Little Stars

This supplement i s kin ive dly s ponsored by Roof Rev

THE CHILDREN’S WARD AND THE SPECIAL CARE BABY UNIT at York Hospital

MAKE YOUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS

truly magical

WITH OUR SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PUZZLES • A CHRISTMAS STORY • FUN ACTIVITIES & MORE!

Contents: 3.

Super SCBU. Danielle’s story.

4-5. SCBU – The Facts.

Fabulous Fundraisers.

6-7. Get set for Santa.

Decorate on a shoe-string.

Top ten toys for Christmas.

8-9. Puzzles and games.

10-11. Christmas on Ward 17.

Children’s hygiene initiative.

Staff profile: Rosie Botterill.

12.

How to: Santa outfit.

Top ten Christmas films.

Countdown to Christmas.

PAR-TAY!

14-15. Alternative present ideas.

Christmas party games.

Christmas story.

A big thank you

to ROOF REVIVE for sponsoring this supplement

Attention all mums and dads – worried your children will be bored this Christmas holiday? Worry no more. We’ve got Christmas covered. From puzzles to prizes, make and do ideas to our very own Christmas story, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied.

But that’s not the only reason for this special supplement. As always at this time of year, we wanted to highlight the fantastic work of the staff at the Special Care Baby Unit and the Children’s Ward at York Hospital, who work tirelessly all year round to provide excellent care for the ill babies and youngsters. Not only that, but the staff ensure that the children can enjoy some special Christmas fun, with Santa himself paying a visit on Christmas Eve and a party provided by Starlight Children’s Foundation. Read on to find out about the amazing youngsters who have helped to raise hundreds of pounds for York Hospital, and find out just what it’s like working on the play team.

Of course, we couldn’t have done any of this special supplement without the continued support of our fantastic advertisers, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every business who helped to make this project a reality. Thanks also to everyone at York Hospital who spent so much time with us to help us with the piece – it was a real inspiration to meet you all and to hear your stories. Also, an extra special thank you to Roof Revive for sponsoring this supplement, and to Boyes for donating so many lovely toys for us to take for the children at the hospital.

Finally, to all the staff and children on both departments, a very merry Christmas!

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Press pause on worry

SCBU

One of the stops that Santa will make this year will be at the temporary home of some very special children. The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at York Hospital looks after up to 15 ill and premature babies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – and that includes Christmas Day. The dedicated staff don’t stop their vital work over the holidays, and we thought that the fantastic care that the unit provides deserved a special mention.

Christmas at SCBU is very different from the kind of day that most of us enjoy. The babies are too poorly to go home to spend their first Christmas with their families, but the staff ensure that mums and dads can visit whenever they like, and the ward has been praised for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. During Christmas, the staff make an extra effort to make the ward a nice place to be,

with a visit from Santa himself spreading a little Christmas cheer.

While the babies are in the ward, they are looked after by an expert medical and nursing team who are specialists in caring for premature and sick babies. This team is supported by a whole range of people including physiotherapists, pharmacists, social workers, a chaplain and staff from hearing and eye departments. That’s a massive network of people to care for these little ones, and it all costs money. The people of York have continually donated to the unit, and their funds help to give these babies the best care possible. n Read on to find out more about the unit, and discover inspirational stories from young fundraisers who are doing their bit to help…

Everyone feels unprepared when their first baby is born, even those of us who have attended antenatal classes and had a full nine months to get set. But what if your baby comes early, catching you by surprise without a chance to fully prepare?

That is what happens to lots of mums and dads each year, but thanks to a new DVD offered by the Special Care Baby Unit, they are getting the extra support and help they need.

