FamiliesCheshireNovDec23Digital

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IN THIS ISSUE

Education What’s On Christmas

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9th Dec 2023 – 1st Jan 2024

THE FAMILY PANTOMIME THAT’S

JUST RIGHT!

www.thegrangetheatre.com/pantomime 01606 539 040 November/December 2023

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CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

There’s a chill in the air, we’re edging towards winter and the Christmas season will soon be with us. Get ready to shop find inspiration for Christmas toys for the kids and family in our gift guide!

4 Parenting 6 Education 12 Clubs & classes 14 What’s On 18 DIY Christmas cards 20 Christmas toy guide 24 Lovely Christmas leftover recipes 25 Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar 26 Best UK Christmas experiences 28 Top family Christmas movies

You’ll also find lots more Christmas essentials inside, including fabulous festive experiences, best family Christmas movies, DIY Christmas cards and teacher gift ideas and lots more.

In our Education feature, discover more about multiple intelligences and find out the connection between growing sunflowers and maths skills.

You also have the opportunity to be the lucky recipient of one of more than 140 Christmas gifts for kids in this issue – make sure you apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive this digital magazine to your inbox every two months.

Get in touch

Competition winners from our July/ August issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

MY EMOTIONS AND ME BOOK GIVEAWAY Help your child manage their emotions

Grab a FREE copy of My Emotions and Me AGES 7+ Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE T&C’s apply November/December 3

PARENTING

How to deal with cyber-bullying Today’s children are so immersed in the digital world that over half of them accept cyber-bullying as part of life, according to a survey commissioned by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Particularly invasive, cyber-bullying can be distressing because victims feel the bullies have access to them at all times.

Cyber-bullying is the use of electronic communication, be it phone, tablet or computer, to send messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. And it is not a trivial matter as some children can be subjected to prolonged online bullying campaigns that they feel they can’t escape.

Victims of cyberbullying can find it hard to open up to their parents, explains psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, an ambassador for Internet Matters’ cyberbullying campaign: ‘Sometimes children don’t want to talk about what is happening to them online’ she says. ’They may feel helpless or worry their parents will take away their phones or ban them from using tech.

But it’s vital that parents learn how to engage with their children in a positive and reassuring way to open a dialogue channel which youngsters can feel reassured, not intimidated by.’

So, what can you do if you suspect your child is being cyberbullied?

Look for the signs If bullying is going on there will be changes in your child’s normal behaviour. These could include becoming secretive about what they are doing on the computer, keeping their mobile on silent, spending a lot of time in their bedroom, showing signs of anxiety, irritability and moodiness and being quieter than usual.

READ MORE

4 November/December

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EDUCATION

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years

Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships FOUNDED IN 1487

Senior School Open Event Saturday 11th November Senior School Entrance Exam Wednesday 10th January 2024 Book online for open events Senior and Junior School day tours available

SGS Inspires Tel: 0161 456 9000 Familiesonline.co.uk

“Excellent” Highest Inspection Rating

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk November/December 5

EDUCATION

Homemade Christmas gift ideas for teachers

Pebble teacher paper weight

Crayon vase

Apple pie cookie kit

Hedgehog bread rolls

Indoor prickly cactus garden

Colourful macarons

DIY pencil holder

Homemade doughnuts and coffee

Succulent mini pot

6 November/December

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EDUCATION

Abbey Gate College is unique

Stockport Grammar is Artsmark Platinum!

Abbey Gate College is an independent school for pupils aged 4-18, located just 10 minutes away from the heart of Chester, nestled in acres of beautiful grounds surrounded by historic buildings as well as offering modern facilities.

The exceptional standard of creative and performing arts at Stockport Grammar School has been recognised with an Artsmark Platinum Award from the Arts Council. The highest possible rating, Platinum is held by only a small number of schools in the country.

The College is a unique, inspiring and nurturing place to learn, a safe and friendly school communit. We work with each child’s individual interests, passions and strengths; while encouraging children to try new things and be creative.

Interest in joining the College is at a high. While we currently have waiting lists in some year groups, we have some places available in Years 3 and 5. Entering at Junior School level enables direct entry into Year 7 with a guaranteed reserved place, subject to terms and conditions.

