6.  Ask Questions
Often when we see a child act in a way that we perceive as being bad behavior, our first impulse is to punish them.  But we need to ask them WHY they behaved a certain way.  It may be that their intentions were good… they just did not act on their intentions in a way that we would like. A child who colors on the wall may just be trying to help decorate for the holidays.  ASK, LISTEN, APPRECIATE… then explain how it might not be the best way to follow through on their good intentions.

7.  Make Your Child a Part of the Event
A child is more invested in an event going off well if he or she is a part of it.  Why not let your child make place cards for the dinner table, or an age-appropriate dessert?  Kids can help with the menu, the food items, or some sort of a ceremony that can become a tradition for the holidays. 

8.  Create a Tradition
Some of our fondest memories are from rites and rituals that we performed as children.  Perhaps you can go around the table at Thanksgiving with each person expressing what they are thankful for.  Maybe the youngest child can be the one who distributes the presents on Christmas.  A tradition gives more meaning and weight to an occasion which makes children more likely to behave.

9.  Dress for the Occasion
Psychologists know that we tend to act in the manner of our dress.  Don’t you notice your tendency to be more proper when you wear a suit or a dress?  Children are the same, which is why some schools require uniforms for the students.  You don’t have to dress formally, but “Sunday” clothes will help remind kids that they should be on their best behavior.

10. Delegate Some Authority
Children often misbehave because they feel as though they have no control in a situation.  Give them some control!  Let them make some choices, even if they are not the ones that you would make.  If they are small, let them pick out their own clothes (never mind if they match or not!).  Let older children choose items for the holiday meal, or what kind of decorations should be used.  A sense of control also gives a sense of pride.