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Santa's Little Helpers: 7 Ways to Involve Kids in Holiday Preparations


Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

The lead-up to Christmas is a magical time for kids, filled with excitement and anticipation. While it can be tempting to handle all the preparations yourself, involving your kids in the process can be a great way to create lasting memories and teach them valuable life skills. So, here are seven fun and engaging ways to get your children involved in holiday preparations.

  1. Decorating the Home

Transform your living space into a winter wonderland with your kids' help. Let them hang ornaments on the Christmas tree, string lights around the house, or create paper snowflakes to stick on the windows.

For younger children, designate a special "kid's corner" where they can arrange decorations however they like — add some toddler travel beds so they can sleep in this merry nook, tucked into a magical bedtime atmosphere filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

  1. Baking Holiday Treats

The kitchen is a great place to involve kids in holiday prep. Let them help measure ingredients, mix batter, and decorate cookies. Older children can take on more complex tasks like rolling out dough or using cookie cutters.

Baking together not only results in delicious treats but can also help improve your kids’ math skills, kitchen safety, and ability to follow instructions. It's a sweet way to bond and create holiday traditions.

  1. Crafting Homemade Decorations

Get creative with DIY holiday crafts. You can make salt dough ornaments, paint pine cones, or create a paper chain countdown to the big day as a family.

These activities are perfect for developing fine motor skills and fostering creativity. Plus, homemade decorations add a personal touch to your holiday decor and can become cherished keepsakes for years to come.

  1. Giving Back to the Community

The holiday season is the best time to teach your kids about the value of giving back. Involve them in selecting toys or clothes to donate to local charities. You could also bake extra cookies to share with neighbors or volunteer as a family at a local food bank. These activities help children develop empathy and understand the true spirit of the holiday season.

  1. Planning and Preparing Meals

Involve your kids in planning the holiday menu by asking for their input on dishes and letting them help with age-appropriate cooking tasks. Younger children can wash vegetables or set the table, while older ones might help chop ingredients or stir pots (with supervision).

This involvement gives kids a sense of contribution to the family celebration and can even encourage picky eaters to try new foods — they're more likely to have an interest in the new dish if they helped prepare it.

  1. Making Handmade Gifts

Encourage your children to create personalized gifts for family and friends. This could be anything from painted picture frames to handmade soap or knitted scarves. This activity is a wonderful way to show kids that meaningful gifts don't have to be store-bought. 

  1. Writing Cards and Letters

In our increasingly digitized world, receiving a handwritten card or letter is extra special. You can have the kids create holiday cards for friends and relatives. They can draw pictures, add stickers, and write heartfelt messages on the cards.

Make each card relevant to the recipient. For example, if their aunt is a mechanic, they could make her card car-themed. Or, if their uncle is an immigration lawyer, it could be something to do with maps or travel.  

Here’s to Joyful Holiday Memories

In the end, the most precious gift you can give your children during the holidays is your time and attention. By involving them in holiday preparations, you're teaching them valuable life skills while creating a shared experience they'll cherish for years to come.


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