One of my favorite things to do with my kids is cook. Not only does it cut down on my own chores list, but it's an easy way to spend time with my kids and learn more about their lives. Christmas season may be crazy busy, but that doesn't mean you can't find ways to cook with your kids. If you look at the opportunity, your kids can be helpers during this stressful time.

1. Dinner Buffet

If you know you're about to have one of “those nights”, enlist help. Have buffet ingredients on hand in your fridge for this type of emergency. With help, your children can set up a self-serve bar. Simply have the ingredients on hand and assist with anything that's unsafe (possibly cutting or heating, depending on the age of the child).

Here's what you may want for each type of buffet. You'll notice that most of the ingredients are interchangeable.

Sandwich Buffet – Bread (wheat, rye, buns) or tortillas, lunch meat or tuna salad or egg salad, lettuce, cheese, pickles, peppers, cucumber, sliced tomatoes, mustard, mayo, and anything else your family loves.

Salad Bar – Lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, sunflower seeds, dressing, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, mushroom, onion, shredded carrots, radishes, cheese cubes or shredded cheese, meat (grilled shrimp or chicken), and bacon bits.

Potato Bar – Baking potatoes, sour cream, butter, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, cheese cubes or shredded cheese, tomatoes, peppers, onion, salsa, meat (grilled shrimp or chicken), chives and bacon bits.

Pizza Bar - Pizza crust or English Muffins, pizza sauce, meats, cheese and toppings of choice.

Taco Bar – Taco shells or tortillas, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, meat (taco meat, grilled shrimp or chicken), and refried beans.

2. Decorate Treats

One of the easiest ways to spark a love of cooking is to make cookies or cupcakes and decorate them. Include everything from sprinkles to gel frosting. You'll be teaching both art and cooking in one fell swoop. Plus, you get to enjoy your treats.

3. Christmas Party

If you're having a Christmas party at your home, have your child plan to make a dish. Whether it's a salad or a dessert, the result will be something that he can say “I made it myself!” Even a 5 year old can make a simple recipe if it's age-appropriate. Perhaps your child could make some Veggie Dip. Supervise for safety, but try to encourage your child to do most of the assembly alone.

These are just a few of the many ways you can encourage your little helpers to have cooking fun this Christmas season.