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IN THIS ISSUE
Everything Christmas! Craft ideas, gift guide & activities Christmas cooking with the kids Christmas decorations to make
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Issue 41 November/December 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
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Familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 1
Toy Giveaway! Vroom Vroom Plate
Conversation Cards
Sword & Shield Sets
Micro Scooter
Knitted Diplodocuses
Driving Experience
Space Magnetic Pack
Mermaid Tails
Robo Wunderkind
Animal Wall Prints
Germ German Attack Games
See Gift Guide for details
2 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
In This Issue
Welcome
4
Education
9
Christmas part 1
It’s not long until Christmas, and, whilst it will feel different to usual, there will still be plenty to organise.
10 Seasonal Acts of Kindness 12 Christmas Gift Guide 14 Great Families® Toy Giveaway 16 Local Festive Events 21 Christmas part 2 22 Early Years 24 Appointing a Guardian for your children 27 Christmas part 3
So we’ve got every angle covered – gifts, cooking, decoration and card-making, ideas for a cheaper and more eco-friendly season, the best family films and ideas for Christmas Eve traditions. So save our link and keep it handy! Marking our 30 year anniversary, we are also delighted to bring you the Great Families® Toy Giveaway – check out the opportunity to win toys from our Gift Guide. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Get in touch
Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
Get outside this Christmas
Celebrate Christmas in the open air this December!
Visit our grounds and see our website for festive events! gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
Selborne, Hampshire, GU34 3JH familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS SOUNDS AMAZING AT WINCHESTER SCIENCE CENTRE Weekends and school holidays: 5 Dec - 4 Jan BOOK NOW | www.winchestersciencecentre.org November/ December 3
EDUCATION
Choosing a Tutor for your Child
Primary School League Tables Explained
By Kate Hilpern
By Annabel Gray
In the past, parents might employ a tutor, discreetly, to help their child keep up at school. Now tutoring is higher profile and focuses on making students more academically competitive – getting ahead, not just keeping up. So if your child needs a tutor, how do you choose one? READ MORE
There are many factors to consider when choosing a school for your child – often including how well the school is performing. A useful tool to reference is the school annual league tables. Unfortunately though, these can sometimes seem a little complicated. READ MORE
Improving your Child’s Working Memory
Why Children Should Write Creatively
Children use working memory all the time: to remember what they read in the previous paragraph of a book, when doing mental maths and to follow directions with lots of steps. The good news is that, if your child’s working memory seems poor, it can be improved with practice. READ MORE
Every day children experience events that are new to them as well as adding new words to their vocabulary. These new experiences help them to develop a curious mind and can trigger ideas which then develop into stories or creative writing. So what benefits does this have? READ MORE
4 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Year 7 Entrance Examination – 8th January 2021 •
SOCIALLY DISTANCED EXTERNAL TOURS ARE AVAILABLE
•
CLICK TO PLAY OUR VIDEO
Live lessons for all pupils
St Nicholas’ School fleet • hampshire
2019
An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16 • Hand sanitising stations throughout the school
• Fully Operational Bus Timetable - Basingstoke, Chineham, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Old Basing, Alton, Farnham, Camberley, Yateley, Farnborough
• Virtual Learning for quarantine or lockdown • New Head of Pastoral and Key Stage 3 and 4 • Brand new Interactive 4K UHD classroom screens
• Following current guidelines for year group ‘bubbles’ due to small classes
• After School Clubs
• Platform - Microsoft Teams www.Microsoft.com
• Online concerts, private music lessons and assemblies
Used with permission from Microsoft.