The ‘Small Wonders’ DVD features expert tips and advice and gives examples of real families and the kinds of problems they might encounter when caring for their new-born. Danielle Southern, first time mum from Selby, was one of the first to be given the DVD after her baby, Scarlett, was born ten weeks early. “I hadn’t even attended an antenatal class when Scarlett was born as she came so early,” explains Danielle. “I had no idea how to bath a baby or change a nappy, especially on one so small. The DVD has been brilliant as I’ve been able to watch it while at the hospital with Scarlett and it’s made me a lot less scared. It makes you realise that you’re not the only person to be in this situation.” n Find out more about the DVD at www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/small-wonders

Happy Christmas to all staff & patients 01904 607959

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Race to the

finish

Every little girl likes to race their daddy – but not every little girl manages to raise over £200 doing it! A big pat on the back goes to four-year-old Rhiannon Bankes who took part in a Jane Tomlinson mini-run earlier this year to raise funds for SCBU, where her little brother Arthur was cared for when he was born. Dad Steve followed suit, participating in the York 10K in a bid to raise even more funds for the unit.

Steve explains that when his son Arthur was born in January 2010 he was a healthy nine pounds, but both baby and mum had health issues from the birth. “Arthur was placed in the SCBU for his first night while he received antibiotics and monitoring.

He was given checks and medication

by SCBU for a further week – the team there were fantastic and the support my partner also received in recovery was excellent.

“Seeing a baby of nine pounds in the incubators next to babies with more serious health problems and weights of around two pounds made us realise how fortunate we were and how dedicated and hard working the staff at York Hospital are in caring for patients and parents during this time. I vowed to try and raise some money to help give something back to the SCBU unit as a thank you. Rhiannon has been amazing and has really set the pace for me in the fundraising stakes!”

Fabulous fundraisers Children from York have made a fantastic effort to raise money for SCBU and York Hospital – and we thought they deserved a special mention!

THAT’S THE TICKET

SCHOOL SPIRIT

A big well done to nine-year-old Freya Ellis, who raised a huge £300 for SCBU recently by organising a charity raffle at Archbishop of York’s Junior School. The youngster was inspired to raise funds for the unit after her sister was cared for at SCBU.

Charity Christmas cards are an easy and affordable way to give something back to a worthy cause, and if the cause is a local one, all for the better. Congratulations, then, to hard working local children from Yearsley Grove School in York and Tadcaster Grammar School (starts of the recent Tad Gram style sensation, which raised funds for Children in Need), who have designed Christmas cards to raise money for the York Teaching Hospital Charity.

Freya asked local attractions, businesses, friends and family to donate prizes to the cause, and was thrilled with the number of people from both infant and junior schools in Bishopthorpe who bought tickets from her each playtime. Freya’s family also helped out selling tickets.

Freya thanks the people who bought tickets for their generosity. “They are the reason I have raised over £300,” she says. “I am amazed I have raised so much money. Archbishop of York’s Junior School is the best school ever and Mr Green, my mum and Lucy from the hospital have helped me a lot. I really enjoyed organising the raffle.”

Four winning designs were chosen from the many entries, and the cards are now on sale. Lucy Watson, Fundraising Manager, says the children have been a huge help. “The cards are absolutely gorgeous, it was really hard to pick the four winners. We would like to thank the children for their support.”

The Christmas cards cost £4 per pack of eight, and are available at the Volunteer and Fundraising Office on the main corridor of York Hospital. Alternatively,call 721737 or email lucy.watson@york.nhs.uk

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Bright Stars

Young people don’t just benefit from York Hospital’s services – they help out, too! Volunteer Flora McGarry, 16, explains her role at the hospital.

How do you help? “I help out by taking small tasks off the hands of the nurses, like making hot drinks for the patients and taking their meals to them.”

SCBU: The facts

The unit is purpose built and provides care for up to 15 babies.

u Around 375 babies are admitted each year. u Newborns are admitted if they are born before 36 weeks, if their weight is less than 5lbs 4oz, or if they are ill or have a risk of infection. u Parents are always welcome in the unit and their contact (and cuddles) is vital to the well-being of baby.

SUPPORT IS THERE The Special care Baby Unit Support Group is a charity formed in 1984.

The members are parents and unit staff, who strive to give a better start in life to the early or sick babies. Apart from raising funds for and spreading awareness of the unit, the charity also helps in other ways…

TAKE THE PLUNGE Babies that were born early are not only eager to see the world, but also to take a dip in the pool it seems. For babies born early the support group offer swim sessions in the hospital’s hydrotherapy pool. Mummy and wee one can kick and splash around, while experienced Neonatal Nurses watch to check how your baby is developing – as well as have fun.