The aim of the College is to lead and coach each child during these critical, formative years, so that they may achieve the best they can academically and how they can go on to make a positive difference to the world.

Find out more HERE. Familiesonline.co.uk

SGS pupils and parents are well accustomed to an incredible array of Music, Drama, Dance and Art opportunities and the Award also recognises the school as an ‘opinion former’ ‘making a difference in the wider community’.

Director of Drama, Mr Matt King-Sayce led the process of applying for the Award, he said: ‘I am very passionate about the arts and I knew when I joined SGS in 2019 that I wanted to shout about the amazing opportunities that our pupils can enjoy, as well as sharing our facilities with the wider community. Things like our Year Five Art Competition and our Arts Award work were an amazing foundation to our application, which we then strengthened through our work with local Primary Schools and elsewhere in the community.’

Find out more HERE. November/December 7

EDUCATION

Apps for improving maths skills

Pet Bingo

Squeebies

Marble Math

Ages 2-7yrs Entertaining app that takes kids on a maths adventure.

Ages 5-11yrs Ideal for kids who love competition.

Ages 9-12yrs Fun, engaging app that practises and reinforces key math objectives.

Monster Math

Ages 5-10 yrs Stories help children practise and learn 40+ maths skills.

Doodle Tables

Ages 4-14 yrs Boosts times tables’ confidence with a personalised program.

Native Numbers

Math Dots Puzzles – Dinosaurs

Maths Shed

Twinkl MTC Practice

Ages 4+ Play connect the dots while learning maths.

8 November/December

Ages 4+ Fun and easy-to-use for practising maths skills.

Ages 4-7 yrs Develops maths skills built on a solid foundation.

Ages 4+ Expands times tables’ knowledge. Prepares for multiplication tables check.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Games which improve concentration DIY memory games

DIY attention games

Board games

Apps & online games

Chess & draughts: helps planning, concentration and anticipation.

Scrabble: focusses on spelling, strategising with available letters and maintaining attention.

Boggle: involves practising attention skills as well as vocabulary and spelling.

Sequence for Kids: enhances memory and strategic thinking.

Readlax: Brain Games Ages 5+.

IOS & Android. FREE. MentalUP Ages 6+. Website.

FREE. CogniFit Ages 7+. IOS & Android. FREE. Memory Match Ages 4+. IOS. FREE. Kiko’s Thinking Time Ages 4+.

Ipad.

GON Memory Game All ages.

Amazon. FREE.

Visual Memory Test

Simon Says

Fun ten level game where kids have to remember where a picture is. Ages 4+.

Simon Says is a great game for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The coin game: arrange an assortment of coins in a sequence. Allow your child to look at them closely for 15 seconds, then cover. Ask them to duplicate the sequence. Repeat, timing them!

Storytelling: each player must remember and repeat an entire story, then add a new sentence.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Backwards counting: give your child a random number and ask them to count backwards in 3s.

Spot-the-difference: helps develop focus and concentration.

Jigsaw & crossword puzzles: focusses attention on detail and patterns.

LEGO and building structures with blocks: encourages sustained concentration and creativity.

November/December 9

EDUCATION

Growing sunflowers and learning maths?

Reading and the Key Stage 2 curriculum

By Usha Patel

By Jemma Z Smith

Parents often ask how to get their child interested in maths because ‘they just don’t get it.’ Luckily, it’s possible to give children lots of help at home by using maths language and supporting them to develop sequential thought processes and logical thinking.

READ MORE

Reading is vital for enabling students to access the rest of the curriculum and deepening their understanding of the world. While phonics lays the initial groundwork in Key Stage 1, the emphasis in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and beyond) expands to exploring characters.

READ MORE

Understanding multiple intelligences

By Zuzu Jordan

According to the thesaurus, intelligence means ‘smart,’ ‘clever’ and ‘bright.’

Traditionally pupils with regular high scores in academic or IQ tests are recognised as intelligent. Yet as a society we marvel at great artists, musicians and Olympians for their outstanding talent. How intelligence is measured is a debatable topic.

READ MORE 10 November/December

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RHS Glow B O O K TO DAY Wed 15 Nov - Sat 30 Dec When the sun goes down, the lights go up.