Best School in Hampshire for GCSE results
T. 01252 850121 | E. registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk @stnicholasschool | familiesonline.co.uk
@stnicholasfleet |
www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk
stnicholasfleet November/ December 5
EDUCATION
Cultivating happiness at Yateley Manor School For many parents, raising happy children is a key goal and signifies parenting success. However, too often we think happiness is about those fleeting moments of getting what we want. Lasting happiness is actually much more complicated, but much more rewarding. There are ways to teach children to develop happiness. Once survival, safety and basic comforts are assured, external circumstance does not affect our happiness levels much. Happiness depends on three habits to thrive: How we perceive our experiences; Certain actions that we take regularly; And character traits such as self-control, fairness, empathy, courage, leadership and honesty. The old saying that laughter is the best medicine turns out to be true. The more we laugh, the happier we are. It actually changes our body chemistry. Schools should be happy places. Staff should also model strong relationships. Research shows that people who are happiest have more people in their lives, and deeper relationships with those people. Children should be taught
Virtual Open Morning Friday 27 November Register your place here that while relationships take effort, they are worth it. A high quality education should place a child at the centre of their education. With an abundance of opportunities to develop character traits which will bolster a child’s confidence and allow them to find themselves, they will lead happy lives not only at school but into adulthood. Yateley Manor are preparing children for successful adult lives. They know that, beyond the need to be as successful as they can be academically, children need to experience success and immerse themselves in opportunities which will develop them as a person. They want children to be happy too. To really feel the strength of relationship between children and staff, and to see the breadth of opportunity on offer, please email tanja@yateleymanor.com
6 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Anti-Bullying Week 16-20 November
Protecting your Child from Cyberbullying
Should you Defer your Child’s School Start?
By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira
By Claire Winter
It’s been reported that 82% of parents said that their children’s screen time increased during lockdown, with some having an extra four hours or more of non-school related screen time per day. Given this increase, there is no question that cases of bullying will have increased. READ MORE
Are summer-born children disadvantaged? If so, should you consider deferring your child’s school start if they are summerborn? This topic has been hotly debated for years. Certainly, there are pros and cons, but generally no one-size-fits-all solution. READ MORE
Opportunity
Recognising a Subtle Type of Bullying
Nurture
Growth
Come and visit our family school
Virtual Open Morning Friday 27th November 9.30am tanja@yateleymanor.com familiesonline.co.uk
Yateley Manor
01252 405500 www.yateleymanor.com
By Tanith Carey Imagine this. Annabel spots classmate, Lisa, whispering to her best friend, Eve. Later, Eve informs Annabel that she only wants to play with Lisa today – and the two girls don’t save Annabel a seat at lunch. Tearful and confused, Annabel wonders what she has done wrong…. READ MORE November/ December 7
EDUCATION
Why Choose Sherfield School? Choosing a school for your child this year will be harder than ever. Sherfield School are aiming to make this process as easy as possible by offering private tours for you to see the school in action and meet their staff as well as online and phone meetings. Based in Hook, they offer education for boys and girls from all over the world, from 3 months-18 years. Having a diverse demographic of pupils is one of the reasons their pupils enter adulthood well-rounded and prepared. They have an extraordinary enrichment programme which promotes life-skills needed for everyday life, ‘soft skills’ that employers and universities look for, whilst giving pupils the opportunity to find out more about their interests and passions. In Reception Class they are able to offer three times more qualified teacher time which enables them to teach two adult-led Maths and Literacy sessions per week compared to bi-weekly sessions in most state schools. To find our more about what makes Sherfield unique or to book a tour please email admissions@sherfieldschool.co.uk or call 01256 884 800.
8 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Crafty Christmas Gifts for Teachers Make a homemade gift to say thank you to your teacher for their support this year.
Make a Pebble Teacher Paper Weight
Decorate a Plant Pot
Make a Jar of Chocolate Brownie Mix
Bake Flowerpot Bread
Knit an Apple
Make a DIY Pencil Holder
Put Together a Tea Wreath
Create a Cactus Pet Rock
Make Hot Chocolate Stirrers
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 9
CHRISTMAS
Seasonal Acts of Kindness
It’s a tough time for everybody, so here are some different ways to support those in need.
Wear a Christmas Hat Day
Centrepoint More Than a Christmas Dinner
NSPCC Letter from Santa
#FoodBankAdvent Reverse Calendar
RSPCA Christmas Appeal
Action for Children: Be a Secret Santa
BookTrust Give a Festive Book Parcel
Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day
Age UK Say Hello to an Older Neighbour
Support this vital research on 18 December for Brain Tumour Research.
Donate when you order Help a homeless young a letter from Santa for your child. person this Christmas.
Help rescue an Support your local food bank. Collect a Reverse abandoned/neglected animal. Advent Calendar.
