Tots ready to spread the joy at Christmas

TOTS READY TO SPREAD JOY AT CHRISTMAS

Bristol-based loneliness charity Marmalade Trust has invited some of the youngest members of society to make their own creative contributions to hampers that the charity is currently putting together for people who would otherwise be on their own at Christmas

Children who attend Mama Bear’s Day Nurseries at Crew’s Hole, Grove Leaze, Springhill Green, Long Road, Thicket Avenue and Whiteladies Road loved the idea of making festive decorations for inclusion in the hampers, and have been busy producing all sorts of Christmassy items. Emma Cave, marketing executive with Mama Bear’s, said: “We were delighted to be asked and the children have had a lovely time making the decorations. “We explained to the little ones that not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend Christmas with people they love, and how special it would be for them to know the children had taken the trouble to make something beautiful for them. “They are such generous little souls, they got a lot of pleasure from knowing that they could do something to make someone else happy.

“The team at Marmalade Trust are a fantastic bunch and do great work, which we’re very pleased to support like this.”

Details about Marmalade Trust’s Christmas scheme can be seen here: https://www.marmaladetrust.org/christmas

The charity’s Christmas Cheer events co-ordinator, Ellie Burns, said: “Thanks so much to Mama Bears for all these wonderful decorations - I just know our member’s will absolutely love receiving these from the children.”

Marmalade Trust’s aim is to bring joy and companionship to people who would otherwise be alone at Christmas, often such a difficult time of year for someone struggling with loneliness. Their outreach work includes an invitation to a free festive lunch on 25 December, or a doorstep visit if members prefer, or if getting out is too challenging. The lunches are currently held in pubs or restaurants throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the North Somerset region, and each member also receives a connection doorstep visit in November and a Christmas gift. The family-run Mama Bear’s group runs 24 day nurseries across Bristol and the South West and is known for its affordable and flexible childcare provision, giving children their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.

Further information about places for children and about career opportunities at Mama Bear’s are available at www. mamabear.co.uk

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WHEN SHOULD YOU PUT UP YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND DECORATIONS?

Christmas trees and decorations are traditionally put up at the start of Advent, when Christians begin celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. So this year, Advent is on Sunday, 27 November. Many of us opt to put up our Christmas decorations at an earlier date, with research showing that people who do so are generally happier. But how early is too early? Read on to learn more about why we decorate for Christmas - and when to take your decorations down.

Deciding when to deck the halls is a great divider. Although it certainly feels like winter outside and some of us are antsy to start decorating for the festive season, there are several different traditions and beliefs as to when we should start putting up the Christmas tree and decorations.

While some prefer to wait until mid to late December to dig out the decorations, others like to get their Christmas on the minute Halloween is out of the way. But when is the official date we should be getting the house all festive for Christmas?

WHAT DOES TRADITION SAY?

Traditionally, Christmas trees should be put up and decorated at the start of Advent, which is the season when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, known as Advent Sunday, and always ends on Christmas Eve (24 December). This means that this year, Advent falls on Sunday, 27 November. So, if you’re keen to follow tradition, this is the earliest date that you should be putting your tree up. Some say it’s unlucky to put your tree up prior to this date. However, other traditions also claim that popping up your tree more than 12 days before Christmas is unlucky, too.