A fun and easy way to involve your children in Christmas preparations is to seek their input in doing something creative in your annual Christmas letter. Last year I made a simple “quiz” that was very well-received. I had silly questions like “Who painted their bedroom red?” and “Who participated in three community plays?” The answers were upside down at the bottom of the card. You could easily involve your children in coming up with questions.

You could also write the words MERRY CHRISTMAS down the side of a paper and brainstorm to find things your family did that you could put behind each letter. For example: Many trips to the doctor for Joe’s surgery Everyone loved our beach vacation, etc.

You could write a poem with each family member writing a verse.

Just be creative and find a fun way to involve everyone in greeting your friends and family this holiday season. I’d love it if you’d share your ideas below. I still haven’t decided what we’re doing for this year.

Dena Wood is co-owner of Trigger Memory Systems, producer of Times Tales and the Clean N' Flip and other non-traditional educational products. She also does freelance writing and manages the Schoolhouse Store for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She resides in eastern Washington state and homeschools the three youngest of her five children. You can contact her at triggermemory@charter.net.

Related Tags: Education, imagination, homeschooling, Christmas, preparations