Help a vulnerable child have a happier Christmas.
Brighten a vulnerable Ideas for supporting an child’s Christmas with a Get your silliest jumper older neighbour with special gift book parcel. small acts of kindness. out on 11 December and donate £2. 10 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Could this be your Business Franchise dream job? Opportunity Work flexible hours from home and around your family! Families Hampshire North is a premium free magazine for parents with children 0-12 and is now looking for a new owner. The Hampshire North franchise area covers Andover, Basingstoke, Bordon, Fleet, Hook and all areas inbetween.
Full training provided
Families Hampshire North Magazine is part of the brand-leading Families Magazine franchise group, which was established in 1990 and has 40 local titles around the UK. We are also celebrating 30 years this year! If you are interested in: •
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November/ December 11
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Wooden Shield/ Sword Set
Perfectly designed for little hands and big adventures. Ages 4+. £15.
PomPom Climbing Triangle
Munchy Play Plate
Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.
Space Magnetic Pack
An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme. Ages 5+. £25.
First-of-its-kind climbing triangle which can be folded away at night. Ages 3+. £325.
Young Driver Drive-tastic
Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience! Ages 5+ £32.99.
Christmas Cracker Puzzles
Best Years Dino Love
Together Equal Conversation Cards
Gruffalo Micro Scooter
Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too! Age 0+. £14.99. 12 November/December
Great stocking filler. Thought-provoking conversation starters. Ages 7+. £7.99.
Premium wooden puzzles in cracker packaging. Ages 3-8. £9.95.
Exclusive for 2020. Range of prints and colours. Ages 1-5. From £95.95. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Horrible Science Germ Attack
Planet Mermaid Tails
Smart Counting Football
Junko Zoomer Kits
Follow Me Ball
Penguins On Ice
Robo Wunderkind
Engenius Contraptions Marble Run
Animal Wall Prints
Imagination-stimulating Beautifully designed board game with a and created mermaid topical subject! Ages tails. 100% swimmable! 8+. £19.99. Ages 3+. From £33.99.
Counts up to 100 keepy-uppies with lights and sounds. Ages 6+. £20.
Make junk into working A colour changing Unique, award-winning toys using problemmotorised ball for baby puzzle game with solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges. 6-10. From £9.99. £16.99. Ages 6+ £19.99.
Award-winning robotics kits that teach coding through the joy of play. Ages 4-10. From £199. familiesonline.co.uk
Wooden perpetual motion marble run. Ages 10+. £28.99.
Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+. From £10. November/ December 13
CHRISTMAS
The Great Families® Toy Giveaway! WIN! 1 of 3
Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 3
Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter
Germ Attack Game from Horrible Science
Select 3 in 1 (12mths5yrs) or Mini (2-5 yrs).
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 2
WIN! 1 of 5
Sword & Shield Sets from Green Owl Toys
Conversation Cards from Together Equal
WIN! 1 of 2
Child’s Animal Print from Lauren May Illustrates
Knitted Diplodocus from Best Years
Vroom Vroom Plate from Munchy Play
WIN!
WIN!
WIN!
1 of 2 Young Driver Driving Experience (10-17yrs)
Space Magnetic Set from Time Flies for Kids WIN!
Explorer Lite from Robo Wunderkind
Good Luck!
ENTER HERE
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14 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Are You Dreaming of a Green Christmas?
Here are some of our ideas for an eco-friendly Christmas.
Buy a Living Christmas Tree
Keep it outside and bring in every year.
Free Christmas Gift Cheques
Avoid unnecessary gift giving and waste. Pledge to do something instead.
Buy Reusable Crackers
Fill with your own special gifts and surprises. familiesonline.co.uk
Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar Fill with your own treats each year.
Dedicate a Tree
Give a gift that keeps on growing.
Use Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
Make sure it is recyclable and, if possible, made from recycled paper.
Introduce Some Vegan Food
Reduce your carbon footprint by trying some vegan food.
Charity Christmas E-cards
Help a charity at same time as helping the planet.
Switch to LED Christmas Lights
Use up to 80% less energy than standard lights. November/ December 15
CHRISTMAS
Local Festive Events in December Following the Government guidance, please check with the venue before visiting. Most will require pre-booking. Correct at the time of publication.
