Families Edinburgh Magazine Nov/Dec 22 (Digital)

IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas Shows & Panto What’s On

Free Christmas gifts for our readers!

Magazine

Digital Issue 134 November / December 2022

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Christmas gifts to give away!

Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate 1 available

Kids

Grown ups

Tinted Lip Balm Kits 3 available Empowering Grown ups Book Bundle 5 bundles

Nature Curious Activity Box Kids Annual Subscription

Confidence Booster Book Bundle 5 bundles

T&Cs apply 2 November/December

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Magazine

Kids

Familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t be an energy VAMPIRE! Get your kids involved in saving energy this winter with this special downloadable kit from PlanBee. It will save you money and help the planet!

DON’T BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE! Switch off the following electrical devices at the socket when you have finished using them:

Lamp

Phone charger

Computer

Games console

Television

Some appliances should not be turned off. DON’T TURN OFF your fridge, freezer or boiler, for example. If you are unsure, ask an adult.

Put these mini posters above any light switches in your classroom or home DON’T WASTE ENERGY!

BE ENERGY AWARE!

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

BE ENERGY AWARE!

DON’T WASTE ENERGY!

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.

www.planbee.com

www.planbee.com

ENERGY SAVING IDEAS

Turn off the lights when you are not in the room and switch off unused devices at the socket.

Don’t leave the water running when you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands.

Instead of immediately putting the heating on, try wearing a jumper and thick socks first.

Take a short shower instead of a bath - you’ll save water as well as the energy needed to heat it.

Make a ‘no-cook’ meal once a week - create a dish that uses no energy to produce.

Have a ‘no energy’ family night - read together, tell stories, play board games etc.

www.planbee.com

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE

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November/December 3

The screen free audiobook player for kids aged 3-12

Classes in-

pre-school commercial rad ballet acro jazz adult dance tap ASN contemporary + More!

Phone/Email to book your FREE taster class!

The ideal Christmas gift

Readers offer: 15% off this Christmas with code FAMILIES - valid until 21st Dec.

buy at voxblock.co.uk

hello@eda.scot

0131 334 4299

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Free gifts!

For kids Confidence Booster Book

Bundles

Nature Curious Activity Box Annual Subscription

Free taster session 7th January

Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE Magazine 4 November/December

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

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way.

Ages 3-6. £19.99

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills & self-regulation.

Ages 4+. £17

Carcassone

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

Familiesonline.co.uk

Life on Earth memory and matching game

Great for encouraging focussed attention.

Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

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

Melissa and Doug Sequence for Kids Involves taking turns, Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills.

Ages 4+. £21.99

planning & prioritising.

Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Kingdomino

Rat-a-tat Cat

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay.

Ages 8+. £22.35

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49 November/December 5

Your one-stop healthy food shop

, Thousands of vegan, vegetarian l ica and organic, free-from, Fairtrade, eth from eco-friendly products to choose Visit Real Foods for all your natural, healthy and nutritious plant-based ingredients 37 Broughton Street EH1 3JU & 8 Brougham Street EH3 9JH

www.realfoods.co.uk natural healthy ethical shopping •

Free gifts!

For you

•

•

BY RACHEL HUGGINS & CORRINA HEWAT

Tinted Lip Balm Kits DECEMBER 2022

1, 8, 15, 17, 20

Book tickets at:

www.DragonSongProductions.co.uk

Show times (30 mins duration):

9:30 am; 10:30 am; 1.30 pm; 2.30 pm

CHILDREN/BABIES: £10 ADULTS: £8

(all entrants must have a ticket)

2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 19 9:30 am; 10:30 am

Empowering Book Bundles

4, 11, 14

2:00 pm; 3:00 pm

1—3, 8—10, 15—17, 19—20 11.30 am (30 mins)

Magazine 6 November/December

*while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE APPLY HERE

LifeCare, Stockbridge 2 Cheyne Street EH4 1JB @DragonSongProductions:

Familiesonline.co.uk

A BRUNTON PRODUCTION

17 - 31 DEC 2022 MAGICFEST.CO.UK Written & directed

by John Binnie

Laugh, sing and join in, with a fun packed family panto!

Rediscover your sense of wonder!

For dates & times visit

23 Nov to 31 Dec 2022

thebrunton.co.uk T

0131 653 5245

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call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your festive painting session pottery painting fun birthday parties unique gifts for all occasions baby hand & footprints clay imprints take home kits vouchers 100s of colours to choose from

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January / February 2023 NEW EXPANDED PREMISES www.doodlescotland.co.uk

27-29 Marchmont Cres EH9

£20 deposit required when booking

Great Big Birthday Party Guide Book now - 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

November/December 7

  THE HERALD

THE LIST

The Snow Queen A GLITTERING WINTER TALE

Sat 19 Nov to Sat 10 Dec FESTIVAL THEATRE SQ22_FamiliesMag_87Wx 62H.indd 1

06/10/2022 16:12

Sat 17 Dec to Sun 22 Jan FESTIVAL THEATRE

Sat 17 Dec to Wed 4 Jan THE STUDIO

Royal Collection.qxp 30/10/2022 20:06 Page 1

Christmas Activity Day

Saturday 17 December 10am - 3pm

www.rct.uk/whatson/edinburgh 8 November/December

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A

R O Y A L

L Y C E U M

T H E A T R E

A DA PT ED BY

E D I N B U R G H

P R O D U C T I O N

T ON Y COW N I E CHARLES DICKENS

F ROM T H E NOV EL BY

“one of the world’s greatest Christmas stories”

