We fill bird feeders and make suet treats for them, and they cheer our home with their songs all winter long. If you have deer, you could put out a bale of hay and a salt lick. Have the kids help with the arrangements and plans. Drag out and update the family tree before they all show up or you go there . Talk about your cultural heritage and what Christmas traditions stem from either your family or from your heritage.
Kids are sensitive to any friction.
Might as well talk about it ahead of time. Have your budding engineer record the stories on video or audio tape. Have you budding news commentator plan some interview questions and prep the relative in advance, so this isn't too much of a surprise. Plan some parlor games to play after the big meal. These can involve word or math games, acting or some physical activity.