SUGAR On the first Friday of each month ex-SCBU mums and babies meet up at The Children’s Centre, to chat, catch up and talk about their baby’s progress with the nurses.

There’s tea, coffee, biccies and plenty of toys for older brothers and sisters.

n Find out more about the SCBU Support Group at www.supportscbuyork.co.uk

What do you get out of it? “It’s an amazing experience as I'm hoping to study Medicine at University. But more importantly than that, helping the staff and patients is incredibly fulfilling.”

Do you recommend it? “Absolutely. Volunteering at the hospital has been one of the most interesting and eye opening experiences I've had. Whatever your age you're bound to benefit and learn something.”

YORK HOSPITAL’S STAR APPEAL IS RAISING MUCHNEEDED MONEY FOR THE STROKE UNIT – AND YOU CAN HELP. The STAR (Stroke Treatment And Rehabilitation) Appeal is aiming to raise £300,000 to make important changes to the Stroke Unit. Ceiling hoists, better storage and a new kitchen are desperately needed, as well as refurbishment to the ward’s flat, where patients spend time before being discharged. The care they provide is vital to helping stroke sufferers return to caring for themselves. Here’s how you can help: VOLUNTEER: Donating your time is a great way to get involved and, according to Flora, lots of fun!

FUNDRAISE: Whether alone or as part of your school or social group, there’s lots of ways to raise money. Call the number below for an inspiring ideas booklet.

DISPLAY INFORMATION: Help by distributing appeal leaflets and putting posters advertising fundraising events.

DONATE: Sounds simple, but if you have some cash to flash, why not give it to a really good cause? n Find out more about the appeal by calling 721737.

Y H YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE T A

TEACHERS

t: 01904 642666 & 01904 490339

www.yorkmontessori.com

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Get set for Santa Come Christmas Eve, Santa is very busy.

Delivering presents to a billion children across the world is tiring work*, so it might be a good idea to leave him a little treat.

KEEPING THAT BELLY LIKE JELLY...

Santa will get hungry climbing up and down all those chimneys. Leave a plate of cookies or biscuits on the mantelpiece for him, or if you’re feeling particularly generous, a couple of mince pies.

Decorate

on a shoe-string

Decorating your home this Christmas needn’t cost three king’s ransoms. Here are some tips on making your own cheap and cheerful festive fancies.

SWEETIE CHAINS. By hot gluing the ends of sweetie wrappers together, you can create long chains to wrap around the Christmas tree. By far the tastiest tinsel we’ve ever seen!

THIRSTY WORK...

It might be freezing out, but lugging that magical sack of presents is bound to work up a thirst in Santa. A nice cold glass of milk will help, and a nip of sherry will be sure to warm his cockles.

PAPER BAUBLES. Cut lots of disks of brightly coloured paper and staple them together along a central fold. Use glue or glue dots to stick together alternate edges of the disks so the paper fans out as in the picture. Then glue a length of ribbon to create a loop.

DEAR, DEAR, REINDEER...

Don’t forget the ones who are actually doing all the hard work! Santa’s reindeer would love a nice bundle of hay to chew on, and maybe a few rosy red apples.

BE CREATIVE...

Remember, a lot of children leave treats for Santa, so if you want to make sure he remembers yours, leave him something different. How about hard boiled sweets to help fight air sickness, or seeing as he’s working late, maybe even a coffee?

Also, be sure to check that Santa enjoyed your little nibbles by looking out for crumbs, bite marks in cookies and empty sherry glasses. If daddy seems a little drunk on Christmas morning it’s just because he’s so excited as well! *If you’re wondering how he manages this, it’s a combination of magic and time travel.

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MATCHBOX ADVENT CALENDAR. This is a crafty alternative to the usual chocolate filled supermarket calendars.

Simply glue 25 empty matchboxes together and then paint or wrap with paper. Fill each numbered box with a tiny treat and the kids will relish opening their little calendar.

MAGIC PINECONES. Hit your local woods and scoop up all the pinecones you can.

When spray-painted lots of different colours, and with a loop of ribbon added, they make perfect tree decorations. Be sure to check for bugs before you spray!

