We love our babies but here is the thing.. We must keep them safe while also maintaining our sanity all the while still trying to enjoy the moment for ourselves. In order to do that we must keep our children occupied and out of the messy, hot, crowded kitchen.

This is why MEET YOUR NEAT has put together some of our favorite children’s station and we are giving you the steps to make your planning as easy as 1, 2, 3.

We want you to save time, energy and especially your sanity all the while allowing your little gourds and pumpkins to still create memories of their own. We recommend you prepare the children’s station a few days in advance to help eliminate day before event stress.

Underneath you will find all of our fun filled, crafty, energy releasing, appetite increasing children’s stations. We even included outdoor activities for the older kiddos.

Now you may not have everything on hand that is listed underneath. That is ok, we have made sure to find ideas for every household. You will need a supervising Adult present at children’s stations at all times.

1. CRAFT STATION

Do you have any gourds or pumpkins you are getting ready to toss before busting out your Christmas Decor? Save them for a pumpkin painting station. (TIP: Farm animals love pumpkins & we love our animals)

2. Notes to SANTA

To achieve this you will need pencils or pens and paper. You could also make it fun by adding crafts such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, stickers, scissors and glue. (We will need that adult on duty for the scissors and glue)

3. Children’s Christmas WISH LIST

Did you receive your holiday catalog yet? If so this is a wonderful idea to have the children circle or cut out what they want for Christmas.

4. Affordable DIY holiday crafts

If you are someone who does not have the space or time for your own DIY children’s station fear not because Michaels, Target, Walmart and Dollar Tree have easy and affordable personal crafts that will keep your children entertained for hours. No time to run to the grocery store? Delivery is becoming extremely popular even in our most rural of towns.

5. Gingerbread houses and cookie decorating

Pre bake cookies or gingerbread houses for the ultimate cookie and gingerbread house decorating contest. Side Note: Your kiddos won’t have to ask for a snack every half hour.

6. Puzzle Table

Older kiddos may want something less demanding or even less messy. Puzzles are a great way to keep the older kiddos busy and out of the way. The adults may enjoy the puzzle station too. Building a puzzle is tough work so make sure to plan for a table, chairs and most definitely Away from the kitchen!

7. Game Station

Board games, Card games and Video Games have long helped us with our boredom and ultimately bring us together (Yes even our most competitive relatives)

Other TIPS and TRICKS to note:

Supply Drinks and Snacks at each station (No more little voices asking for their tenth snack)

Hand sanitizers are a must at any craft station. It is tough for one adult to navigate multiple children to wash their hands. Let's help out by supplying hand sanitizer during crafts and then when time permits the kiddos can wash their hands before dinner is served.

Designate a room or area for your station or multiple stations.

Have enough seating available for each of your guests.

Last but not least, enjoy your time spent with the ones you love.

MEET YOUR NEAT WISHES YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!