Families Leeds & West Yorkshire Nov/Dec 2020

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Leeds & West Yorkshire

IN THIS ISSUE

Everything Christmas!

Win Toys for Christmas!

Micro Scooter + LOTS MORE!

Magazine

See inside

November/December 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 1

Escape to our beautiful Festive House and Grounds this Christmas

Christmas at Harewood Buy online at harewood.org/christmas

Harewood House Trust Registered charity in England no 517753

2 November/December

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CONTENTS

Editors Welcome Hello ho ho!

On the quiet, my other half and I are usually a bit bah humbug about Christmas. We roll our eyes at extravagant decorations, balk at the idea of Christmas shopping trips, and let’s just say we are pretty good at managing to contain our excitement in the queue to see Santa. But I for one have had an Ebenezer-like epiphany after the year we’ve all had.

Writing Christmas cards to family and friends to let them know we are thinking of them and sending love feels like the perfect thing to do right now. And in our own home, which has become our workplace as well, it will cheer us all up to get the decorations out and add some sparkle.

It’s been an absolute pleasure putting this issue together. I think we have all angles covered - gifts, cooking, decoration and cardmaking, ideas for a cheaper and more eco-friendly season – right through to the best family films.

I sincerely hope it helps see you and your family through this period, so save our link and keep it handy!

Wishing you a very merry Christmas.

In This Issue 4

Christmas part 1

12

Early Years

18

Christmas Gift Guide

20

Great Families® Toy Giveaway

21

Reader Offer

22

Family Life

24

Christmas part 2

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.

familiesonline.co.uk

See Santa – as arranged

by Susie Sparkles!

If you are worried about missing out on magical meetings with Santa this Christmas, Susie Sparkles and her wonderful team are here to help! They are the experts in bringing fabulous characters to life, visiting children across Yorkshire for birthdays and special occasions for many years.

Perhaps you’d like a letter from Santa, or a personalised video?

There’s even the possibility of a video call or, Santa visiting you outside your home, complete with a socially distanced photo opportunity!

On page 7 you can see a special message for Families readers.

November/ December 3

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

4 November/December

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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

familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 5

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

6 November/December

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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

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familiesonline.co.uk

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Don’t miss out on 12 months of giveaways!

Sign up HERE to receive each magazine to your inbox It’s free!

Magazine November/ December 7

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

8 November/December

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CHRISTMAS

office@childrenscornerchildcare.co.uk www.childrenscornerchildcare.co.uk

FLEXI-DAY PASS

Flexible childcare you can count on

Get in touch: Call 0113 257 5625 or email us We can offer you flexible childcare at your convenience with just 24 hours notice.

Feeling the strain of working from home with a child clambering on your desk?

Been called to an impromptu meeting at the office?

No longer able to rely on grandparents for help?

Our Flexi-Day Pass is designed to help families who need ad-hoc childcare and who are unable to commit to a set pattern each week.

Choose from six nursery settings in Leeds offering the highest quality childcare. Let us reduce your family’s stress and provide reassurance. familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 9

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!

10 November/December

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! familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Here’s Humbug! An innovative CovidSafe Christmas show Family favourite theatre company Wrongsemble is returning this Christmas with an exciting digital production.

You can enjoy seven filmed episodes of Humbug throughout December, with an interactive Humbug Fact File sent directly to your homes.

Humbug takes place deep beneath the city, where a secret world full of wonder awaits in the Ministry of Make Believe…

Tickets cost £10 for the whole family, and include the fact file, filled with 13 artefacts. Running from 1-31 December.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS.

Saturday 5th December 2020, 12-4pm at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, LS11 9QX This year's Fayre will feature an array of market stalls full of gifts and tasty treats, live music, festive stories and carolling led by The Holbeck Choir.

With mulled wine and a choice of hog roast or vegan lunch which are all pay what you decide.

slunglow.org

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November/ December 11

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.

12 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

27 Nov 2020 –3 Jan 2021 Advance booking essential

Lotherton's magical family Christmas returns with changes for your safety

thechristmasexperience.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 13

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

Be Inspired Virtual Open Doors - Sat 17 November Leading independent education for boys and girls ages 3-18 • Unique diamond model offering all through education • Excellent exam results • Extensive purpose-built facilities

• Outstanding co-curricular provision • Transport service to many areas • Accessible, semi-rural location in North Leeds

0113 228 5121 | admissions@gsal.org.uk

14 November/December

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EARLY YEARS

Children’s Corner Children’s Corner, a Leeds nursery chain, has launched a unique flexi-day pass to offer parents reassurance during this difficult time.

With settings in Farsley, Rodley, Bardsey, Headingley and Leeds City Centre, Children’s Corner provide childcare with just 24 hours notice. If you’re feeling the strain of working from home with your little one demanding attention, and perhaps can no longer rely on grandparents for help, it is perfect.

The service is open to anyone who needs ad hoc childcare over a period of at least three months. It’s designed to help parents who need childcare but who don’t necessarily need the same days each week. There is a minimum booking of three days per month, and if you need to book more ad hoc days during your three-month period, you need to give 24 hours notice.

You can use different settings, subject to availability, and each child will each be given a key worker regardless of how often they attend, to support settling in to Children’s Corner’s loving home-from-home environments.

For more information email office@childrenscornerchildcare.co.uk, call 0113 257 5625, or visit the website.

Unlock Your Child’s Inner Superpowers

To feature your business in our next issue Call 07799 667041

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 15

Looking for expert legal advice? we can help.

