Keeping Little Kids Busy at Holiday Time

Create Greeting Cards

A pack of colored construction paper, crayons, rubber stamps with holiday motifs, and stickers can keep kids busy for hours creating greeting cards for the rest of the family. Use up your odd envelopes to mail some of their efforts to out-of-town relatives and close friends. Include a photo of the artists at work. Grandma is certain to love it!

Record a Story Time

It's important that parents make time to snuggle up with their kids and read to them, but if your child wants story time all the time, try this for a change: Record yourself reading some favorite children's holiday books (there are plenty of selections available at your local library or bookstore). Ring a bell when it's time for your child to turn the page. She can then listen to the story on tape and follow along in the book. When the story is over, just rewind the tape and your child can hear her favorite holiday tale again!

Design Gift Wrap Galore

Just as kids love to create cards, they'll have a great time designing their own holiday wrapping paper. This is a fantastic project for kids of all ages. Give your crew some rubber stamps or make your own by cutting shapes out of potato halves with cookie cutters. Use ink or food coloring and let everyone stamp on plain wrapping paper. More economical than store-bought paper and a unique wrap kids will love to make!

Don't forget to involve your kids in the gift wrapping if they're interested. Anoint your child "Captain Tape Holder" as you wrap gifts and show your little one how to put two fingers down on the ribbon while you tie the bow. Always praise your youngster for a job well done.