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TOP TEN

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Here’s your hot list – the toys that everyone is dying to find lying beneath their tree on Christmas morning.

There are some revamped classics in the form of Monopoly and Lego, as well as some brand new (and quite frankly frightening) faces in the Monster High Doll range. Tear out this page and post direct to the North Pole.

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MONOPOLY MILLIONAIRE Feeling ruthless? This new version of the classic game involves being the first to make to a million pounds. Will you be the quickest millionaire? It’s like Richard Branson on a rocket. £14.99

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OCTONAUTS OCTOPOD PLAYSET There’s always an exciting adventure waiting with the Octopod as you explore the incredible undersea world of the Octonauts. £28.99

8.

LEAPPAD 2 A tablet for kids with an emphasis on gaming and education.

It features a built-in microphone and can also download apps such as e-books, learning videos, music, creativity apps and more. £69.99

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Kids Competitions See if you can crack this Christmas code. All columns, rows and groups of four boxes must contain the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 in any order without being duplicated.

Tel: 424544

Complete these Sudoku puzzles to be in with a chance of winning a £20 voucher to spend at Londons of Heworth!

The anagram before Christmas Unscramble these words to find some familiar Christmassy chums!

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Carefully cut out the puzzles and send them to us along with your name, age and contact details to Oaktree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, York, YO32 2LH. Mark your entry ‘Kids Competitions’. Last date for enties 4th January 2013

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Can you find all nine of the Christmassy words hidden in the word search?

Oh no, Rudolph is stuck in the middle of the maze! Can you help guide him out back to where Santa is waiting from him? Use a pencil to draw a route out.

Tel: 610 660

Complete this maze to win a cuddly toy from Boyes!

SANTA RUDOLPH PRESENT

TREE SNOWMAN TINSEL

ANGEL SLEIGH NATIVITY

ACROSS 4. Handy bag for carrying presents 6. Not everyone likes these at dinnertime 7. Give someone a kiss under this 8. How Santa gets around 9. Santa's little helpers 11. Hang this over the fireplace 12. Reindeer with a bright red nose DOWN 1. You only sing these at Christmas 2. Tell Santa what you want by writing one of these 3. Goes with a bang at dinner 4. Brings your presents on Christmas Eve 5. Colour of Santa's beard 6. Make this man in your garden 10. The day after Christmas

Use these Christmas clues to fill in the boxes.

Tel: 636 812 Complete the Crossword for the chance to win a £30 voucher to use on children’s accessories at Get Cycling!

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NOW WASH YOUR HANDS Did you know that the number of germs on your hands doubles after you use the toilet?

That’s why it’s very important to have a good level of hygiene. An info pack, designed to encourage children to wash their hands, has been launched by York Hospital and the team are now looking for local schools to get on board and help improve hand hygiene.

The packs, which contain a colourful poster, booklet, stickers, a mouse mat and other goodies, are aimed to teach children the facts about hygiene as well as encourage them to educate adults. Anne Tateson, of the Hand Hygiene team said, “It is important that children learn when and how to wash their hands at an early age so they set good habits for life to prevent and protect them from infection.” n The hand hygiene pack is being offered to schools free in exchange for the pledge to raise money for York Teaching Hospital Charity. Call 721737.

Christmas

on ward 17

Everyone wants to spend time with their family at Christmas time, especially children. So spare a thought for the young patients at York Hospital this Christmas who have to stay at the ward rather than go home to enjoy the holiday with their families.

The Children’s Ward, or Ward 17, can care for up to 25 children who need medical or surgical care.

It’s staffed by hard working Nurses and Hospital Play Specialists who ensure that all children receive excellent care all year round and feel at ease during their stay.

The ward includes a school room, a designated play room with toys for the little ones as well as a TV that plays children’s programmes, and there’s also a room for teenagers that features computers, a TV, a fridge and a microwave. “It allows for independence for the teenagers on the ward,” says Rosie Botterill, from the Play Team. “Being able to use the internet and prepare their own food really

makes a difference to them. They’re able to get a bit of privacy.”

