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South East
November/December 2022
Familiesonline.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk November/December 1
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PRE-PREP OF THE YEAR
Rated ‘excellent’ in all categories
for Kindergarten from 2+ or call the office for chance vacancies in other year groups
The perfect setting for your child’s early schooling: } Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous five-year curriculum } Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life
} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ with that special Herne Hill School spark } Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm } Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 4.45/6pm depending on the year group
Herne Hill School The Old Vicarage 127 Herne Hill London, SE24 9LY 2 November/December
hernehillschool.co.uk enquiries@hernehillschool.co.uk 020 7274 6336 Familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
Welcome
In this issue
We have everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas in this issue, including the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and lots more. Plus if you fancy a festive UK family city break – which could double as a giftbuying opportunity – then investigate some of the cities that put on the best show in the lead up to the big day.
4
Saving energy downloadable
5
Education
Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.
23 Christmas recipes
12 Advent Calendars 14 Eco-Christmas 17 Teacher gifts 18 What’s On 24 Christmas hacks 26 Christmas decorations
27 Christmas crackers Finally, in this issue, we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag. Get in touch co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you Competition winners from our receive our digital magazine with lots more content July/August issue and goodies on offer.
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
A CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER
This kind of Christmas comes but once in a lifetime. Whisk your family away to magical Lapland where you’ll meet Santa and his cheeky elves. Christmas 2022 and 2023 on sale now Visit SantasLapland.com BOOK NOW
Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 3
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
4 November/December
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Reasons to teach black British history
The parents’ guide to primary school
By Ilhan Rayen Awed
By Gabrielle Nash
Black British history is British history and so the teaching of it in schools across the UK is imperative. Why? Only when this is the case can every student understand and acknowledge the contributions that Black Britons have made to this country.
Has your child just started school? Are you discovering all sorts of unfamiliar school practices and processes as well as strange new terminology and acronyms to understand and get used to? If so, our guide will help you get to grips with these.
READ MORE
READ MORE
Understanding subtle forms of bullying
Is your mental image of a bully someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child being pursued by bullies on their device? But what about more subtle types of bullying? How do you recognise these? And are they actually bullying? READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 5
EDUCATION
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. 6 November/December
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 Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Choosing the right primary school By Gabrielle Nash If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times! Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important.
likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.
Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about Practicalities are very important knowing which will be a good fit for too. Is the location of the school you and your child? convenient? The catchment area School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice. You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re Familiesonline.co.uk
READ MORE
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Calling all young Scientists! Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth through school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s BabyLab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies
020 3926 1207 babylab @bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk November/December 7
EDUCATION
What the parents say…. As part of a recent, anonymous parent survey, Herne Hill School in south London, the largest independent school in the UK focussing on early childhood education for 2-7 year-olds, asked parents about what they felt are the school’s greatest strengths. There was no end to the superlatives from parents with children in the Kindergarten. In particular, parents emphasised the level of care and attention their children receive. ‘Our daughter has been so loved. The pastoral care she has received at Herne Hill is the best I’ve ever seen’ one parent reported. Parents also spoke particularly enthusiastically about how engaged they find the Kindergarten team using words including ‘they really do go above and beyond daily’ and ‘we’ve been so very impressed.’ Pastoral care is a big strength in the eyes of parents from other year groups too. A Year 1 parent described it as ‘incredible’ and reported being unable to imagine better teachers or school staff.
Almost all the parents surveyed used either the word ‘nurturing; or ‘kind’ (or both!) when talking about the school. The kindness of the school’s teachers and staff extends into an emphasis on kindness generally. A Year 2 parent explained that, in her view, the emphasis on thinking of others and open-hearted friendship has given her son ‘a really nurturing beginning’ to his school journey. Parents in all year groups commented particularly positively about the school’s teachers and staff. ‘Our son has benefited from the dedication of all his teachers over the past 5 years’ remarked one. Described variously by other parents as ‘such an engaged team, inventive, energetic and joyful,’ parents clearly feel that the enthusiasm of the teachers has a truly infectious effect on their children’s approach to learning. ‘All the staff at Herne Hill are incredibly dedicated to what they do’ one concluded. READ MORE
8 November/December
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Saturday classes for children from 18 months January start – limited places available!
Located in our own dance studios in central Herne Hill.
