Before Christmas dinner: place cards made by the children.
A picture on a place card can give your child a small part in Christmas dinner. Use paper and pencils you already have and let the task fit their age.
Fold the paper and choose a person
Fold a piece of paper so it stands up, then write the guest’s name or invite your child to draw something that person will recognize. A star, a pet or a flower is enough. For a child who cannot yet read, you can add a familiar photo instead of asking them to copy every name.
Give the finished card a place
Set out only the cards you need and explain where they will go. Your child can put each one beside a plate once the table is ready. If they finish quickly, they can bring napkins; if they lose interest, you can finish the cards without treating it as a failed activity.
Make the table ready for food
Keep hot dishes, sharp knives and the timing of the meal with the adults. The card is a contribution to a gathering, not a duty to entertain everybody or earn presents.
If a card falls over, open it like a small tent and press the fold again. Clear the pencils before food arrives. Tell a guest which picture marks their seat; they do not have to solve the drawing as a puzzle.