Mums and dads are able to visit children throughout the festive period, and luckily for the patients who will spend Christmas on the ward, the staff will be making a special effort to make the time particularly fun. Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity who grants the wishes of poorly children, have generously funded a Christmas party for the children on the ward and other regular patients. “They’ve been fantastic,” says Rosie. “Santa pops in too to bring pressies for the children, so it’s great.”

The party will include a disco, pantomime performance, games and an entertainer, but there’s also a painting party for children who feel like doing something a little quieter. “Last year we had ornaments for the children to decorate, and the girls in particular loved it,” says Rosie.

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STAFF PROFILE

ROSIE BOTTERILL has been on the Play Team at York Hospital for ten years.

She tells us what has kept her so passionate about her role for the past decade.

What does your role involve?

I’m Team Leader of the Play Team at York Hospital, and our role involves helping children to feel at ease. We assist all over the hospital in a huge range of things like preparing children for procedures, distraction techniques to take children’s minds off procedures such as taking blood samples, and programmes of play for longer term patients. An important aspect of our job is analysing the specific needs of each child so that they are cared for as well as possible. We also have two teachers who come to the Children’s Ward every morning to take lessons with the patients – some of our teenagers think they will get away with it, but they don’t! I often tell the teenagers to pull the curtain around their bed and pretend they’re asleep when the teachers arrive, I’ve got in trouble a few times when they’ve caught me!

Has the role changed much in the time that you’ve been at the hospital?

It’s changed a lot. We were originally a combination between a nursery nurse and a healthcare assistant, whereas now we are solely Hospital Play Specialists, and are a separate play team. Our old Matron was aiming for that when I first started, and lots of other hospitals have separate play teams now. We like to keep the role separate to prevent the children from getting mixed messages.

Do you ever get attached to your patients?

Definitely. We get to know them really well if they’re in for a long time, and it’s hard to see them go home as we’ll miss them – though obviously if they’re fit and well that’s lovely to see. It’s

Rosie, left, with patient Fearn Kennan, four. Fearn’s mum Gillian says: “We know that Fearn is so well looked after here.

It helps us to feel at ease, because they know her really well.”

impossible not to get involved. So many children have chronic illnesses like Cystic Fybrosis so you know they’ll be back at certain points of the year, and we’ve seen kids grow up and leave to be cared for on an adult ward. That’s quite difficult as we won’t see them again in the same way. I can’t name names, but there was a boy who came in as a baby when I started who came in again recently, and it was so funny as it didn’t seem like five minutes since the first time he was here, but I knew him because I recognised his mum. Often because they’re growing up and they’re changing so much it’s the parents I recognise. We develop good relationships with them, which is important in our role. Because parents can’t be involved in procedures, it’s vital that they’re involved in play. Parents often feel

redundant when their children are in hospital, and this is something that they can help with as part of their child’s recovery.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Losing children is obviously really difficult. People say it must get easier with time, but it doesn’t, particularly with children who you have a good relationship with. You never forget them.

What’s the best part of your job?

The nurses are the baddies, and we’re the nice ladies! If a child has been anxious and upset, and you do some work with them and you see how well it’s worked, that’s fantastic to see.

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TOP TEN

If you’re looking for a film to get you in the festive mood, then look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the films that have, over the years, filled us with Christmas cheers and happy tears. How many have you seen?

10. THE SNOWMAN (1982)

Just a short one, but it wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

9. ELF (2003)

Because we all wish we were elves too.

8. SCROOGED (1988)

A darker retelling of Dicken’s tale.

Funny though.

7. THE GRINCH (2000)

Jim Carey plays the greeny meany.

6. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947)

Considered by some to be the best Christmas film ever.

5. THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004) A magical ride to Santa’s grotto.

Santa outfit Follow these simple steps and you’ll be mistaken for Father Christmas in no time. If you’re having trouble finding what you need at home, try hitting some of your local charity shops.

THE COAT Find a red jacket or jumper (the bigger the better) and check with mum or dad that it isn’t their favourite! Get help to hot glue fake white fur around the cuffs and hem and also large black buttons or circles of card to the front.

THE TROUSERS Red tracksuit or pyjama bottoms are perfect. Hot glue more fake white fur to the hems.

4. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (1992)

THE ACCESSORIES Cut two large triangles out of red fabric. Sew the pieces together to make a Santa hat, adding fur and a white pom-pom to the top. You’ll need some black boots or wellies and a broad black belt. You can buy Santa beards very cheaply, but if you fancy making your own, glue cotton wool onto paper, cut a mouth hole and tie around your head. All you need now is a sack of pressies and a sleigh!

Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit? Yes please.

3. SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE (1985)

It’s the 80s and yuppies are moving in on Santa’s patch

2. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) The most classic of classic Christmas tales – essential viewing.

1. HOME ALONE

Slap your hands to your face and scream! This is our favourite, but what’s yours?

Keep an eye on Santa’s progress as he whizzes across the world!

Come Christmas Eve our eyes will be peeled and glued to the skies as we attempt to spot Santa’s sleigh. But we won’t be staying up all night waiting for him and the reindeer to appear, as we’ll know exactly where he is. Thanks to a special tracking website we can keep tabs on Santa’s global whereabouts – and you can too. There are lots of other things happening there, such as commentary, live updates and video footage of the sleigh! n Visit www.noradsanta.org to keep an eye on the big man (and make sure he isn’t slacking!).

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Countdown to

Christmas If presents, Christmas dinner, crackers and time off school weren’t enough to look forward to, there’s always the Christmas party to attend. We asked Henrietta Rabbit for her tops tips on staging the perfect bash.

VENUE. If you have a lot of friends coming, perhaps your house isn’t the best placeespecially if everyone gets excited and trashes your parents’ bedroom! Ask mum and dad about local church halls, sports centres and hotels – some may even be free to hire.

1st Dec. Pop open the first door of you advent calendar – it all starts here!

3rd Dec. Pen that all-important letter to Santa. If you’re stuck, there are lots of handy present suggestions in this pull-out.

5th Dec. Write your Christmas cards to friends and family. Make sure each one is very funny.

6th Dec. Hand out the cards at school. Don’t forget your favourite teachers.

10th Dec. Start to get your house ready – check out our tips on hand-made decorations.

13th Dec. Yay! Tree goes up!

15th Dec. Santa checks his nice/naughty list ten days before Christmas, so be extra nice to everyone today.

FOOD. Sandwiches always go down well and are cheap and easy to make. Make sure the fillings are simple and not overly flash – your chums might turn their noses up at something they’ve never tried before.

17th Dec. Last week of school!

Woohoo!

21st Dec. While you’re relaxing at home, Santa is loading up his sleigh. Spare him a thought.

PARTY BAGS? The old debate – do you give them out?

They’re not essential and will usually end up just being binned. Consider giving out home-baked cookies or cakes or even small pots with sunflower seeds in to grow.

ENTERTAINMENT. Party games are great, with festive prizes being awarded, but to keep your friends fully engaged (and to make sure they leave saying your party was amazing) ask mum and dad to hire an entertainer. They

Are you ready for the big day? Keep this countdown handy and you’ll be super organised for when the big man in red arrives.

23rd Dec. Is your bedroom tidy? Wouldn’t want Santa thinking you’re a slob.

will look after everything and really help to keep the party going. n Visit www.henriettarabbit.co.uk or call 0333 0004567.

24th Dec. CHRISTMAS EVE! Get Santa his snack ready at nighttime – see our useful guide about what to leave for him.

25th Dec. CHRISTMAS! CHRISTMAS! CHRISTMAS! Don’t eat too much turkey, but do have a great day.

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Batteries not required

Bright plastic foam dart guns and small furry robots that speak gibberish. Let’s face it, Christmas presents are predictable. There’s never going to be lots of difference from last year’s hoard. So here are some imaginative alternatives to make Christmas morning extra special.

JOYEUX NOËL. Give the gift of something they will benefit from for life – language lessons. Little Fidgets offer fun French and Spanish classes in York for children from two years. There are yummy snacks, cute furry puppets and lots of energetic songs to sing along to. Call 706565.

TINKLE, TINKLE… This is the present that will keep on giving. If your little maestro has ever shown Mozart-like talents, give them proper lessons. By next Christmas they’ll be playing background for your carols or accompanying Wizzard on the radio.