Free Santa’s Grotto and Circus Fun At Princes Mead Shopping Centre Free Santa’s grotto 5 Dec and jugglers, magicians & more on 6 Dec. Pre book.
Christmas with The National Trust Enjoy a traditional Christmas at the National Trust, Hampshire. Subject to Covid Restrictions
Christmas Sounds Amazing at WSC 5–24 December Brand new free live science show with guest appearance from Santa.
Peter Rabbit and Friends at The National Trust Peter Rabbit™ winter adventure activity trail at National Trust venues across our region.
White Christmas at Gilbert White’s House 13 December Christmas fun, music, festive food and a variety of stalls.
A Victorian Christmas at Milestones Museum 4 Dec - 3 Jan. Experience a Victorian Christmas with your family at Milestones.
Real Christmas Trees at Alice Holt Come along and pick your perfect Christmas tree. Open 9am-4.30pm.
A Victorian Christmas at The Vyne Traditional Christmas scences. Plus Peter Rabbit™ winter adventure activity trail.
Winter at Marwell Get closer to the natural world and discover more about Marwell’s endangered animals.
Tickets on sale soon
16 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Your Christmas begins at... Alice Holt Forest Pick your perfect Christmas tree with the help of our specialist tree team Full details available at:
forestryengland.uk/aliceholt familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 17
CHRISTMAS
Peter Rabbit™ Activity Packs Online with The National Trust This winter, National Trust gardens in Hampshire, hope to invite families to a new Peter Rabbit™ winter adventure activity trail. In the meantime, you can help Peter and his famous friends prepare for the colder weather, with activity packs to get stuck in to, at home. Get to know favourite Beatrix Potter characters in the first activity pack, which includes printable scenes to colour in, instructions on how to create a home for wildlife, and facts for nature detectives. More packs will be added through to January 2021 so keep checking the website for new things to do. CLICK HERE FOR ACTIVITY PACKS
Santa turns scientist at Winchester Science Centre
Real Christmas trees at Alice Holt Forest
5-24 December Santa is swapping his big red coat for a lab coat at Winchester Science Centre as he makes a special guest appearance in the brand new free live science show, Christmas Sounds Amazing, part of the Science Centre’s exciting new visitor experience. Plus, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained from adventures through a giant guitar, outdoor nature experiments and the return of the free Sounds Like Science show. Ticket available soon. 18 November/December
Alice Holt near Farnham will have a huge selection of fresh trees. Why not enjoy the forest while you are there with its walking and cycling trails, play areas, wooden animal play structures and the ever popular Gruffalo sculptures. CLICK HERE for dates trees are for sale and updates and to find out which play areas and facilities are open. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Families Magazine turns 30!
To celebrate, we have FREEBIES for YOU! -In
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IN THIS ISSUE
Easter activities & What’s Ons for * Win chocolates Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers
2020 Issue 10 March/April
estkent.co.uk email: editor@familiesw
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Magazine November/ December 19
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Eve Traditions
Mix and match ideas for different parts of the day and create family traditions that your children will treasure.
Morning
Afternoon
Posh breakfast. Enjoy pancakes and bacon using festive plates and cups. Feed the birds. Hang edible treats or a feeder so the birds can have Christmas dinner! Make reindeer food. Mix edible glitter and oats to sprinkle outside for Rudolph and friends. Write a thank you letter to Santa. Encourage your kids to leave thank you notes for Santa. Create a Santa sack for others. Get your children to select unwanted toys for Santa to pick up and take to other children.
Bake something Christmassy. Gingerbread, shortbread, cookies or a cake. Exercise. A family walk or cycle will help your children settle to sleep on the big night. Set up a treasure hunt. Leave clues around the house for kids to find a special Christmas Eve present like a tree decoration. Family photoshoot. Take a family selfie. Compare with Christmas photos from previous years. Play a game. Introduce a new card game or play a board game.