“marvellously vivid”

“Fun for all the family”

“delightful”

The Herald

Edinburgh Guide

EdinburghFestival.org

The Scotsman

“Magical”

“festive fun”

The Skinny

What’s on Stage

24 November – 31 December 2022

Tickets 0131 248 4848 | lyceum.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd is a Registered Company No. SC062065, and Scottish Charity Registered No. SC010509 Design: www.MadeBy.Do Photography: Mihaela Bodlovic

November/December 9

Application deadline

Thursday 1 December 2022

At George Heriot’s School, children learn to review and talk about philosophical theories and ideas from the age of 4.

Our Learning Enhancement department covers resilience, mindfulness, how to think and philosophy, equipping pupils with invaluable life skills.

Heriot’s welcomes new pupils to almost every year group, with most children joining in Primary 1, Primary 6, Primary 7 or Senior 1.

A co-educational school from 4 –18 with a golden learning legacy.

george-heriots.com George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463

Experience

Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board Registered Charity No SC009747 ESMS FAMILIES ADVERT 180x130 AW.indd 10 November/December

1

13/10/2022 10:12 Familiesonline.co.uk

When a marriage breaks down, what are the options?

There is no doubt that separation and divorce are unpleasant events (to say the least) for any family and they can signal the start of a difficult and stressful time for all involved.

While some separations are very amicable and straightforward, disputes arise in family situations from time to time and naturally when a couple decides to separate. Normally, couples need to resolve financial issues and arrangements for children. If a dispute does arise, it’s worth knowing the options open to you.

Do I need legal advice?

Arbitration

Often, couples can resolve disputes themselves by direct discussion or negotiations through a third party such as a family member. But if the dispute involves a significant amount of money or assets, it is probably a good idea for both parties to take legal advice even if they can reach an agreement without the involvement of solicitors

However, if no agreement is reached, another option to be considered is arbitration. Arbitration is similar to court proceedings. However, it is different in that the parties themselves choose the arbitrator who will decide on their case.

What is mediation?

When might you have to go to Court?

Sometimes direct discussion isn’t possible or an agreement can’t be reached this way. In these circumstances, mediation is a popular option for many families.

Mediation means that parties discuss the dispute with the help of a trained mediator. A mediator is a neutral party who won’t take sides or give legal advice.

Their role is to guide the parties toward a constructive solution.

Collaborative Process If mediation is not wanted or doesn’t result in a solution, then a more formal method of dispute resolution will be needed. If both parties have engaged solicitors who are trained in collaborative practice, then a collaborative process can be undertaken.

A collaborative process involves four people (the two parties and their solicitors) working together to try to find a solution to the dispute. Typically, the four parties would have a series of meetings, this can be an effective way for couples to reach an agreement, without going to court.

The advantage of this process is that a decision will be given. Before embarking on arbitration, the parties will agree that the decision will be binding.

Although usually a last resort, an alternative to the arbitration route is court proceedings. The main advantage of this process is that a decision will be made that will be enforceable.

However, any hearings that are fixed have to fit in with the court timetable and there can be a significant delay in securing dates for a hearing. Court proceedings are also expensive.

Speak to the experts At Gibson Kerr, we understand that every family is different. There is no one best option for all disputes and each needs to be considered on its own. You should discuss with your solicitor which method is likely to be most successful in your particular circumstances.

If you want to talk to one of our experienced and friendly family law solicitors to discuss dispute resolution in relation to a family dispute, please contact us at fiona.rasmusen@gibsonkerr.co.uk or by telephone on 0131 226 9161.

When a marriage breaks down, get the help you need to move on.

Marriages and relationships end for all kinds of reasons.

But whatever the circumstances, it’s always an upsetting time for the whole family and you can often end up feeling isolated and guilty, especially if there are children involved.

At Gibson Kerr, our friendly and experienced divorce solicitors have helped hundreds of people through this situation and we understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique. If you or someone close to you is going through a divorce or separation and needs a helping hand, get in touch for a chat. We can guide you through your options to ensure the best outcome for all. Because we know that family comes first.

For a no-obligation confidential conversation to understand your options, call our Family Law Partner, Fiona Rasmusen, on 0131 226 9161 or email fiona.rasmusen@gibsonkerr.co.uk. www.gibsonkerr.co.uk

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Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesEdinbur

November/December Families Edinburgh 5 11

Fun Scottish Dancing For All The Family!

Baby massage classes Carol-Anne Barnes BABY MASSAGE

Certified Infant Massage Instructor & Qualified Early Years Practitioner

Preschool parent-and-child sessions Visits to your school or nursery Family events, parties and fundraisers Ceilidhs for those with additional needs Email Caroline or Katy at ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com facebook.com/CeilidhKids

12 November/December

@CeilidhKids

Baby massage classes from birth to 12 months.

