We have everything you need for a perfect family Christmas in this issue, including the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and more.
And we’ve also got a bumper What’s On listing – oh yes we have! Find out where to visit Santa, see pantomimes and Christmas theatre, trails, activities and so much more.
Turn to page 31 and get planning! Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.
Finally, in this issue we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag.co.uk/go.
I hope flicking through these pages helps get you in the festive spirit, and that you and your family have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Baby Week Leeds is back for another year with lots of events on offer! Taking place from Nov 14 to 20, it is a celebration of all things baby, bringing sectors and services together to promote the best start in life.
Find out what’s going on and sign up HERE
From Nov 25 to Jan 8 at the Carriageworks Theatre, Cinderella escapes her rags and wicked stepsisters to attend the Royal Ball. With the help of loyal friend Buttons and a sprinkling of fairy godmother magic, she dances the night away with the charming prince. MORE HERE
Christopher’s Christmas
Visit Santa in the traditionally decorated Victorian streets of Abbey House Museum. Meet and greet Santa, pose for pictures and receive a gift. The festive streets of 19th century Leeds will include magical decorations, silly hats for selfies, a letter writing station and more. MORE HERE
Christopher’s Christmas is written especially for children aged two to seven and their families, and is a Makaton Friendly performance. Told using beautiful puppets and stunning scenery, Christopher’s Christmas is a new wintery tale for the whole family at Carriageworks Theatre from Dec 18 to 31.
MORE HERE
White Rose Shopping Centre’s muchloved Christmas grotto returns this year, joined for the first time by a magical ice rink outside in The Village.
The ice rink will be open to visitors of all ages from November 10, with special events including Parent and Toddler and Quiet Sessions. Skating aids and bob skates are also on hand for little ones, and those needing an extra hand with their balance.
White Rose restaurants Starbucks, Wagamama, Five Guys, Fridays, and the new Wetherspoon, The Scribbling Mill will be offering warming refreshments to skaters and shoppers.
Families are also invited to meet the man in red and receive a gift at the grotto from November 11.
Pre-booking advised for the grotto and ice rink HERE.
Festive magic is in abundance Lotherton’s Christmas
Experience. Visit Santa Under the Wishing Tree in the Elf Village. Play with the installations and enjoy festive traditions on the woodland walk. Discover fairies in their secret hideaway Fairy Dell and much more.
MORE HERE
Fill a festive day at Harewood this winter. The stunning gardens and grounds are full of unique play spaces, hidden corners to explore, and importantly, lots of places for delicious food and drink! In the house, discover Long Live the Christmas Tree! (12 Nov to 2 Jan).
MORE HERE
Enjoy a magical experience with your littles ones at Ice Cube @ Christmas in Leeds City Centre.
Boasting a covered ice rink, festive street food as well as winter-themed rides and attractions, it returns to Leeds City Centre from Nov 25 to Dec 31. There’s a Penguin Club and one-to-one skating lessons too.
WIN! We have a family ice skating ticket to give away. The ticket covers four people, who can be one adult and up to three children or two adults and two children.
To be in with a chance of winning enter HERE. T&C’s apply.
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.
Christmas 2022 and 2023 on sale now Visit SantasLapland.com
Activities include: Santa visit, arts and crafts, Christmas games and a giant snow globe.
Parents are welcome to enjoy a drink and cake at our Christmas café whilst the children get into the festive spirit in our safe indoor and outdoor learning spaces with highly qualified and experienced staff. As this is a very popular event, early booking is encouraged. Either scan the QR code below or email our registrar at hthompson@huddersfield-grammar.co.uk.
By Gabrielle Nash
Black British history is British history and so the teaching of it in schools across the UK is imperative. Why? Only when this is the case can every student understand and acknowledge the contributions that Black Britons have made to this country.
READ MORE
Understanding subtle forms of bullying
Has your child just started school? Are you discovering all sorts of unfamiliar school practices and processes as well as strange new terminology and acronyms to understand and get used to? If so, our guide will help you get to grips with these.
Is your mental image of a bully someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child being pursued by bullies on their device? But what about more subtle types of bullying? How do you recognise these? And are they actually bullying?
