FR EE
Herts
IN THIS ISSUE
Education Parenting Christmas The Great Christmas Toy Giveaway SEE INSIDE
November/December 2023
Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 1 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 2 November/December
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CONTENTS
Hello!
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!
10 Education
18 Christmas toy guide
14 Best UK Christmas experiences
20 Top family Christmas movies
16 DIY Christmas cards
22 Lovely Christmas leftover recipes
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.
17 Giveaways
23 Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
In our Education feature, discover more about multiple intelligences and find out the connection between growing sunflowers and maths skills.
Editor: Dale Harry Tel: 07958284983 Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk
/FamiliesHerts
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.
Dale
goblin theatre present
the ballad of Rudy tue 5 dec - sun 24 dec
Sing the blues with a Polar Bear, jam with the Puffins and beat-box with an Arctic Fox. It all happens at the North Pole Jazz Lounge. It’s gonna be coooool.
family ticket
£40 Week 1
Time
Mon 4th Dec
Week 2
Time
Week 3
‘A classic Christmas tale with a jazzy twist...’ Everything Theatre Funny, warm and with a big heart, this show features live music, original songs and lots of imagination that is guaranteed to have children aged 5 and up mesmerised from start to finish.
Time
Mon 11th Dec
10am/2pm
Mon 18th Dec
10am/2pm
Tue 12th Dec
10am/2pm
Tue 19th Dec
Wed 6th Dec
10am/2pm
Wed 13th Dec
10am/2pm
Wed 20th Dec
4pm
Thu 7th Dec
10am/2pm
Thu 14th Dec
Thu 21st Dec
11am/2pm/4pm
Fri 15th Dec
10am/2pm
Fri 22nd Dec
11am/2pm/4pm
Sat 9th Dec
11.30am/2pm
Sat 16th Dec
11.30am/2pm
Sat 23rd Dec
11am/2pm/4pm
Sun 10th Dec
11.30am/2pm
Sun 17th Dec
11.30am/2pm
Sun 24th Dec
10am/12.30pm
Tue 5th Dec
Fri 8th Dec
www.oldtownhall.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
book now
4pm
01442 228091 November/December 3
Do you have a child in year 5 or 6? Our FREE online maths test will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement. Go to aepublications.co.uk to take our test.
• Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability? • Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school? Take our free test to find out. After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology. * There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test. ** An email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.
4 November/December
aepublications.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk
Experience the captivating allure of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign as we guide you through a journey of meticulously crafted installations that pay homage to the Tudor period. This exclusive Christmas event is designed to enchant, educate, and transport you to an age of regality and wonder. TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK/CHRISTMAS/
Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 5
NEWS
Christmas at Hatfield House
Hatfield Park is delighted to welcome guests to its new festive experience – Fantastical Christmas Revels, hosted by Queen Elizabeth I. decorations, reminiscent of the There is so much to see and enjoy: extravagant feasts enjoyed by royalty. The Carriage of Elegance; admire a life-sized Tudor carriage adorned Christmas Kissing Bough; stand with intricate details, reflecting the beneath the festive bough, adorned opulence of Queen Elizabeth I’s with holly, ivy, and mistletoe, symbols courtly travels. of Tudor Christmas celebrations. Mummers’ Merriment; encounter The grand finale; a towering, merry mummers as they perform imposing figure of Queen Elizabeth I their traditional festive plays. herself, extending her royal welcome to one and all. Musical Renaissance; immerse yourself in the melodies of the era, as Fantastical Christmas Revels musicians serenade you with tunes from 30 November to 31 that echo through time and dancers December, closed Christmas Day sway to the music. and Boxing Day. For more info Table of Abundance; a sumptuous and tickets visit – WEBSITE banquet table laden with lavish
a family ticket to Rapunzel at The SandPit Theatre!
The critically acclaimed creative team that brought you Hansel & Gretel are back with more fun-fuelled pantomime madness; a joyful new twist on another old story, exciting and enjoyable festive entertainment. Rapunzel saves the day (and herself!) in this action packed, magical musical pantomime adventure at The SandPit Theatre, St Albans (The SandPit). HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning one of two family tickets (4 tickets per family) to the show, which runs 16-31 December, answer the following question correctly:
Email your answer, name and contact details to: editor@ familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date is 4 December. Terms and conditions.
What is the name of the theatre that’s showing Rapunzel? a The GrassPit b The DirtPit c The SandPit 6 November/December
Familiesonline.co.uk
GOSLING SPORTS PARK Discover a world of fun at Gosling Sports Park’s trampoline park and soft play - perfect for kids of all ages. Discover more at better.org.uk/gosling Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398.
Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 7
Come to a Lockers Park ‘Stay and Play’
Nursery Places Available Availability may be limited in certain age groups or booking patterns
FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS
Fun is an essential ingredient at Hertford Barns Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.
See the school Meet our boys Discover ‘the shrubs’ Register for our next Stay and Play or book a Private Headmaster Tour www.lockerspark.co.uk/admissions-process/stay-play Excellent results | Enthusiasm for life | Purposefully small
OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM
Please call 01707 392999 or email hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL
We look forward to hearing from you www.childbasepartnership.com
Samantha Hughes as Narcissia
Harry Hart
as Dame Dooy
YOUR CARPET AND SURFACES WILL LOVE US WITH EVERY FIBRE OF THEIR BEING
Stefan Gough
as Herbie the Huntsman
Joseph Connor
Abi Fullard
as Prince Simon
as Snow White
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01923 605 020 | www.zerorezuk.com 8 November/December
15 - 31 December 2023 Box Office: 01707 645005 wyllyoostheatre.co.uk
Wyllyoos Theatre, Darkes Lane, Pooers Bar, Herts EN6 2HZ
Familiesonline.co.uk
You’ll be walking in the air... “Sheer theatrical magic” The Times
Sadler’s Wells presents the Birmingham Rep production of
The stage show based upon the book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates
White
Music and Lyrics by Howard Blake
Choreographed by Robert North Directed by Bill Alexander Design by Ruari Murchison Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell
Family of 3 from £90*
*Family of 4 from £120. £3.50 booking fee for online and telephone bookings. 50p per ticket building maintenance levy applied to all bookings
18 Nov - 30 Dec 2023
Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 9
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
10 November/December
Familiesonline.co.uk
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
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY
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 Familiesonline.co.uk
Katamino Classic 1 available Ages 6+
Ages 3+
Ages 3+
Biggies 10 available
Paint Pot Spin & Create Set 10
available
T&Cs Apply
APPLY HERE November/December 11
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.
12 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 13
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.
14 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 15
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
16 November/December
Familiesonline.co.uk
GIVEAWAYS
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY K3YRIDERS 2 in 1 3D Perrycornio Plush Helmet & 3 Wheeled Scooter 2 available
SIGN UP NOW Fireman Sam Ultimate Ages Hero 3+ 2 available
Ages 3+
Never want to miss another issue?
Tonka Hat & Belt Set 5 available
Ages 3+
IT’S FREE
T&Cs Apply
APPLY 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 17
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 18 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 19
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. 20 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
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk
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.
November/December 21
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. 22 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
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19
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21
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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 23