Connect with your baby through nurturing touch.

Meet other parents and share experiences.

Classes in Liberton & Penicuik.

1 to 1 sessions available on request.

Carol-Anne Barnes Baby Massage carolannebarnesbabymassage

Contact Carol-Anne to book a place: cbarnesbabymassage@gmail.com 07793541304

Familiesonline.co.uk

Top Advent Calendar Picks We give you the lowdown on some of our favourites for this Christmas season.

Smiggle Advent Calendar

RNLI Plasticine Advent Calendar

City Vehicles Advent Calendar Each door reveals a vehicle: police cars to double-decker buses. £25

25 days of surprises!

Includes mini notebook, highlighter & scented stationery. £20

Wooden Advent Calendar

The Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

Magic Advent Calendar

Instructions & plasticine to make a festive model behind each window. £20

A reusable traditional calendar with 24 magnetic ornaments. £9.99

Swizzels Sweet Factory Calendar

Enjoy 24 days of sweetie favourites. £5.

Familiesonline.co.uk

A unique advent calendar with 24 different experiments. £29.95

Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection

Beautifully illustrated storybook behind each window. £19.99

Learn 24 new magic tricks in December & give a magic show! £19.99

Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar 24 daily packs of handmade gourmet popcorn with range of flavours. £30

November/December 13

Get greener this Christmas Christmas trees

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

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery.

Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Use reusable, fabric crackers.

Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

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

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

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need.

Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours.

Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech.

Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts.

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.

Make your own decorations.

Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.

Pot grown tree care

Christmas leftovers

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

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

14 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

Eco Christmas gift guide 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.

Barekind bamboo Kabode Alphabet Nature Curious children’s bedding socks subscription boxes Explore British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets & nature prints. £20 per month.

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

Bake at Home gingerbread people kit

DIY lip tint or cheek balm kit

Sustainable & organic kits support pre-school brain development.

From £80

Tartan wool blanket

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres. £32 Familiesonline.co.uk

Home-delivered.

Delicious ready-made dough, cutter & recipe. £15

Halo water bottle Insulated, compact, lightweight, handbag & pocket-friendly.

Hydration on the move.

From £22

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

Plastic-free. £19.99

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded cashmere jumpers. £24

November/December 15

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

‘Epic things to The Body Shop ‘Create your Own’ teach’ personalised notebook gift pouch

Personalised ‘Thank you’ bracelet

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

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

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Jamie Oliver’s DIY Christmas pudding gift jar

Milk chocolate trophy

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

One4all gift card Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

16 November/December

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

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

Personalised resin Personalised mug Remind them they’re coaster

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

the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

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

Durham

Winchester

Norwich

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

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

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

Nottingham

Exeter

Kidderminster

Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes.

Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

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

Glasgow

Cardiff

Belfast

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

Familiesonline.co.uk

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

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

November/December 17

Christmas treats to make with the kids Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

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

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

Christmas cookie houses

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

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look.

The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

18 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas hacks for parents Keeping presents hidden

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

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

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

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

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

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

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

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

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

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

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

In the run up

On the day

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.

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.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t let your tree dry out.

November/December 19

More Christmas gift ideas Hot Wheels Car Plate

by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate.

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

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.

Girls Support Girls Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity.

There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman – except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

20 November/December

The Book for Badass Women The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes.

What is a badass woman?

Whatever the heck she wants to be!

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

Have yourself a crafty Christmas There are so many great decorations and accessories that the kids can make – so make the most of the opportunity Christmas offers for them to really get creative with these videos and instructions!

DIY origami Christmas tree

Christmas fairy

Easy paper baubles

CBeebies snowman socks

Simple gingerbread house

Easy paper Christmas wreath

Easy DIY crackers

Victorian kissing ball

Paper snowman

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 21

Let’s go crackers!

Do you fling a box of whatever’s closest to hand at the supermarket in your trolley with the mental note to research other options next year? If so, this is for you!

Racing pigs in blankets crackers

Make Your Own crackers

Nutcracker crackers

Joke, snap, hat & pullback racing pig + racetrack. £19.99

DIY colour in cracker kit. £14.50

Joke, hat, snap & handpainted tree decoration. £19.99

Who or what am I game crackers

Game cards, headbands & winners crown. £14.99

Giant popcorn cracker

Giant cracker & 6 salted caramel popcorn bags, hats and jokes. £16

Xylophone musical crackers

Bowling crackers

Recycled origami crackers

Bingo crackers

6 bowling pins, a ball and bowling alley. £12.54

22 November/December

Everything needed to make an origami shape. £17

Hat, snap, joke & xylophone piece. £30

Family friendly bingo game, paper hat & joke. £29 Familiesonline.co.uk

Free gifts!

For you

Tinted Lip Balm Kits

Free gifts!

For kids Confidence Booster Book

Bundles

Nature Curious Activity Box Annual Subscription

Empowering Book Bundles

Magazine

*while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE APPLY HERE

Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE Magazine

Start your wiggly, wobbly Weeble collection!

Get your FREE toy now!*

Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

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*while stocks last T&Cs apply

November/December 23