Christmas Day is full of excitement for children; presents, family, treats, and festive chaos. But one part of the day that often loses their attention is the Christmas table itself. Long meals, adult conversations, and waiting between courses can be challenging for young guests. With a bit of planning, though, the Christmas table can become a place where kids feel welcomed, involved, and entertained.
Here are creative, stress-free ways to make your Christmas dinner more engaging for children—without adding more to your own holiday workload.
1. Personalised Christmas Crackers
A simple and meaningful touch is to add personalised notes or small surprises inside each child’s Christmas cracker. These could be:
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A handwritten compliment specific to them
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A funny joke you know they’ll love
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A tiny challenge (e.g., “Find someone wearing green and give them a Christmas cheer!”)
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A prompt like, “Share your favourite Christmas memory.”
It’s a small gesture that makes kids feel seen and special.
2. Conversation Starter Cards at Each Place Setting
Children often want to be part of the adult conversations—they just don’t always know how. Placing fun conversation starters at each child’s seat gives them permission to join in.
Ideas include:
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“What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?”
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“If you could invite any character to Christmas dinner, who would it be?”
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“What is something you learned this year that surprised you?”
It sparks connection and shows them their voices matter at the table.
3. Paper Games and Mini Activities
Small, quiet activities can be a lifesaver during long meals. Print simple paper games and place one at each child’s spot:
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Tic-tac-toe
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Mini checkers or dots-and-boxes
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Christmas-themed word searches
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Spot-the-difference
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A blank “design your own Christmas cookie/bauble” drawing page
4. Create a Kid Friendly Table Centrepiece They Can Play With
Instead of a decorative centrepiece that must not be touched, create one just for kids that should be touched. Options include:
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A small bowl of LEGO bricks for building tiny festive creations
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Mini craft kits (origami stars, paper chains, pipe-cleaner candy canes)
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A jar of Christmas I-Spy items (“Can you find the tiny sleigh? The gold star?”)
It turns the table into a shared activity zone.
5. Add a Christmas ‘Menu’ Just for Kids
A personalised menu makes them feel considered and included. It can be simple—just list the food in fun language:
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Rudolph’s Roast Potatoes
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Santa-Sized Sausages
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Elf-Approved Veggies
Include a “bonus mission” at the bottom, like: “Tick each item you try!”
It encourages adventurous eating in a playful way.
6. Offer a Quiet “Fidget-Friendly” Basket
Place a small basket or box near the kids’ seats containing sensory or quiet fidget-friendly items:
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Christmas-themed colouring sheets
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Reusable sticker scenes
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Small puzzles
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Glow sticks for later in the evening
These help little ones stay engaged without disturbing the flow of the meal.
7. Set a Simple Christmas Table Challenge
Kids love a challenge—especially one they can win.
Add a small card with a prompt like:
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“Can you find three things on the table that are red?”
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“Can you spot something shaped like a star?”
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“Can you discover who at the table travelled the farthest this year?”
This encourages interaction with the table and the people around them.
8. Include a Short Christmas Table Quiz
A quick, light quiz (10 questions or fewer) can be fun for all ages. Mix in silly questions and easy ones for the kids:
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“What colour is Santa’s belt?”
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“How many reindeer can you name?”
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“What’s New Zealand’s favourite summer Christmas dessert?”
This sparks laughter and playful competition.
Christmas is about connection, joy, and making memories; especially for children. With a few simple additions, the Christmas table can become a place where kids feel entertained, involved, and genuinely part of the celebration. Whether through games, conversation starters, creative roles, or personalised touches, these ideas help transform mealtime into a moment that children look forward to just as much as opening presents.