We are nearly there, Christmas is approaching, snow is falling, presents are getting wrapped, Christmas trees are up!
It is normally manic with the build up to Christmas, juggling Christmas events, preparing for the day and keeping the little ones happy and entertained, while they have their social bubble keeping you busy too!
We know it can all get expensive so we thought we would give you a few ideas, that have definitely kept our tots entertained and happy without breaking the bank…
Trip to the local garden centre
I think with the run up to Christmas, we have been at least once, maybe twice a week to our local garden centre Van Hages which is just around the corner from us. You can take a mooch at all the Christmas decorations, enjoy a hot chocolate in the cafe and maybe even visit Santa in his grotto if they have one in your local garden centre.
Local Carol service
Check out your local council and see if they are putting on a carol service, or one of your surrounding villages if they are close by. We have lots of mini carol services going on around us, it’s such a lovely way to get into the festive spirit.
Gingerbread House
This is such a fun activity to do with the family. You can buy a kit already made, with the gingerbread house, with the icing and sweets or if you fancy getting creative, could even make your own gingerbread house then get the kiddies to decorate!
Making Christmas decorations
We LOVE a bit of arts and crafts in our household so we have lots of bits and bobs already, string, glitter, paints, colourful paper, sprays, felt, paints etc, whatever you can get your hands on! You can even go for a little walk into the woods to find your own natural decorations, leaves, cones twigs and see what festive decoration you can make! Nice to go on the Christmas tree, or in a garland or even used for the table on Christmas day.
Drive by/Walk by
I don’t know about you, but some of our neighbours really get into the festive spirit with their light displays. We generally wrap up warm just as the sun goes in, head out for a little Christmas adventure and see what festive lights have been put up in the area, you never know you may even spot some you have never seen before!
Cinema from your living room
This is one of our faves, especially after being outside in the cold. Getting all cosy on the sofa under a blanket, with a hot chocolate, popcorn and sweets, maybe with the fire on too! Watching a Christmas film or something festive. We really enjoy the Gruffalo in our household, We’re going on a bear hunt, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Polar Express.
Panto
See what is happening at your local Panto, you may be able to get last minute tickets with the family, it is always worth keeping an eye on the local Facebook page as I am sure there will be people selling tickets last minute that no longer can make it!
London Palladium are showing Jack and The Beanstalk until 15th Jan 2023.