020 7978 8624 www.southlondondanceschool.co.uk
Start your wiggly, wobbly Weeble collection! Get your FREE toy now!*
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November/December 9
CHRISTMAS
Hey Duggee comes to Southbank
Try some family curling at Southbank!
Squirrels get ready! Everyone’s big lovable dog, Hey Duggee is coming to the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall from 14 December to 8 January.
This winter, the latest cool seasonal family activity is returning to Southbank!
The smash hit CBeebies series, Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show will be brought to life through innovative puppetry and storytelling in this new live show, featuring a dazzling light show and exciting projection. It’s going to be huge and feature many of your favourite characters on stage for the first time! Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly so join them at the Clubhouse for nonstop family fun in this brand new production. A-Woof! This brand-new play is packed with non-stop fun, laughs, singing and dancing making it the perfect family treat. Book HERE 10 November/December
From 2 November you and your family will be able to head down and try your hand at casual curling. Based on the Winter Olympic sport of curling, the sport’s ambassador, Eve Muirhead, captained Team GB to gold glory in February. You can now emulate her and the team by gliding your stones down a fitfor-purpose sheet giving you an experience as close to the real deal without the need for ice or specialist footwear. Combining casual curling with wintery cocktails, delicious food and festive music, The Curling Club is the perfect way to experience après ski vibes in an all-inclusive, competitive, social environment. Space is limited so book today! Book HERE Familiesonline.co.uk
THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW
HEY DUGGEE™ and character logos™ & © Studio AKA Ltd 2014, Licensed by BBC Studios. BBC logo™ & © BBC 1996.
ISN‘T IT TIME FOR ...
Hey Duggee – The Live Theatre Show is produced by Cuffe & Taylor and Kenny Wax Family Entertainment under license from BBC Studios
WED 14 DEC – SUN 8 JAN
020 3879 9555 southbankcentre.co.uk
b ec k e nham - ea st dulw i ch
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Familiesonline.co.uk
FESTIVE FUN WORD SEARCH Join the Great Search for Santa and experience so many magical adventures with Santa's Lapland, can you help us find them all in this word search?
Santa, Reindeer, Snowflake, Elves, Husky, Snowmobile, Ice Fishing, Sleigh, Snow Hockey You can experience all of this and more in Lapland, to find out more visit SantasLapland.com DOWNLOAD WORD SEARCH
November/December 11
CHRISTMAS
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.
12 November/December
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
Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 13
CHRISTMAS
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 14 November/December
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 Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL CAROLS AT THE HALL STORYTIME WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS MY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE THE NUTCRACKER
THU 24 NOV ’22 - SUN 8 JAN ’23 BOX OFFICE 020 8858 7755 greenwichtheatre.org.uk Large group and school discounts available via Box Office.
Age suitability 5+
Greenwich Friends 50% Discount* *EXCLUDING PERFORMANCES IN PEAK PERIOD W I N N E R
royalalberthall.com
Free gifts! For kids Confidence Booster Book
Bundles
@royalalberthall
@royal_albert_hall
Sadler’s Wells presents The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production of
The stage show based upon the book by Raymond Briggs Music and Lyrics by Howard Blake
Black
White
25th London Season – dedicated to creator of The Snowman, Raymond Briggs CBE 1934-2022
25
th
Black overprintMunchy
Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate
Familiesonline.co.uk
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100c 75m 0y 0k
“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt” The Times
*while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply
APPLY HERE Magazine
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Nature Curious Activity Box Annual Subscription
19 Nov - 31 Dec 2022
November/December 15
Christmas gifts to give away! Grown ups
Grown ups
Empowering Book Bundles
Magazine
Tinted Lip Balm Kits
Nature Curious Activity Box Annual Subscription Kids
Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate
Kids
Confidence Booster Kids Books
APPLY HERE
T&Cs apply
Start your wiggly, wobbly Weeble collection! Get your FREE toy now!*
Magazine 16 November/December
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CHRISTMAS
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
Familiesonline.co.uk
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