Evening Snuggle up and watch a film, read a Christmas story or watch a panto. Leave food out for Santa. Don’t forget a carrot for Rudolph! Enjoy virtual Christmas carols. This year many organisations will be having carolling events online. Go on a family Christmas light walk. Get some fresh air and check out the neighbourhood Christmas lights. Carol singing. Wrap up warm and treat neighbours and friends to your angelic voices – at a safe distance! Hang up the stockings. Remember the most important tradition of all (as if you’d forget)! 20 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Cooking with the Kids Get the whole family busy in the kitchen with these exciting seasonal recipe ideas.
Mini Gingerbread Houses
Christmas Yoghurt Bark Slices
Rudolph Shortbread
Rudolph Pancakes
Santa Brownie Hats
Sweet Snowballs
Christmas Pudding Rice Krispie Cakes
Melted Snowmen Cookies
Kid’s Christmas Trifles
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 21
EARLY YEARS
Best Sing-Alongs for Learning Songs can help children learn and remember. Check out these great singalongs for under 5s.
Days of the Week Song
Counting to Ten in Four Languages There’s English, German, Portuguese and Indonesian.
Great for co-ordination and includes signing.
Shapes Song
Shape up with The Hippie Hippie Shapes in the CBeebies house.
Alphabet Song
Bring the alphabet to life with this memorable song and movement routine.
Months of the Year
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
12 Days of Christmas
So Many Colours to See
Learn the days of the week with Buzz the Bandleader.
Teaches co-ordination and body parts. 22 November/December
Sing and count with this popular Christmas song.
The Wheels on the Bus
Learn the months by singing along with Marvie from Sesame Street.
Learn about colours with The Wiggles.
familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
The Importance of Toddler Play By Dr Sarah Mundy
Play is an enjoyable part of childhood, and an important one for the developing brain. Through play, children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and creatively. It allows them to engage in the world in a way that feels safe, explore different roles, address fears, and develop confidence. Children who have parents who actively play with them, learn about sharing, problem solving and decision-making more quickly than those who don’t. Playing with your child also helps you understand their world and shows them you are interested in them, both important aspects of a secure attachment relationship, which is seen as the cornerstone of a child’s development. So playing with our children is very important, even though prioritising this can be difficult. But how do we initiate play? And what do we do? READ MORE
Unlock Your Child’s Inner Superpowers
Children’s charity Barnardo’s has launched the Super Seekers activity packs for children aimed at helping to develop life skills such as kindness, creativity and resilience. The packs are designed to help children ages 3 to 5 years develop important life skills through fun and imaginative play. FIND PACKS familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 23
FAMILY LIFE
The importance of appointing a guardian for your children Sian Lias from Phillips Solicitors incorporating Brain Chase Coles explains why it is so important to have a Will and who may become legal guardians of your children. Having recently returned to work from maternity leave, I know how challenging life can be with balancing work and family life. Yet regardless of this, I know that my greatest asset, albeit probably my most expensive liability too, is my daughter!
who have come to loggerheads when trying to decide who to appoint as Legal Guardians.
When it comes to making a Will so many people shrug off the idea claiming that they have nothing to leave to anyone. However, your Will not only covers your financial assets, but it can also determine who looks after your child or children in the event of the death of you and your partner.
It is important that both parents try to reach an agreement on who the Legal Guardians would be to avoid having potentially conflicting appointments. After all, whoever you appoint will take on parental responsibility for your children until they are 18 if you and your partner were to die.
It is often one of the most difficult conversations to have between parents and I, as a Wills and Probate solicitor at Phillips Solicitors, have sat in many a meeting with clients
While it is not easy to think of anyone else raising your children, by taking the time to consider this and update your Will with the appointment of Legal Guardians, will ensure that as parents, your wishes are met. If you would like more information, email sian.lias@phillips-law.co.uk, call 01256 854630 or visit the website. www.phillips-law.co.uk/willsprobate
24 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
How to Have a Thrifty Christmas
Top Self-Care Tips for Working Parents
The pandemic, lockdown, a slowdown in the economy, and job losses have affected many people’s finances across the UK, meaning less money to spend on Christmas. So here are some great festive money-saving tips from our Families® experts, to help you enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank. READ MORE
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge test of parents’ resilience and adaptability. So how can you last the distance? Mental well-being is crucial for the long haul - and because your mental health effects that of your children. Our friends at Working Mums have 8 top tips for looking after yourself if you’re a working parent. READ MORE
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 25
FAMILY LIFE
Storytelling Ideas for Parents By Becky Cranham www.planbee.com
Voice and Intonation Your tone of voice is crucial in engaging your children and helping them understand the story. Convey emotions by: Slowing or quickening your voice Changing the volume of your voice Making your voice higher/lower Use different voices for different characters.
