It is official; the holiday season is upon us. Step into any major department store and you’ll see household décor and other items for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and perhaps even New Year’s. The autumn and winter months are filled with one holiday after another, and the few moments between are jam-packed with preparations for the next. In all the hustle and bustle, it can be easy for the children to feel left out. But there are a variety of ways you can get your kids involved in the holiday preparations that won’t leave you ready to pull your hair out.

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• Have some crafty family time. Visit your local library and check out a holiday craft book. There are plenty to choose from, for children of all crafting skill levels. Or if you prefer, there is no shortage of websites and blog posts online dedicated entirely to crafts for each holiday. Sit down with the whole family once a week, laughing and crafting together.
• The secret ingredient in each homemade dish is love. While some candies and other holiday treats are better left to the careful adults in the house, there are all kinds of baked goods that are perfect for kids to lend a hand. Try a pumpkin recipe for your Halloween party or a perhaps a peppermint delight for your Christmas get-together. Let your children help measure ingredients, mix batters, and garnish the final product. Don’t worry about the mess left in the kitchen. The memories you are creating with your children are far more valuable than a spotless home.
• Set the spirit within your home. Turn on some holiday music or a favorite family movie and set out some snacks for all to enjoy. Get each family member involved in decorating your home together, hanging holiday décor and setting up displays. Remember all those holiday crafts you plan on making each week during the holiday season? This is a great use for them. Don’t worry about making everything look ‘perfect’ and picturesque; display the family’s artwork proudly, ‘mistakes’ and all.
• Every family member’s opinion counts. Just because your four-year-old prefers everything to be covered in pink glitter doesn’t mean she doesn’t have any valuable opinions to contribute about your holiday festivities. Ask each family member for input regarding the traditional family holiday gatherings. While you won’t be able to entertain each idea given, try to take each of them into consideration and make sure every family gathering has something for each age group represented, from holiday coloring pages for the preschoolers to new board or card games for the adults.

What are ways that you get the whole family involved in preparing for the holidays?