Rather than trying to keep them out of the way and hoping for the best, I get my kids involved in the holiday preparation. If I'm cooking, I let them help me. They can get spices for me, measure ingredients, crack the eggs, etc., and help me stir and taste (they love that the most) whatever I'm making. I have them set the table, too, and if we're having a fancier dinner, they get to make the place card holders for our guests. They're in charge of greeting guests when they arrive, taking their coats, purses, etc., and putting them in the bedroom out of the way, too. Letting them take a more adult role helps them feel like a real part of everything that's going on, which makes them take pride in their responsibilities and how well everything goes. And, of course, it keeps them from fighting, running through the house, having food fights, etc. ;)