FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR FAMILIES IN ESSEX SUMMER HOLIDAY2023 Free parenting magazine Issue 110 Winter 23/24 Festive Entertainment Look who's behind you! Cosy Fun Days In Bring the fun indoors Christmas Events Fun for all the family
2 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
/kidaroundmagazine /kidaroundmag official.kidaround KidAround Magazine is a digital monthly publication Tel: 07557 053044 | [email protected]. Disclaimer: The copyright and contents of this magazine, including artwork, adverts, logos and articles, when generated by the KidAround team remain with KidAround. Views expressed in editorial and articles are those of the contributor or advertiser and not necessarily of the publisher. The listings, content and advertising in the magazine are for information and advice only. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation from Trew Publishing or its staff. All advertisements and editorial content are accepted in good faith and on the basis that the advertised goods and services are as stated by the advertisers. Contact Us (We are a friendly bunch) [email protected] [email protected] Tel:07557 053044 Anna xx Wow! Where has the year gone?! I can't believe 2023 will soon be over. We recently asked you for some of your own family Christmas traditions which we have put together on page to help share your ideas and hope you all have fun trying out new things. Our diary dates on page 19 are packed full of things to do to keep you all busy through to February (plus more online). We have lots of family shows and "look behind you!" fun as well as Roman fun at Colchester Museum. All this plus, a print out winter nature trail (page 25), and kids activity (page 26) in all lots to get stuck into this winter. And lastly, don't forget to check out our notice board on page 9 with national days and charity events so you can help by getting involved or donating. KidAround Magazine has now been going strong for twenty three years and are so proud on how well received it is. This being said, we are always looking for ways to improve and would love to hear your suggestions, so if you feel we are missing something - email us at [email protected]. If you have a business that you would like to advertise in our great magazine, call us on 07557 053044 to discuss options. The next issue will be published in February - until then, keep warm, keep safe and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. xx Hello Readers, 7 SUBSCRIBE HERE 4 Christmas time deculttering tips CONTENTS Cosy indoor fun 22 Readers Christmas Traditions 19 Winter Events
4 October Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Make Fat Balls for birds: Winter is the hardest time of year for birds as natural food sources are in short supply and with it being so cold, they need extra food to keep their energy levels up to stay warm. How about making some fat balls? You will need: • Block of lard (or dripping) • Mixed bird seed • Dried fruit (raisins), roughly chopped • Chopped nuts (leave out if allergies are a problem) • Coated garden wire • Empty yoghurt pots Simply cut an arms’ length of wire and wrap half of this around your thumb to make a spiral. Bend the other end of the long part to make a hook. Place the spiral end of the wire into your yoghurt pot with the straight part sticking straight up. Melt the lard or in a saucepan and leave to cool slightly – but it needs to still be quite soft. Mix in your seeds, fruit and nuts until you have a gloopy messy mixture (it should be quite wet) Carefully spoon the mixture into the yoghurt pot to cover the spiral. Now leave the pot in a fridge or cool place to allow the fat to set. Once set you can remove the pot (if this is difficult pop the pot into some warm water to make it slide off easier) Now you have the perfect meal ready to hang out in the garden for your birds to enjoy. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE Cosy Fun Days In Sometimes the winter brings beautiful, crisp, sunny days when it’s a joy to be outside, even if it is cold, especially if there’s lots of snow then the kids will definitely want to be out having fun! However, on the days that are just wet and miserable and you want to stay home, here are some suggestions for keeping the family busy:
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 5 Make Snowman Snacks Buy some snowman cookie cutters, make the cookies and decorate. Indoor Snowball Fight Roll up balls of paper, white socks or make your own fabric snowballs. Give each child a bucket of these indoor snowballs and let them have fun! Card/Board Games Don’t forget about all those old-fashioned games like snap, dominoes, monopoly – or jigsaw puzzles. (see page for print out game) Dressing Up Get the kids off the computer games and dive into the dressing up box! Winter Movies When it’s cold outside, one of the best ways to keep warm and entertained is to snuggle up under the blankets and watch a winter-themed movie: Snow Buddies, Snow Dogs, Happy Feet, Mr. Popper's Penguins. Indoor Den All Kids love building a den - get creative with some sheets, throws and dining chairs. Add some fairy lights for extra magic. My daughter still loved this at 13. Cardboard Car Racing Still have boxes around from Christmas - put them to use and make some fun cars for indoor racing.