November/December 17
WHAT’S ON
What’s on
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Family Curling at the Curling Club Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX From 2 Nov Enjoy family sessions at this exciting new alpinethemed pop-up. A great winter sport for families to play with delicious food, festive music and an après ski vibe. The Independent Schools Show Battersea Park SW11 4NJ 12 & 13 Nov The world’s largest school open day brings together leading independent schools, the brightest thinkers and the most respected heads to help you make decisions for your child. Lightopia Crystal Palace Park SE19 17 Nov to 2 Jan Illuminated tree walks, mythical creatures and a massive Christmasthemed water show provide a magical immersive experience.. Dulwich Christmas Market St Barnabas Parish Hall SE21 26 Nov A London Solo Craft Fair of over 60 independent 18 November/December
stalls selling hundreds of not, Robin Hood is here festive gifts. 11am to 4pm. to right those wrongs. Boo, hiss and cheer as Hyde Park Winter the pantomime team join Wonderland the good fight! Age 5+. Hyde Park W2 2UH 18 Nov to 2 Jan Theatre Peckham The jewel in the crown of Havil Street SE5 7SB London’s festive calendar is back with thrilling 1 to 23 Dec rides, attractions, games, Scroogelicious food and drink cabins. ‘Christmas?! That’s Highlights include the bare humbug, innit!’ An giant observation wheel, original, big-hearted UK’s largest outdoor production based ice rink, a Magical Ice on Charles Dickens’ Kingdom and Zippos immortal classic ‘A Christmas Circus. Christmas Carol’. Feelgood, funny and full Jurassic World: The of music and joy, this Exhibition cracker of a production ExCel London E16 1XL immerses in this uplifting Until January Christmas tale for all Jurassic World is a ages. huge, movie-inspired immersive experience Blackheath Halls where visitors roam Lee Road SE3 9RQ among life-sized dinosaurs including 3 Dec Bumpy from the popular A Festive Family Singanimated Netflix Jurassic a-long World series. Join the choirs in singing along to all THEATRE & SHOWS your favourite Christmas songs. Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill SE10 8ES 11 Dec The Snowman™ with 24 Nov to 8 Jan East London Brass Robin Hood Watch Raymond Briggs’ The poor citizens of classic Christmas film Nottingham have just accompanied by one of about had enough of the UK’s top brass bands their scheming, taxplaying Howard Blake’s raising Sheriff but fear original score live. Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
What’s on
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. 20 & 21 Dec The Nutcracker Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through magical lands, meet the Mouse King, Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets.
Joseph Coelho with important environmental themes, a touch of wintery fun and original live music. Ages 3+. Shakespeare’s Globe New Globe Walk SE1 9DT
15 to 31 Dec The Albany The Fir Tree Douglas Way SE8 4AG In a beautiful wood stands a little Fir Tree. 26 & 27 Nov Kept company by Theres a Rangtan in My woodland creatures, it Bedroom enjoys a peaceful life. A magical mix of Gather friends and family puppetry and music for a wonderfully festive as we discover more dose of storytelling, song about our animal friends and hope that will delight and what we can do to all ages. help - because no one is too small to make a Unicorn Theatre difference. Ages 5-11. Tooley Street SE1 2HZ 2 to 4 Dec The Tin Foil Assistant Join the Man in the Moon on a journey to a little known planet called Earth, where Alba Dinkley is shooting for the stars and planning to enter the Space Race. Ages 3+.
6 Nov to 31 Dec Pinocchio A spectacular new version of the muchloved classic tale: enter a world of gingerbread villages and snowcapped mountains in this adventure of friendship and family. Ages 7+.
Canada Water Theatre SE16 7AR
17 Nov to 31 Dec Christmas in the Sunshine A joyful, warm and festive story of celebrating Christmas and family, wherever you are. Ages 3-6.
4 to 10 Dec Jack Frost and the Search for Winter An enchanting new play by poet and playwright Familiesonline.co.uk
Royal Festival Hall Southbank SE1 8XX 14 Dec to 8 Jan Hey Duggee Live Join Duggee and the squirrels in this new vibrant interactive production bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs along the way. The Old Vic, SE1 8NB 12 Nov to 7 Jan A Christmas Carol The Old Vic’s bighearted production of Charles Dicken’s classic fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. Ages 8+. Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP 2 to 20 Dec Storytime with Father Christmas Step inside a whimsical world where you’ll be greeted by Father Christmas and his merry Head Elf. A charming Christmas storytelling session of Chris NaylorBallesteros’ ‘Tiny Reindeer’ will end with a gift for each child.
