Families Upon Thames November/December 2022 Digital

Upon Thames

BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE!

ENERGY SAVING

By Ilhan Rayen Awed

By Gabrielle Nash

Best board games for learning

It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99

Life on Earth memory and matching game Great for encouraging focussed attention. Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Zingo Bingo Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17

Melissa and Doug

Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills. Ages 4+. £21.99

Sequence for Kids

Involves taking turns, planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Kingdomino

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35

Rat-a-tat Cat

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49

Meet the Head

Families chats with Tim Smith, Head of Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep School.

What is your favourite thing about being Head of Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep?

The nature and quality of the personal relationships we enjoy with each other here - pupils, teachers and parents. This contributes significantly to our school standing out. It’s friendly, informal and relaxed and we all get on very well with one another!

When students see you around the school, what are you most likely to be doing?

Wandering about, checking what everyone is up to, popping into lessons, sitting with pupils at lunch, watching sport…I love being involved with the buzz of school life.

Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep is coeducational until Year 3. What would you say in support of coeducation for boys and girls in the early years?

From our experience, co-education in KS1 has a range of benefits. Boys and girls gain confidence and learn how to interact and empathise with each other, as well as show kindness and understanding.

What about your Pre-Prep are you most proud of?

The progress our pupils make from Kindergarten through to the end of Year 2. It’s well above national agerelated expectations.

Are there any differences in approach between educating both boys and girls and educating solely boys?

Our experience shows that boys and girls tend to learn differently and schools that choose to focus on single-sex education have more freedom in using the best teaching approaches. This ensures that pupils can fulfil their potential, inside and outside the classroom.

What do you think makes children enjoy going to school and fully engage with learning? How do you prioritise this?

Relationships, relationships, relationships – happy children learn! It’s easy to say but that’s because it’s true.

Shine like a star with Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington

Local professional actors Sarah and Will Chitty, who have run Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington for ten years, offer

fun,

ages 4 to 18.

Their drive and passion have created weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in which confidence is nurtured, friendships are forged and every opportunity is taken to develop and inspire all the students who attend.

Classes are led by DBS checked industry professionals, who bring

their own passion and experience to every class and students learn to perform in a safe and friendly environment, gaining experience, skills, self-esteem and Creative Courage for Life.

Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington offers opportunities for extra singing lessons, performance troupes, additional dance, accredited LAMDA exams, incredible holiday workshops, West End showcases, professional castings and links with theatrical agents.

Students have performed everywhere from local lights up events and holiday fairs to The Grosvenor House Hotel, Alton Towers, Rugby Stadiums with Tokio Myers, The West End and most recently on screen in a top-secret feature film for Netflix and pilot for Disney+!

Christmas with the National Trust in Surrey

Enjoy London’s most unique light trail

Enjoy Christmas at your local National Trust property!

Soak up the atmosphere of a traditional country house Christmas at Hatchlands Park and spot hidden musical animals in the parkland. At Polesden Lacey, peek inside the hidden snowy inner courtyard and find a golden partridge in a pear tree as you admire the 12 Days of Christmas theme in the sumptuous house.

Enjoy outdoor trails at Claremont Landscape Garden and Polesden Lacey too, whilst at Winkworth Arboretum, book ahead to relive the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book The Snowman™ and search for twelve decorated snowman sculptures along the wintry woodland family trail.

Visit the cosy tearoom and bookshop at Dapdune Wharf and River Wey Navigations, enjoy free craft activities and spot winter wildlife. More info HERE

From 18 November to 8 January, experience the magic of wildlife as WWT London Wetland Centre comes alive at night for this year’s ILLUMINATURE light trail.

Explore the wetlands after hours on this enchanting, fun-filled light trail. Follow twinkling lights through mystical marshland, the peculiar pond and owl woods, bask in the glow of illuminated sculptures and stunning light installations and discover amazing facts about wetland wildlife.

Spot brilliant birds and beautiful plant life through night vision goggles and check in with a happily snoozing otter family. Race your friends across glowing lily pads, explore the phases of the moon and be mesmerised by a forest of neon birds. With a host of interactive experiences on offer, including sparkling photo opportunities and yummy hot chocolate, it’s the perfect family evening!

More info and booking HERE

Top Advent Calendar Picks

Get greener this Christmas

Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery. Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Use reusable, fabric crackers. Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

Go for a real, fresh wreath made with seasonal, natural foliage.

Buy a reusable Advent Calendar. Fill with your own gifts.

Make your own decorations.

Pot grown tree care

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need. Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours. Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech. Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts.

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.

Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.

Christmas leftovers

Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.

Four of Jamie’s tasty leftover recipes including turkey stew with leek & smoky bacon biscuit dumplings, bubble & squeak, smoky veggie chilli & hodgepodge pie.