Questions
Asking your child questions about what is happening and how they feel about it can help keep them engaged and following the plot.
Repeated Phrases Help Kids Join In
Think, the Three Little Pigs - “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!” Try books like Not Now, Bernard Green Eggs and Ham We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Use Story Tools
Tired brain? Use tools like Roll and Write Story Ideas Generator to come up with basic plots.
Build on Familiar Stories…
Use Wordless Picture Books
…and change the setting, characters or details. Turn Snow White into a cat who runs away from the evil cat queen and lives with a group of seven friendly squirrels!
Describe the setting, characters, and what they say. Encourage your children to join in. Do they agree with your version? Can they make up their own? Try: Flotsam Flora and the Flamingo The Snowman Owl Bat Bat Owl Clown Mirror Journey Once Upon a Snowstorm
Or add your child as a character in stories like The Little Mermaid or modern classics like Bob the Builder.
Draw on Life Experiences You may, of course, embellish/ leave out certain details! Tell your children funny stories about when they were younger. 26 November/December
Tell Stories Anytime, Anywhere…. …not just at bedtime!
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
WIN International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle!
T&Cs apply
ENTER HERE BY 24 NOVEMBER This is your chance to win 25 Personalised Christmas Elf Letters from the North Pole, worth £38.50. Hide these hand-crafted, ecofriendly letters around your home for your children to find each day in December and discover what the Elves are up to in the North Pole! The winner will also receive a letter from Father Christmas. Runners up will receive one of 5 sets of 7 Personalised Christmas Elf Letter NEWS or ACTIVITY Bundles. 20% off when you order HERE using FAMILYMAGIC20 at checkout.
Christmas if you’re Separated
By Rebecca Giraud and Bob Greig
All separated parents have a puzzle to solve at Christmas. How are you going to create a Christmas that is affordable, achievable, pleases the kids and works for your child’s other parent? None of this is easy… READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
Letter from Santa
What could be more special than a letter in the post from Santa? Children can receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail if they post their letter to him by 11 December. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. Letters must include your child’s full name and address. Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation. Order online by 9 December. November/ December 27
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Decorations to Make with the Kids
Tree House Decoration
Paper Plate Christmas Tree Twirler
DIY Wrapping Paper
Snowman Lantern
Paper Angel Garlands
Pine Cone Mouse
Paper Ball Reindeer
3D Christmas Tree
Paper Plate Santa
28 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Free £5 bonus when you make your first purchase!
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November/ December 29
CHRISTMAS
DIY Christmas Cards Kids love to make or colour their own and they are so much more special than bought cards!
Surprise Christmas Cracker Card
Tinsel Tree Card
Sesame Street Christmas Card
Hand-Stitched Christmas Cards
Confetti Christmas Card
Layered Christmas Tree Card
Snow Surprise Christmas Card
Reindeer Christmas Card
Fingerprint Light Cards
30 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Best Family Christmas Movies Snuggle up on the sofa with your family and some Quality Street or mince pies to watch a classic Christmas movie!
Home Alone
Elf
The Holiday
An 8 year old boy protects his house from burglars when he is left home alone.
A man-sized Elf (Will Ferrell) wreaks havoc on the elf community.
Cheesy rom-com. Kate Winslett/Cameron Diaz find romance on a home swap.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
It’s a Wonderful Life
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Love Actually
Miracle on 34th Street
Jim Carrey is the perfect Grinch in this memorable festive flick.
Great British actors, a brilliant soundtrack, a festive classic that can be watched every year! familiesonline.co.uk
Beautiful black and white classic for the whole family.
A Christmas remake that’s as charming as the 1947 original.
Loveable remake of Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, with Michael Caine.
Nativity
Fondly remember the chaotic nativity plays you’ve all endured/ enjoyed! November/ December 31