November/December 19
WHAT’S ON
What’s on
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP 11 Dec My Christmas Orchestral Adventure Father Christmas has lost his map and needs the young audience to join him on a magical Christmas adventure, with a live orchestra. 28 to 31 Dec The Nutcracker It’s not Christmas without The Nutcracker! Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive favourite, featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, is a sparkling festive treat for the family. National Gallery, WC2N 5DN From 26 Nov Picture Perfect Christmas Hendrick Avercamp’s ‘Winter Scene’ comes to life in a special musical theatre performance for all the family. Peacock Theatre WC2A 2HT 19 Nov to 31 Dec The Snowman™ Based on Raymond Briggs’ beloved children’s book, The Snowman™ is a timeless 20 November/December
story transformed for the stage with dazzling and whimsical sets, dancing and music performed by a live orchestra. Leicester Square Theatre WC2H 7BX Until 2 Jan Stick Man Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back for Christmas! Featuring a trio of top actors, the production is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Duke of York’s Theatre WC2N 4BG 15 Dec to 29 Jan Mother Goose Running an Animal Sanctuary for waifs and strays, Mother Goose and her husband live a wholesome life inside an abandoned Debenhams. But when a magical goose comes a-knocking, will fame & fortune get the better of them? A hilarious family-friendly panto starring Ian McKellen, John Bishop and Mel Giedroyc.
Bromley Churchill Theatre, BR1 1HA 4 to 31 Dec Jack & The Beanstalk Join Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular 3D family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, starring TV favourite Anton Du Beke. 10 to 23 Dec Little Red Riding Hood An original telling of the well-loved fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood with song, silliness and dressing up. Ages 3+. Puppet Theatre Barge W9 2PF 26 Nov to 29 Jan Little Red Riding Hood The much loved story of Red Riding Hood is injected with humour and new twists, performed using marionettes and shadow puppets. Age 5+. Various dates and venues Bach to Baby Musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can join in with as much noise as they like! Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
What’s on
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Horniman Museum London Road SE23 3PQ Until 16 Apr Elmer and Friends Walk through Elmer’s jungle, encountering David McKee’s beloved characters and stories along the way. As well as illustrations from the Elmer series there’s original artwork from Not Now, Bernard and Mr Benn; cosy reading areas and dressing up for under 7’s. London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB From 25 Nov All aboard to meet Santa Follow a wintry trail, enjoy Christmassy crafts and meet Santa in a twinkling winter wonderland. National Maritime Museum Greenwich SE10 9NF
educational needs and disabilities. Ages 13 and under. FREE, book first. 31 Dec Safe Harbour Free workshops created specifically to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families. Queen’s House Greenwich SE10 9NF 19 Nov to 8 Jan Ice Rink The magical open-air ice rink takes centre stage once again in the beautiful grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich. Ongoing All the Queen’s Men Uncover the lives of Elizabeth I’s male courtiers and their personal and political relationships with the monarch at the Queen’s House. FREE. Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT
Half term week and weekends Cutty Sark Characters Once a month on Climb aboard to hear Saturdays Cutty Sark’s incredible SENsory Sailors An explore-the-collection stories brought to life session for families with by characters from the ship’s past. Ages 3+. children with special Familiesonline.co.uk
3 & 4 Dec Family Fun Weekend A weekend of sailor fun, with sea shanties and tales from characters past. Join a drop-in workshop and learn how to gild Christmas tree decorations. National Gallery, WC2N 5DN From 26 Nov Picture Perfect Christmas Hendrick Avercamp’s ‘Winter Scene’ comes to life in a special musical theatre performance for all the family. Expect songs, dancing and plenty of Christmas cheer. The British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3GD Until 19 Feb Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt Inscriptions and objects helped scholars unlock one of the world’s oldest civilisations 200 years ago. See the Rosetta Stone alongside some of the world’s most famous ancient objects on loan from national and international collections. November/December 21
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. 22 November/December
Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.
Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big! Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
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. Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 23
CHRISTMAS
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.
24 November/December
Don’t let your tree dry out.
Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk
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 November/December 25
CHRISTMAS
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
26 November/December
Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
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
Familiesonline.co.uk
Everything needed to make an origami shape. £17
Hat, snap, joke & xylophone piece. £30
Family friendly bingo game, paper hat & joke. £29 November/December 27