Try some family curling in Twickenham

Goldilocks arrives at Richmond Theatre

This winter, the latest cool seasonal family activity arrives in South West London!

From 30 November, The Shack in Twickenham (outside train station) is being taken over by The Curling Club.

The Shack will be transformed into the latest curling activity bar and the first in South West London. You and your family will be able to head down and try your hand at casual curling.

Based on the Winter Olympic sport of curling, the sport’s ambassador, Eve Muirhead, captained Team GB to gold medal glory in February. You can now emulate her and the team by gliding your stones down a fit-for-purpose sheet giving you an experience as close to the real deal without the need for ice or specialist footwear.

Space is limited so book today! Book HERE

Take the whole family to the circus this Christmas with Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Richmond Theatre!

From 3 to 31 December, Richmond Theatre brings the magic of the Big Top to the theatre stage in this magnificent show which features international circus acts expertly entwined with all the classic comedy moments and other traditions of pantomime – it’s a winning combination which makes Goldilocks the perfect festive family show!

The show stars TV favourite Matt Baker from The One Show as Joey the Clown, reprising the role he originated in the critically acclaimed 2019 London Palladium production.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is all set to be the ‘greatest panto on earth’ – it will entrance your family and keep them talking long after Christmas has passed. More info and tickets HERE

Hey Duggee comes to Southbank

Enjoy Christmas family fun at Watermans

Squirrels get ready! Everyone’s big lovable dog, Hey Duggee is coming to the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall from 14 December to 8 January.

The smash hit CBeebies series, Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show will be brought to life through innovative puppetry and storytelling in this new live show, featuring a dazzling light show and exciting projection. It’s going to be huge and feature many of your favourite characters on stage for the first time!

Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly so join them at the Clubhouse for nonstop family fun in this brand new production. A-Woof!

This brand-new play is packed with non-stop fun, laughs, singing and dancing making it the perfect family treat.

Book HERE

What happens on Christmas Eve when the troll is fishing for dinner? Join Garlic Theatre by a little stream in Sweden to find out!

From 17 to 20 December, head for Watermans in Brentford for Christmas with the 3 Billy Goats Gruff, a festive twist on the classic story of the three hungry goats and the grumpy old troll. Watch out for the dance of the goats, the flying troll and loads and loads of rubbish……

Expect beautifully crafted puppets, live accordion music, storytelling and interactive audience participation in this deliciously entertaining production which creates an entrancing, delightful first theatrical experience for children ages 3 to 6 and their families.

Book HERE

Also see HERE for Watermans November Sunday afternoon children’s theatre programme.

Eco Christmas gift guide

Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and

everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Nature

British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets

nature prints. £20 per month.

Barekind

Bright and colourful

filler helps save the

animal

£7.50

Kabode Alphabet children’s

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95

Play

Sustainable &

Bake at Home

Home-delivered.

ready-made dough, cutter & recipe.

DIY lip tint or

balm

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients.

£19.99

Tartan

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres.

Halo water

Insulated, compact,

handbag

pocket-friendly.

on the move.

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded

Festive family city breaks

Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Norwich

Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Exeter Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Kidderminster Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow

Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

Cardiff

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Belfast

Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Christmas treats to make with the kids

Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

Christmas cookie houses

Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun.

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

All

Every Tue & Fri until 20 Dec Storytelling for PreSchoolers at Landmark Arts Centre

Music and storytelling for ages 2-4 to assist with language and cognitive skills.

Every Fri-Sun from 11-27 Nov

Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

See the six hundred year old gardens transformed by a display of lights and music.

Wed 16 Nov-Sun 8 Jan Christmas at Kew Enjoy the tenth anniversary of the annual after-dark festivities at Kew Gardens.

Thu 17 Nov-Sun 8 Jan Ice Rink at Hampton Court Palace

Located in front of the spectacular palace.

Fri 18 Nov-Sun 8 Jan ILLUMINATURE at London Wetland Centre Explore the wonder of wildlife at night in this unique light trail.

Thu 10 Nov-Sat 24 Dec Kingston Christmas Market

European style market stalls with bar, live music, Candy Cane Forest and new Curling Experience.

What’s on

publication.

Fri, Sat-Sun 11 Nov – 18 Dec & daily 19-23 Dec Dapdune Wharf and River Wey Navigations Visit the cosy tearoom bookshop overlooking the Wey and enjoy morning coffee, light lunch and afternoon tea, as you delve into a fabulous selection of second-hand books. Free entry.

Thu 17-Sun 20 Nov & Wed-Sun 23-27 Nov & daily in Dec Santa’s Grotto at The Bentall Centre The magical grotto will be aglow on selected dates in November and then daily in December.

Fri 18 Nov, 2 & 16 Dec Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts for under 5s.