KEY STAGE 3 AND GCSE LESSONS AVAILABLE Looking for expert legal advice? we can help.

www.emsleys.co.uk 16 November/December

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EARLY YEARS

WIN! Childrens books by local author Local mum Sara Hall has published a series of children’s books featuring a house full of delightful animal characters. The books, aimed at very young children, include Frog Wants a Friend and Hedgehog Wants to be Happy.

“I’ve worked with children for more than 22 years and have always been passionate about their reading and finding new ways to engage them,” said Sara, who lives in Leeds.

She added, “The messages in my books are that we are all special and unique, that difference is good, and we should be proud of who we are.”

The books, published by Skiddadle Books, retail at £6.99 each, or at the moment you can order two for £10. Visit www.facebook.com/skidaddlebooks CLICK HERE to be in with a chance to win two of Sara’s books.

Samuel is Children’s Mayor Samuel Hill from Carr Manor Community School had been elected as the 18th Children’s Mayor of Leeds. This year, despite the complications of Coronavirus, over 3,500 children and young people voted in the elections.

Samuel’s winning manifesto was all about Being Yourself and Respecting Others and over the coming year he will be supported

by Leeds City Council to bring his idea to life. familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 17

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.

Roary and Buddy

Fun, beautiful, unique. Hand-painted personalised prints.

Best Years Dino Love

Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too!

Age 0+. £14.99.

18 November/December

Munchy Play Plate

Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.

Young Driver Drive-tastic

Space Magnetic Pack

An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme.

Ages 5+. £25.

Little Gym Vouchers

Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience!

Ages 5+ £32.99.

Gift Vouchers for seriously fun classes.

Together Equal Conversation Cards

Gruffalo Micro Scooter

Great stocking filler.

Thought-provoking conversation starters.

Ages 7+. £7.99.

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.

Unique, award-winning Make junk into working A colour changing puzzle game with toys using problemmotorised ball for baby solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges.

Ages 6+ £19.99.

6-10. From £9.99. £16.99.

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 19

FAMILY LIFE CHRISTMAS

The Great Families® Toy Giveaway!

WIN! 1 of 3

WIN! T&Cs apply 1 of 3

WIN!

Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter

Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid

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

T&Cs apply

20 November/December

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READER OFFER

Plan your Escape to the Coast

Organising a family holiday may feel like a pointless activity right now.

But, when circumstances allow, a change of scene and quality time together are still important.

A self-catered cottage holiday, not too far from home, via a trusted local and flexible booking agent, is a great option.

We’ve teamed up with Runswick Bay Cottages to give Families readers a preferential rate on one its family-friendly properties Coastguard Cottage.

Staithes. It’s a wonderful place for families to explore the fabulous coastline.

It’s perfect for a family of 6 with travel cot and highchair available, a large garden and just a short stroll from the beach.

There’s a minimum three-night stay and Runswick Bay Cottages will respond to changing Covid measures with either the option to cancel or move your booking.

Runswick Bay is a hidden gem on the Yorkshire Coast, a quiet former fishing village eight miles north of Whitby and two miles south of

For more information or to book, call 07970 300068 or email stay@runswickbaycottages.co.uk www.runswickbaycottages.co.uk *** READER OFFER*** Quote FamLWY when booking to receive your 15% discount on Coastguard Cottage.

Offer excludes bank holidays and is valid until 1 September 2021.

familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 21

FAMILY LIFE

WIN International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle!

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.

Top Self-Care Tips for Working Parents

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 22 November/December

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. familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

How to Have a Thrifty Christmas

How Many Toys Does a Child Need?

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

Toys have a way of taking over.

Before you know it, you are knee-deep in discarded Lego and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored, the house is a mess and no one is happy. Most families have too many toys and more toys actually equals less play. Why is this?

READ MORE

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

November/ December 23

CHRISTMAS

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

It’s a tough time for everybody, so here are some different ways to support those in need.

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

Wear a Christmas Hat Day 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.

24 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

OOO – what a lovely idea!

Now, more than ever, we are all keen to support small, local businesses, and look out for unique, artisan gifts.

OOO Gifts – or Out Of the Ordinary Gifts to give its full title – provides artisan, ethical and sustainable gift boxes using independent, handpicked suppliers.

“Our aim is to help and encourage the support of small independent UK businesses when buying gifts,” explained Victoria Green, who established the Burley-in Wharfedale-based company with her sister Kelly.

“Our network of amazing, handpicked suppliers is what really makes us unique,” she added. “We have lovingly created a range of quality, thoughtful and unusual gift boxes to send to friends and loved ones - without the hours of online searching.

And now, you can also build your own box! We have Christmas gifts for men and women, from sweet treats to stationery, relaxing home spa and natural skincare products.

Boutique or bespoke gift boxes – there’s something for everyone!”

Visit the website to shop online.

familiesonline.co.uk

November/ December 25

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

26 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 27

Free £5 bonus when you make your first purchase!

As you tick off the turkey, brand new sofa and Christmas presents off your lists - you can tick off the biggest gift of all when you shop with KidStart...

Together we can help make a brighter future for your child.

Every time you shop at one of our 2,300 partners, we top up your child’s account for free.

28 November/December

Make your money go even further this Black Friday, Christmas and beyond...

Search for a retailer and click to Shop Shop as normal Feel great as you watch your child’s savings grow-ho-ho-ho!

Sign up now!

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