READ MORE
By Gabrielle Nash
If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times!
Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?
School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.
You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which
you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.
Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient? READ
citymuseum.leeds.gov.uk
Little Seedlings run pregnancy, baby and toddler classes that focus on development in a fun, easy way. Each class includes messy play, rhymes and activities that cover all areas of learning, focusing on both the adult and child.
lucy@littleseedlingsuk.com
littleseedlingsuk.com
Number Train is a fun and interactive introduction to maths for preschool children designed and delivered by an experience primary maths specialist.
With a different theme each week, sessions keep your child engaged with games, action songs, art and craft. Call 07852 989523 numbertrain@hotmail.com numbertrain.co.uk
Helping you to make beautiful memories with your baby whilst supporting their cognitive development.
Baby Sensory stimulates all of the senses with different weekly themes, set in a fantastic Baby Sensory Centre, the perfect place to meet others and have fun with your baby.
Sensory, play-based music and singing classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
The 40 minute sessions provide your children with a lovely opportunity to socialise and develop in a creative and stimulating environment.
Call 0844 5781043
The Little Gym provides classes for children from 4 months to 12 years. They use movement, music, learning and laughter to nurture ongoing skill development and boost self-esteem. Children progresses at their own pace, having fun and building confidence as they develop new skills. Call 0113 3359915 leeds@thelittlegym.co.uk
Pyjama Drama develops key skills by creating imaginary worlds for children to explore through play.
From blasting into space to dancing with the dragons, each weekly adventure supports language and communication, develops physical skills, and targets social skills.
sara@pyjamadrama.com
Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and adults will make everyone’s day without costing the earth.
Nature Curious subscription boxes
Explore British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets & nature prints. £20 per month.
Barekind bamboo socks
Bright and colourful stocking filler helps save the endangered animal on them! £7.50
Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95
Play Kits
subscription boxes
Sustainable & organic kits support pre-school brain development. From £80
Bake at Home gingerbread people kit
Home-delivered. Delicious ready-made dough, cutter & recipe. £15
DIY lip tint or cheek balm kit
Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients. Plastic-free. £19.99
Tartan wool blanket
Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres. £32
Halo water bottle
Insulated, compact, lightweight, handbag & pocket-friendly. Hydration on the move. From £22
Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded cashmere jumpers. £24
26 Nov – 31 Dec 2022
Step into our new festive woodland walk. Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and much more.
Advance booking required. Visit thechristmasexperience.co.uk
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 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 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
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.
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.
Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.
Two West Yorkshire nursery groups have been incorporated into Kids Planet .
Nine former Kinder Haven nurseries in Leeds and Bradford, and six Twinkles nurseries in North and West Yorkshire, have now become part of the Kids Planet Group, which runs more than 130 nurseries across the UK.
Kids Planet provides neutral spaces, open-ended resources, and an emphasis on nature and the environment, with an ethos that puts children’s interests at the heart of everything.
Find a Kids Planet nursery near you HERE
Twinkles Nurseries has rebranded! We are now part of Kids Planet, still providing quality child-centred care and learning for children 0-5 years, open Monday to Friday in the following locations:
Boston Spa
Knaresborough
Church Walk
Oxford Place
Wetherby
Leeds White Rose
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
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
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
Are
dreaming of holidaysSummer? Winter?
A trip to the French Alps is a great option for both. Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine, France, all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the community. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, and unrivalled in-house childcare.
For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home.
More about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter HERE
Emsleys Solicitors and Estate Agents is supporting Leeds children’s charity Zarach this year, raising money and awareness.
The firm is collecting items for bed bundles – you can drop new items for donation to Emsleys’ offices in Colton, Rothwell, Crossgates, Garforth and Sherburn in Elmet.
New bed bundle items needed are: Single duvets, pillows, single duvet covers, single fitted sheets, pyjamas - Age 5-16, children’s toothpaste, adult toothbrushes, children’s shampoo, period products, hot water bottles.
If you have an Amazon account, you can also donate via the charity’s Amazon wishlist.
Find out more HERE or EMAIL to get involved.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