Fri 18 Nov, 2 & 16 Dec Play:Make:Art at Orleans House Gallery Creative drop-in session for ages 2-5 years.

Fri 18 Nov-Sun 8 Jan Glow 2021 at Wisley Follow dazzling displays lighting a magical trail through the garden.

Sat 19 & Sun 20 Nov Steaming Weekend at Kempton Steam Museum Watch the unique and enormous ancient steam engines in action.

has changed.

with the

Sat 19 Nov-Sun 8 Jan Festive Hero Trail at Painshill Park

Go in search of largerthan-life superheroes scattered around the garden.

Thu 24 Nov

Teddington Christmas Lights Festival 2022 Christmas lights return to Teddington High Street with festive entertainment. From 5.30pm.

Tue 22 Nov & Tue 6 Dec Curious Tots at Orleans House Gallery Super sensory session for pre-walking toddlers and babies.

Thu 24 Nov–Sat 24 Dec Christmas at Bocketts Farm

Enjoy a magical festive family day out including a visit to meet Father Christmas.

From Fri 25 Nov to Fri 23 Dec Santa at London Transport Museum Meet Santa in a twinkling winter wonderland at Covent Garden. Kids go free.

Sat 26 Nov Christmas Decorations Family Workshops at Landmark Arts Centre Create your own gingerbread person decoration. For ages 7-14

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.

Sat 26 Nov Walton on Thames Festival of Light Includes Christmas market, performances and the lights procession. 11.30am-7pm.

Pick a Pine at Ockham Common Chop down your own Christmas tree and become an eco-warrior.

Sat 26 Nov Claygate Village Christmas Lights

Traditional opening of Christmas in Claygate, stalls, entertainment and carols from 4.30pm. More on their Facebook page.

Sat 26 Nov-Sat 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Squires, Shepperton

Meet Santa in his magical grotto at Squires Garden Centre in Shepperton, £7 per child.

Sat 26 Nov-Mon 2 Jan Christmas at Claremont Landscape Gardens

A fun filled family trail, winter warmers from the café and stunning views on walks. Normal admission applies.

Walking with the Snowman™ at Winkworth Arboretum

Find twelve decorated snowman sculptures along a wintry woodland trail and enjoy carousel rides, games and warming hot chocolate. Book ahead.

Sat 26 Nov-Tue 3 Jan Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures

Meet Father Christmas in his grotto and visit the Toy Workshop and receive a present.

Tue 29 Nov Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Landmark Arts Centre

A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy - and you can bring your baby.

From Wed 30 Nov into January Family Curling with The Curling Club in Twickenham Exciting new alpine themed pop-up. Enjoy family sessions at this exciting new alpinethemed pop-up. A great winter sport for families to play together with delicious food, festive music and an après ski vibe.

Every Sat & Sun in Dec until 18 Dec Christmas Festivities at London Museum of Water & Steam

Join in festive activities to help spread a little festive joy.

Daily from Thu 1-Fri 23 Dec

Christmas at Hatchlands Park

See the house dressed for the festive season and soak up the atmosphere

of a traditional country house Christmas. Normal admission.

Fri 2 Dec Kew Sparkle Christmas market with food, drink and craft stalls and entertainment.

Fri 2 Dec-Sat 3 Dec Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace

The palace courtyards will be transformed into a food-lovers wonderland.

Sat 3 Dec-Mon 2 Jan Christmas at Polesden Lacey

Visit the sumptuous house, dressed at its Christmas best with glittering displays showing the 12 Days of Christmas. Take part in an active outdoor trail with challenges for all the family. Normal admission plus small charge for trail.

Sat 3 Dec & Sat 7 Jan 15 Minutes of Fun at Chertsey Museum Free drop-in craft session.

Sun 4 Dec Carols on the Green at Claygate

Join in traditional community Christmas singing event.

Sun 4 & Sun 11 Dec Santa Fun Run at Bushy Park

Gather for some festive fun whilst raising money for Princess Alice Hospice.

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.

Wed 7 Dec-Mon 2 Jan Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace Enjoy an enchanting festive lantern and light experience inspired by the Royal Beasts.

Sat & Sun 10/11 Dec & Sun 18 Dec Santa at London Museum of Water & Steam Follow snowy footprints to discover Santa and receive a present. £10 per child.

Sat & Sun 10/11 & 17/18 Dec

Santa Special Train Rides at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway Take a ride on Santa’s sleigh railway,enjoy hot chocolate, mince pies, soft drinks and presents. £9.

Sun 11 Dec Community Carols at Marble Hill Park Join in with local groups the Richmond Brass Band and The Richmond Community Choir.

Sun 11 & 18 Dec Storytime with Mark at London Museum of Water & Steam Songs, rhymes and stories for under 5s. 1.30pm.

Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec Carols by Candlelight at Landmark Arts Centre Festive programme by Surrey Brass and The Imperial College Chamber. Early booking required.

THEATRE & PANTOS

DORKING HALLS

The Santa Show 9-11 Dec Full of song, dance, audience participation, elves and a visit from Santa.

Cinderella Pantomime 17- 28 Dec Great songs, dance routines and plenty of laughter for all the family.

THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Let’s All Dance: The Nutcracker 18 Dec Family favourite with highquality ballet. All ages.

Santa Saves Christmas 24 Dec Family show suitable for ages 2-7, where every child will receive a gift.

ESHER THEATRE

Aladdin Pantomime 9-23 Dec

Packed with songs, slapstick, silliness and audience participation.

THE EXCHANGE, TWICKENHAM

Hansel & Gretel 2-3 Dec New festive take on classic fairy-tale with puppets, innovative theatre and original music. Ages 3+.

A Christmas Carol 3 Dec Magical new adaptation

of Dicken’s classic, with remarkable puppetry and original music. Ages 7+.

Dick Whittington 17-22 Dec Interactive show full of fun, laughter, phonics, counting dance, song and puppetry. Ages 2+.

G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Father Christmas Needs a Wee 17-24 Dec Live show packed full of songs, games and laughs.

GUILDFORD SPECTRUM

Cinderella on Ice 9-11 Dec Lavish winter wonderland on ice, featuring rising ice skating stars.

LYRIC THEATRE, HAMMERSHITH

There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom 12 Nov Magical mix of puppetry and music as we discover more about our animal friends.

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, 23 Nov-31 Dec Join Santa on his busiest day of the year.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 3-31 Dec Perfect pantomime treat for the whole family.

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.

A Christmas Carol 5-10 Dec Unique adaptation presents two actors taking on every character in fast paced show. Ages 8+.

Santa’s North Pole Adventure 14-24 Dec Celebrate the magic of Christmas.

OSO THEATRE, BARNES

Cinderella Pantomime 1-21 Dec Prepare your cheers, boos and glass shoes for this fun panto for the family.

POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON

Crackers: A Festive Family Farce 18 Nov-15 Jan

Enjoy a family farce like no other. Ages 5-12.

Underwater 9-20 Nov A dance theatre show for babies and their grown ups. Ages 0-2.

Grandad, Me and Teddy Too 2 Dec-29 Jan A heart-warming show that celebrates the special place grandparents hold in young children’s lives.

RICHMOND THEATRE

Goldilocks & The Three Bears Christmas Pantomime 3-31 Dec Featuring international circus acts and all the

comedy you’d expect from a traditional pantomime.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Storytime with Father Christmas 2-20 Dec Charming session featuring ‘Tiny Reindeer.’ Each child receives a gift. Ages 3+.

My Christmas Orchestral Adventure 11 Dec Embark on a magical journey through classical music with Albert’s Orchestra. The Nutcracker 28-31 Dec Enchanting production, featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, is a festive treat. Ages 5+.

RIVERHOUSE BARN, WALTON ON THAMES

Little Red Riding Hood 16-23 Dec Magical story comes alive with puppetry, songs and music. Ages 3-8.

THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

A Christmas Carol 2 Dec-2 Jan Heart-warming tale of generosity and forgiveness and experience the spirit of Christmas with the whole family. Ages 5+.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL

Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show 14 Dec-8 Jan A vibrant interactive production bursting with music, puppets and laughs.

WATERMANS THEATRE, BRENTFORD

The Chronicles of Atom and Luna Sun 6 Nov Epic tale for families is packed full of puppetry, music and lyrical text. Ages 7+.

David Gibb’s Family Jukebox Sun 13 Nov Brilliant live music that everyone in the family will enjoy. Ages 3-8.

Environmental Magic Sun 20 Nov A show packed full of magic tricks specially created to surprise, amaze and involve the audience. Ages 7-11.

Burglar Bill Sun 27 Nov Characters are brought to life with exciting set design, puppets, original music and songs. Ages 3-7.

Christmas With The 3 Billy Goats Gruff 17-20 Dec Interactive family treat with Swedish carols, live music and beautiful puppets. Ages 3+.

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner

Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.

The Body Shop

‘Create

Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3

‘Epic things to teach’

Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99

Personalised

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

Jamie Oliver’s

Christmas pudding gift jar

Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.

Milk chocolate trophy

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

One4all gift card

Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

Personalised resin coaster

Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99

Personalised mug

Remind them they’re the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

More Christmas gift ideas

Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Girls Support Girls

Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman –except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

The Book for Badass Women

The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99

Christmas hacks for parents

Keeping presents hidden

In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!

In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!

Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.

In the run up

Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals –families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you.

Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring. Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable.

Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.