Watch the night illuminate at our festive winter spectacular.

Your visit supports our work as a charity. rhs.org.uk/bridgewaterglow

RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262

A CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER

This kind of Christmas comes but once in a lifetime.

Whisk your family away to magical Lapland where you’ll meet Santa and his cheeky elves.

Call 01483 944 960 or visit SantasLapland.com Santa’s Lapland

Families Magazine.indd 1 Familiesonline.co.uk

Experience a Lapland trip you’ll treasure forever and book with a deposit from just £150pp and take advantage of our latest offers for 2024.

@santas_lapland

06/10/2023 16:37 11 November/December

CLUBS & CLASSES

FREE taster session at Razzamataz After its successful launch in September, Razzamataz Manchester South, which has been stated as one of Dragon’s Dens’ top five success stories, is now taking on new students.

Principal Ross said ‘Manchester is a thriving hub of opportunities, I plan to use my experience and connections to give students fantastic prospects and links within the performing arts industry.

I know through my own experience that amazing things can happen when you are a student at Razzamataz.’

Ross is inviting all young people of Greater Manchester to a FREE taster session so they can experience it for themselves.

Book your taster today.

To find out more HERE, email or call 07795677022.

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12 November/December

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Swap the screen time this November!

As the nights grow dark, finding ways to keep the family busy can feel tough. We want to help you swap and stop some of that screen time and help your kids keep moving throughout winter. Brio Leisure are here with a fantastic offer to help keep you and your kids active!

Juniors can join for just £10 per month for November and December! From casual swim sessions to off-peak racquet sports, there are loads of activities to try, enjoy and keep the kids entertained at your local centre.

Adults can also take advantage of this offer for just £20 per month, so whether you want to take a dip in the pool, find your fave fitness class or sweat it out in the gym, there is plenty of opportunity here at Brio Leisure.

To benefit from this offer, join HERE or visit your local centre today.

T&Cs apply. *T&Cs Apply. November Offer Only.

JOIN ONLINE OR IN centre!

£10PM

FOR 2 MONTHs*

GYM • SWIM • CLASSES • RACQUETS Familiesonline.co.uk HALF PAGE cheshire families Nov Campaign Kid 2023 v2.indd 1

13 November/December 03/10/2023 10:40

WHAT’S ON

Winter wonders at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Festive family fun at Cockfield’s Farm

On selected dates from Wednesday 15 November to Saturday 30 December, you can bring all the family to enjoy a magical evening at RHS Garden Bridgewater.

Cockfield’s Farm is the ultimate Christmas destination, with lots festive activities and animals to see from Wednesday 15 November.

Take the spectacular Glow Trail and see the breathtakingly beautiful garden lit up with amazing illuminations. Open your eyes to the wonders of winter!

Book tickets HERE. The low winter sun illuminates copper beech topiary and sculptural seedheads and on chilly mornings the garden sparkles under a blanket of frost.

Don’t miss the stunning halo light show by Jago Juggling Arts, as they create mind-blowing effects that the whole family will love.

Plus, let the kids run off some energy with a game of hide and seek, while you enjoy a coffee.

Plan your visit today HERE.

14 November/December

The immersive experience starts at Passport Control, where children receive a special passport that guides them through the wonderful winter wonderland. Guided by an Elf, meet Santa for a heartwarming chat and a memorable photo, then choose a toy from the Christmas Toyshop using a ‘gold coin.’

At the North Pole Sorting Office, write a thank-you letter to Santa.

The adventure continues with animal cuddles, cookie decorating, reindeer dust making, then meet real-life reindeer! The day ends at Elf Academy, where they craft a bear to take home.

Book tickets HERE for your preferred time and day before they sell out!

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Enjoy Goldilocks and the Three Bears The Grange Theatre are delighted to welcome back pantomime producers KD Theatre Productions with this year’s must-see pantomime adventure, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The pantomime of your dreams will dazzle and delight audiences of all ages from 9 December to 1 January.

This jam-packed pantomime will be glistening with our exciting blend of music, quality professional performers, stunning sets, lavish costumes and bags of comedy.

The Grange Theatre is the home of family pantomime in Northwich this Christmas.

