re contributing something of value to the occasion… and the bonus is that it helps them appreciate the work you put into hosting a family dinner, too!

Just about every holiday-focused website is bursting with great project ideas for children (Google, Pinterest, and parenting websites, to name a few) but here are a few quick (and relatively mess-free) suggestions to get you started:

• Place cards: Break out the construction paper, crayons, markers, and whatever crafting materials you may have and let the kids make place cards for your dinner guests. Ask them to select where each guest will sit and prompt them to talk about what people have in common and how they might enjoy sitting around the table.

• Let them set the stage: While a perfectly coordinated table makes for beautiful photos, letting the kids select the linens, napkins, and table decorations will create a more homespun (and maybe even a little smile-inducing) look. Let their imaginations run wild while pairing together your (not fragile) holiday decorations in a new way.

• Have them make dessert: There are lots of kid-friendly desserts out there that you can bake and they can decorate. Whether it’s seasonally inspired sugar cookies or a festive and delicious cake, let their creativity run wild as they frost and accessorize those sweet treats.

• Advent calendar: This year take a little bit of time to add a fun spin on your family advent calendar. Have each member of the family write an inspirational saying, favorite activity, or promise for a treat on a slip of paper. Jumble them all up in an envelope and randomly place them into the calendar so that everyone is surprised throughout the season as you open up each new day.