Check out the range of piano and keyboard tutors in our Family section for an idea on where to go.

AND RELAX. But what to get the babies? Everyone you know will be sending colourful, noisy presents your way – but what should you give? Pocklington Childcare Agency offer baby massage classes which could be beneficial to the health and happiness of your little one. Bond, relieve colic symptoms, and relax together.

Call 01759 528327.

Christmas Party Games Try out these festive games at your party to get your friends and family in a merry mood.

Pin the nose on Rudolph. A Christmassy twist to a classic game, draw a large brown reindeer on paper, stick up on the wall, and let the blindfolded players attempt to stick a bright red nose onto the correct spot. For a more authentic Rudolph, use fake brown fur for his body and a red painted ping pong ball with a dollop of blu-tack for the nose.

Indoor snowball toss. Make fake snowballs by gluing silver glitter to several sheets of paper. Once dry screw the paper into a ball to make sparkly snowballs. Arrange plastic and paper Christmas ornaments (nothing you mind being damaged) on a surface and line up at an agreed distance. Take turns to toss the balls at the objects, with whoever knocks the most over winning.

Unwrapping relay. A great warm up for Christmas morning, wrap lots of empty boxes in wrapping paper and pile at the end of the room. Split your friends into two teams. Arrange an obstacle course for the players to navigate (chairs to climb over, cushion tunnels to crawl through), ending with them quickly unwrapping the box and bringing it back to the start to tag the next player. The team that completes the course quickest is the winner.

24-26 COLLIERGATE,YORK 01904 625601 51 YORK ROAD,ACOMB,YORK 01904 797170 www.barnitts.co.uk 14

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Here’s an original Christmas story from our very own Howard, Perfect for Christmas Eve… Enjoy!

“Now it’s time,” whispered James.

Outside the ward window, in the black night sky, half a moon smiled back at him. It was just enough light to see by as he climbed out of the hospital bed and crept across the floor.

Through the glass of the door, James could see the nurse at her station. He waited, checking the clock on the wall. After another minute the shape of the nurse stood and disappeared around the corner. “Half midnight loo break,” he said to himself, “regular as clockwork.”

He silently slid out into the corridor. The nurse would be back soon, so he hurried to the play area. The Christmas tree was blinking happily in the corner, but the room was slightly creepy at this time of night. James hid behind one of the toy boxes, making sure he had a clear view of the tree, especially the empty space beneath it.

He heard footsteps from behind and held his breath. Had the nurse discovered he was out of bed? He made himself as small as he could, determined not to be found – he needed to know, once and for all.

The footsteps got louder. James peeked out and watched as a large man in a blue boiler suit pushed a trolley into the room.

It was the porter. James relaxed, knowing the man would collect the rubbish and leave. But he didn’t. The man began to empty the trolley of large, colourfully wrapped presents, which he carefully placed beneath the Christmas tree. James sprang up.

“I knew it,” he hissed. “There’s no such person as Santa!”

“I knew it,” repeated James, “that’s why I snuck out, to prove the presents were delivered by a person, not Santa.”

The porter cheerfully continued to pile the presents. “And have you done that – proven there’s no Santa?”

“Obviously,” huffed James “You’re delivering the presents, and you’re… just some man.”

The porter gently placed the final gift onto the pile. “Just some man?” he asked, chuckling. “I suppose I am. Merry Christmas.”

With that, he took up his trolley and pushed it out of the doors.

James slumped onto the sofa and looked out of the window.

He wondered if he should be happy or disappointed. But as he wondered something caught his eye. The porter was marching over the roof, right outside of the window. Following the man with wide eyes, James watched as the blue boiler suit slowly turned red, and the stubble on the porter’s face suddenly sprouted into a thick white beard.

The man turned, noticed James watching him from the window, and winked. He then climbed into his sleigh, muttered to the reindeers that pulled it, and took off into the sky. James felt his chin hit the window sill and his gasp fogged up the glass before his nose.

For the first time in his life, he was happy to be proven wrong.

The man span around. Bright blue eyes sat in a round face, sprinkled with white stubble. “Oh, hello,” he said, smiling.

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