Tickets are available online HERE or by calling the Box Office on 01606 539040.

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 15

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

End Oct-2 Jan Skate Manchester Cathedral Gardens, Manchester 10 Nov-21 Dec Manchester Christmas Markets Central Manchester 11 Nov-25 Feb Land of Lights, Gulliver’s World Warrington, WA5 9YZ 12 Nov Sing-a-long-a Matilda The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ

22-25 Nov Snow White Z Arts, Hulme, M15 5ZA 24 Nov-24 Dec Magical Woodland Christmas Cheshire, CW8 2EB 24 Nov-31 Dec Christmas at Bolesworth Castle Chester, CH3 9JJ 24 Nov-2 Jan Lightopia Heaton Park Manchester, M25 2SW

25 Nov-3 Jan 15 Nov-30 Dec Christmas Bricktacular Glow at RHS Bridgewater Legoland Discovery Salford, M28 2LJ Trafford Centre, M17 8AS See the garden in breathtaking beauty as 30 Nov-24 Dec amazing illuminations light Luminate Cheshire Light on the spectacular Glow Trail Trail. Booking required Walton Gardens, Warrington, WA4 6SN 17 Nov-31 Dec Christmas Lights Trial 1 Dec-6 Jan Dunham Massey, WA14 Cinderella Pantomime 4SJ Storyhouse Theatre, Chester, CH1 2AR 17 Nov-31 Dec The Twilight Trail 2-23 Dec Mayfield Park, Manchester, Christmas Lights Trail M1 2PY BeWilderwood, Cheshire, SY13 4JF 21 Nov-31 Dec Winter Wonderland: A 7 Dec-7 Jan Christmas Mansion We’re Going On A Bear Tatton Park, Cheshire, Hunt WA16 6QN The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ 16 November/December

7-10 Dec Lightwaves Media City, Salford, M50 3UB 8-9 Dec ComedySportz Panto Waterside Arts, Sale, M33 7ZF 8 Dec-1 Jan Cinderella at Buxton Opera House Buxton, SK17 6XN 8 Dec–2 Jan Sleeping Beauty Garrick Theatre, Altrincham, WA14 1HZ 8 Dec-7 Jan Peter Pan Stockport Plaza, SK1 1SP 9 Dec Sleeping Beauty The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, WA7 1BG 9-31 Dec Beauty & The Beast Northwich Memorial Court Looking for fun this Christmas? Be our guest as Anton Benson Productions returns to Northwich for another allsinging, all-dancing, laughout-loud ride through Pantoland! It stars national treasure Les Dennis and Northwich legends Ryan Greaves and Georgie Jackson. This is a tale as old as pantomime!

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

10 Dec The Princess and the Wizard Wythenshawe Forum, M22 5RX 12 Dec Wizard of Ice Planet Ice Altrincham 16-24 Dec Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall Anton Benson Productions return with another sensational family pantomime! The team are delighted to announce that Kerry Katona will headline this years’ panto as Wicked Queen Morgana.

Kerry’s real-life daughter Lilly Sue McFadden will star opposite her as the Queen’s nemesis Snow White. Ellesmere Port Panto’s favourite Ben Sherlock returns for his third consecutive season as the lovable Wally!

20-24 Dec The Nutcracker Arley Hall & Gardens, Cheshire, CW9 6NA 21-31 Dec Little Bear and the Christmas Lights The Lowry, M50 3AZ 12-14 Jan Gingerbread Man The Panto The Lowry, M50 3AZ Familiesonline.co.uk

WHERE TO SEE SANTA Shrigley Hall Hotel, Cheshire, SK10 5SB The Romper pub, Ringway, WA15 8XJ

