Holiday cooking can create a long stretch when adults are busy and kids are excited. Having a few independent or semi-independent Christmas activities ready can keep children involved without putting them in the middle of a crowded kitchen.
Give kids a holiday job
Children often behave better when they feel useful. Set up a task at the table where they can contribute to the celebration safely.
Ideas while dinner is being prepared
- Make place cards for each guest.
- Decorate paper napkin rings.
- Draw a Christmas picture for grandparents.
- Create a family trivia sheet.
- Sort dessert decorations into bowls.
- Write simple clues for an after-dinner hunt.
If the main meal already has every burner occupied, save baking for another part of the day. The Tomte Cake Set can become the planned family activity once the kitchen settles down, giving kids something to anticipate while dinner is underway.
Match the activity to the child's age
Preschoolers need short, visual tasks. Elementary-age kids can handle cards and clues. Tweens can set the table, photograph the meal, or prepare a playlist.
More practical holiday activity ideas are available in Bätter!.