Our Kids Christmas Traditions

By Sarah Taylor

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year, and it became even more magical when we had children. We had some special family traditions that I loved as a child and wanted to share with my children. Every year on the first of December we would spend the afternoon listening to Christmas carols while we decorated the tree. For us parents who don’t like having their pretty

tree played with, last year I found a really cool felt Christmas tree, so we put that up for the kids to decorate and it was a hit. Our children aren’t quite old enough for this one yet, but Christmas lights were another of my favorite things to do. A quick google will show you which houses are decorated, but my absolute highlight is the Colyton Clock Museum (385 Colyton Road, Feilding)- the decorations are amazing and well worth the drive. I love visiting the Santa Cave and was so happy when it reopened at Te Manawa so that I could take the kids. Seeing the monkeys playing the drums was always a highlight for me! You also can’t forget to snap a family Christmas photo together. I love finding Christmas clothes for the kids & even get the dogs involved. On Christmas Eve, we tuck up on the couch together and read ‘The Night Before Christmas’ (https://www. penguin.co.nz/books/the-night-beforechristmas-9781448174386) then leave some snacks out for Santa and his helpers. We have a set from Kmart for this, but a normal plate would work just as well.