The Royal Toby Hotel, Rochdale, OL11 3HF The Hayloft Cheshire, Widnes, WA8 3XP

Mercure Norton Grange Hotel, Rochdale, OL11 2XZ

Village Hotels Ashton OL7 0LY Bury BL9 7BQ Cheadle SK8 1HW Hyde SK14 4QG

Bolton Stadium Hotel, BL6 6SF

The Wellbeing Farm, Bolton, BL7 0BY

Brewers Fayre, Sale, M33 5BL

Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport, SK5 7HE

Ordsall Hall, Salford, M5 3AN

Lyme Park Hall, Stockport, SK12 2NR

Salford Museum & Art Gallery, M5 4WU

Lancaster Park & Animal Farm, Oldham, OL1 2TG

Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery, Rochdale, OL11 1RY

Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8EH

The Windmill Pub, Denton, M34 2WZ The Micker Brook pub, Cheadle, SK8 5NU The Red Lion Pub, Swinton, M27 9UW

Manchester River Cruises, M50 3AZ Freight Island, Manchester, M12PZ George & Dragon pub, Hazel Grove, SK7 4AH

Hard Rock Café, Manchester, M4 2BS

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Oldham. OL1 1HD

Dobbies Garden Centre, Marple, SK6 7HE

Walkden Town Centre, M28 3ZH

Hollingworth Lake Adventure & Water Activity Centre, Last Drop Village Hotel & OL15 0DQ Spa, Bolton, BL7 9PZ The Hive at Moss Bank Park, Bolton, BL1 6NB

November/December 17

CHRISTMAS

DIY Christmas cards to create with the kids

String art Christmas card

Christmas tree card

Paper strip Christmas trees

Free printable penguin Christmas cards (8)

Tinsel tree card

Pom-pom Christmas wreath card

Snow surprise Christmas card

Reindeer card

Christmas cracker card

18 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas Celebrations in Oldham you won’t want to miss!

Christmas Parade and Switch on Show Saturday 18 November Watch us switch on the Christmas lights in style with our spectacular fairy-tale outdoor show and parade.

Brass Monkeys Festival Saturday 9 December The very best local and national brass bands play side by side and provide the perfect musical backdrop for your Christmas shopping.

Christmas Santa’s Grotto at Spindles Don’t miss the chance to meet the big man himself in Spindles Shopping Centre from 25 November. £5 per child (plus booking fee).

Christmas characters, face painting and crafts

Selected Saturdays from 25 November Why not do some Christmas shopping and keep the kids busy with free activities at Spindles Shopping Centre.

Scan the QR code for more details

FIND US AT PRINTWORKS, MANCHESTER SCHOOL TRIPS NOW AVAILABLE

Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTUREGOLF.COM

November/December 19

CHRISTMAS

Families Christmas toy guide

We asked The Good Play Guide for their top picks. These accredited products have been independently tested by play experts and children.

ELC Soft Sensory Balls

Feely Farm Puzzle

Penguin Math Balance

Dragomino

Baby Delightful sensory toy that will be a favourite as your baby grows. £15.

Pre-school Stimulate your preschoolers’ senses with these first wooden puzzles. £15.99.

Sounds of the Forest

Pre-school A book and hooting owl whistle make story-time interactive & fun. £12.99.

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

Pre-school Fun way to learn about weight, size, addition and subtraction. £19.99.

Ages 5+ Practise strategic thinking to find the precious Dragon Eggs. £20.99.

Ages 3+ A fantastic sensory, stress-relieving product for all ages. £12.99.

Plus-Plus

Discover

Squirrels Go Nuts

Ages 5+ Use small interconnecting puzzle pieces to create 2D and 3D forms. £16.85 20 November/December

Ages 5+ All the tools you need to make anything from cardboard. £44.99.

Ages 6+ Multi-level sliding puzzle game – slide the squirrles and hide the nuts. £14.99.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Families Christmas toy guide

We asked The Good Play Guide for their top picks. These accredited products have been independently tested by play experts and children.

IQ Puzzler Pro

Rory’s Story Cubes Ages 6+ 9 cubes, 54 images, over 10 million possible combos, unlimited stories. £9.99.

Ages 7+ Boost your child’s brain with this handheld, light-up, memory game. £28.00.

National Geographic Mega Magic Set

National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab

Harry Potter Hogwarts 3D Puzzle, 540pc

Ages 6+ 100+ 2D and 3D puzzles to challenge logical thinking skills. £10.99.

Ages 8+ Amazing STEAM magic set. £39.99.

GraviTrax Starter Set XXL Ages 8+ Construct fantastic marble tracks. £110.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Ages 5+ STEAM crystal growing lab. £34.99.

Codenames Game Ages 10+ Become a codebreaker in this competitive, word association game. £19.99.

Brainbolt Genius

Ages 10+ Immerse yourself in this World of Wizardry puzzle. £74.99.

Rubik’s Coach Cube

Ages 8+ Learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube using this method. £14.99.

November/December 21

CHRISTMAS

Families Christmas toy guide

Don’t forget to apply for giveaways of all of the toys on this page throughout the magazine!

Biggies

Ages 3+ First-of-a-kind SUPERSIZE plush. Use the footpump to inflate a mystery character! £19.99.

Dragon Ball: Dragon Stars

K3YRIDERS Plush Helmet & 3 Wheeled Scooter Ages 3+ Plush head scooter & ‘two look’ helmet.

Available Toyland

Miraculous Magic Heroez Dolls

EDURINO

Ages 4-8 Playful digital learning system. Delivers meaningful screen time via free app. £44.99.

Tonka Tough Tool Belt & Hat Set

Ages 4+ 17cm high, highly detailed figures. 9,000+ positions. £19.99.

Ages 4+ Transform Marinette into any Superhero with these dolls. £22.99.

Ages 3+ Imagine, build & play!

Fun set includes variety of toy tools. £19.99.

Ultimate Hero Electronic Fireman Sam

Katamino

Paint Pop Spin & Create Paint Set

Ages 3+ 12” fully articulated action figure. £29.99.

22 November/December

Ages 3+ Award-winning 2D and 3D logic puzzles – 500+ to solve. £20-£35.

Ages 3+ Make the paper spin, create your art and add glitter! £10.50.

Familiesonline.co.uk

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY Biggies 10 available worth £19.99 each

Ages 6+

Miraculous Magic Heroez Dolls 4 bundles available worth £45 each

Paint Pot Spin & Create Set 10 available worth £10.50 each Ages 3+

Ages 3+

Ages 3+

Ages 3+

Katamino Classic 1 available worth £35

Fireman Sam Ultimate Hero 2 available worth £29.99 each

Tonka Hat & Belt Set 5 available worth £19.99 each

Ages 4+ K3YRIDERS 2 in 1 3D Perrycornio Plush Helmet & 3 Wheeled Scooter 2 available worth £50 each Ages 3+

My Emotions & Me Book 100 available worth £12.50 each

Ages 7+

Dragon Ball Dragon Stars 4 bundles of 3 action figures worth £60 each Ages 4+

EDURINO 3 starter sets available worth £44.99 each

Ages 4-8

T&Cs Apply

APPLY HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 23

CHRISTMAS

Lovely Christmas leftover recipes

Macaroni cheese

Christmas crumble

Turkey curry

Combine your Christmas leftovers with a creamy macaroni cheese bake.

Put leftover Christmas pudding to good use with this comforting, festive crumble.

Quick and easy turkey curry is a satisfying way to use up leftover turkey.

Boxing Day quesadillas

Christmas quiche

Christmas cake trifle

Potato and stuffing hash

Turkey pasta bake

A fantastic twist on the traditional Boxing Day turkey sandwich.

Leftover crispy roast potatoes and stuffing make a quick and easy hash.

24 November/December

Easy quiche which makes a delightful addition to your Boxing day buffet.

Creamy cheesy pasta bake with leftover turkey.

A great way to use up leftover Christmas cake or pudding.

Turkey bubble & squeak

Easy recipe uses leftover Christmas meat and veg.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Help your family spread goodwill this Christmas by undertaking a kind act every day of Advent.

Find inspiration in our list of kindnesses or make up your own.

Don’t forget to mark the kind things you do on the calendar!

An act of kindness for every day of Advent

Perform an act of kindness each day until Christmas!

Pin up the calendar and keep a daily record of your family’s good deeds.

DECEMBER 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

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An act of kin for every da dness y of Advent

Choose from or make up the list below your own.

Write your tea cher a note or a poe m about why you like them.

Help a friend wh stuck with the o’s ir classwork .

Clear up a me ss you didn’t make.

Take a pot pla nt to school for you classroom win r dowsill.

Clear the tab le dinner withou after t being asked.

Draw your mu m or dad a picture, jus t because you love them.

Give a packet of sunflower see ds a friend, so the to watch them groy can w.

Feed your pet or clean out their cage without having to be asked.

Use beads, loo or other craft m bands ma to make a bra terials celet for a friend.

If you’ve done something nau write a note to ghty, mum or dad to your say sorry.

Empty the rub bis of your lunchb h out ox school and rins after e/wash it.

Make a poster local park to for your remind people to pic k up their dog poo.

Leave your pou in the locker nd coin at swimming poo the next person whl for the o uses it.

Sign up to Pos and write a lettt Pals a child who’s er to ill in hospital.

Paint rocks wit pictures or posh pretty sayings and hiditive in your neighb e them ourhood for others to find.

Put decoration tree in your locs on a to make peopleal park (remember to smile tak them down aga e in!)

Pour the rest of family a drink your at mealtimes.

Compliment sta café or shop. ff at a Pick up litter in your street or local park.

Wish a strange r a nice day.

Bake some coo people living kies for in your street.

At school, offe r with someon to play e on their own. who’s all

Sort out your old and books and toys them to a cha donate rity or a local playgr shop oup.

Hug someon e.

DOWNLOAD HERE!

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 25

CHRISTMAS

Top UK Christmas experiences for families Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Norfolk

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York

An extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. With a cast of one hundred and thirty, this fast moving celebration is billed as the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe. Also home to Santa’s Magical Journey and Enchanted Journey of Light.

A magical winter experience for all ages, with an outdoor ice rink, vintage funfair, Santa’s Grotto and alpine café. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, rink side cafe and viewing platform, this magical setting is a perfect festive experience. FREE to enter, with separate tickets for skating and Santa’s Grotto.

Enchanted Christmas, Gloucestershire

Edinburgh Winter Festival

A mile-long illuminated trail set within Westonbirt National Arboretum’s captivating landscape, with stunningly lit trees, sculptures, mesmerising installations and woodland characters. Kids might also like tracking down the Gruffalo statues in the Old Arboretum.

Food and drinks stalls and fairground rides at either end.

Across the city, expect to find fairground rides aimed at all age groups, elves’ workshops, Santa’s Grotto, an ice rink and a myriad of food and craft markets.

The famous castle is also given the festive treatment via a spectacular light installation. Be sure not to miss taking a picture of the majestic Christmas tree on the Mound.

26 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Top UK Christmas experiences for families Chester Zoo Lanterns & Light

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

This after hours annual Christmas event transforms Chester Zoo into an enchanted kingdom, with extraordinary, life-sized animal sculptures and costumed performers drawing visitors along an illuminated trail.

Father Christmas will make an appearance on his sleigh with reindeer sculptures.

This impressive market features decorated stalls selling crafts, toys and more and there is traditional German food and drink, including gingerbread hearts and glühwein. The stalls are looked over by an impressive Christmas tree. There’s also a fairground, big wheel and icerink.

Hogwarts in the Snow, Watford, London

Christmas at Chatsworth

The Christmas season brings a truly magical makeover to all the film sets on display. Christmas trees line the Great Hall and a replica festive feast, including flaming Christmas puddings, is laid out on the long tables, while icy silvers glitter on the stage as it is transformed for the return of the Yule Ball.

24 themed rooms of Christmas wonder in the Peak District!

Travel under archways adorned with candy canes, Christmas stockings and mistletoe; through snowflake showers and a glittering Christmas tree brooch forest. Explore Father Christmas’ workshop, with mischief-making elves and a giant exploding Christmas cracker.

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 27

CHRISTMAS

Top family films for Christmas

The Polar Express (2004)

The Grinch (2018)

Home Alone 2 (1992)

Kevin is left stranded in New York City.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Kate and Teddy go on a journey to catch Santa on camera.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A grumpy Grinch plots A young boy learns about to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville. friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.

An imaginary world comes to life for a toymaker and his granddaughter.

28 November/December

Origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy sets out to find his father.

Little Women (2019)

The beloved story of the March sisters.

Santa’s clumsy son attempts to deliver a misplaced present.

Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, attempts to bring Christmas to his home.

Familiesonline.co.uk