Section Title 6 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 7 It’s often a good idea to have a de-cluttering day sometime just after Christmas. The kids have got new toys etc, and as a result they are often more ready to give away old toys that have been around for some time. Also, if they’ve been given duplicate presents or things that they genuinely don’t want to play with then why not put them aside to donate to a charity. It’s also good to get your children thinking about other children who are not so lucky to receive lots of presents every Christmas. The British Heart Foundation is always happy to receive unwanted Christmas presents. Items they will accept are toys, clothes, shoes and handbags, jewellery and accessories, DVDs and CDs, books. You can drop donations off at your local BHF shop, or they will come and collect from your home for free. Find out more here Alternatively donate to a women’s refuge centre. For example the Colchester and Tendring Women’s Refuge will gladly accept new or nearly new toys and books in excellent condition. Find out more here Sometimes hospices will hold ‘Unwanted Gifts’ appeal days in January to help raise funds to provide essential care and support to local people affected by life limiting illnesses. Contact your local hospice to find out more. There are charity shops on every high street in Britain – call your local one in advance to check as some will have restrictions on certain items – for example some will accept plastic toys but not soft toys. Time for Christmas Decluttering Tips and ideas on how to make room for the new explotion of toys
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School's Big Bird Watch 8 Jan - 19 Feb Every year, educators from every corner of the UK take part with their classes. There’s plenty of flexibility to run it with any age group of children and they have resources to help. Ask your child's school to see if they can get involved this year, you can submit your results any time between Registrations are now open. You can join, donate and download resources and activity sheets at: www.rspb.org.uk Brew Monday - 15 January It is a day dedicated to promoting social connections and mental well-being. It encourages individuals to take a break, share a warm beverage with friends or colleagues, and have meaningful conversations to lift their spirits. So why not invite a neighbour that you think would enjoy a bit of company. Christmas Jumper Day - Thursday 7 December Christmas Jumper Day is Save the Children's annual event which raises money for the children who need it most. Every December, millions of people across the United Kingdom (and beyond!) put on a festive knit at their workplace, school or with friends and make a donation to help give children the magical future they deserve. How to take part: It’s super-simple to take part, all you have to do is sign up, put the date in your diary and use our awesome resources to make the day the most fun day of the whole year. Then on Thursday 7 December, put on your most Christmassy jumper, donate £2 to Save the Children and help kids everywhere get the best future ever. To sign up or to make a donation head to www.savethechildren.org.uk 'My Voice Matters' This year's theme is 'My Voice Matters' During Children’s Mental Health Week we want all children and young people, whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, to be able to say – and believe - “My Voice Matters”. It is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves. When we feel empowered, this can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Children and young people who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem. To get involved or for advice and resources head online at: www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 9
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ADVERTS Fun for all ages at Mayhem This winter at Mayhem they are offering some unbeatable deals that allow you to enjoy high-energy, high-adrenaline & fast-paced gaming all season long. Here’s just some of the fun activities on offer: - Adult Paintballing - Low Impact Paintballing - COD Airsoft Experiences - Laser Tag - Mini Paintball (8-13years) Not booked your work christmas party? Why not try something different this year that everyone will enjoy. Contact Mayhem directly to find out options available. Head over to their website www.mayhempaintball.co.uk, and click on the 'book' section which will allow you to book any activity at Mayhem for a discounted price or pay just £5 today to secure your place until Dec 2024. Don't miss out! Make this Christmas one to remember for the family! RM4 1AA - 01708688517 DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 11
12 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] 12 October Issue 2023 • WWW.KIDAROUND.BIz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 13 PARTY IDEAS Book the ultimate party with Leisure World! For a celebration with a difference, Leisure World has plenty on offer! With parties available at Leisure World Colchester, Highwoods and Tiptree, and Colchester Sports Park, celebrations are stress-free and action filled. At Colchester Sports Park you can exclusively hire the BMX Pump Track or host the perfect football party on a 3g football pitch. Or why not book an indoor sports party and choose from rounders, kwik cricket, hockey, badminton, or football. Leisure World Colchester is the perfect destination for the ultimate swimming party - you can even hire the Leisure Pool or Teaching Pool to have all to yourselves! There’s also our fantastic assault course inflatable which can be exclusively hired in the fitness pool. Or why not book the sports hall at either Leisure World Colchester or Leisure World Tiptree where you can host a football or basketball party? For younger ones, there are inflatable and soft play party packages available across all four of our sites too! All our parties include a party host, and with celebrations at Colchester Sports Park and Leisure World Colchester there’s the option to make your party even more stress-free by adding either cold or hot buffet food provided by us (you can supply your own cold food.) Book online at: colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/kids-activities/birthday-parties
14 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Family fun to be had at Princes Theatre Robin Hood Sunday 7th April Anton Benson Productions are proud to bring the fun and frolics of panto to Sherwood Forest as Robin Hood and his Merry Men battle to outwit the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. Will Robin seize the day and win the hand of his fair Maid Marion? All will be revealed in another laugh a minute, all-singing, all-dancing rollercoaster ride through pantoland! Milkshake! Live Sunday 31 March A brand new show for 2024 get ready to welcome some of your favourite Milkshake! friends from Channel 5 and two of your favourite Milkshake! presenters as we go on holiday all together for a fun family trip like no other! Learn the amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake! friends and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and the stage brings Milkshake! to life. With great Milkshake friends, anything is possible. This brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet. It’s a family show not to be missed. This show is 60 minutes with no interval! To book tickets or find out what else is on at Princes Theatre visit them online at www.wwwprincestheatre.co.uk WHAT'S ON
Christmas for all ages at the Mercury Theatre Colchester Sleeping Beauty Sat 25 Nov 2023 – Sun 14 Jan 2024 Tickets from £10 The magical world of Sleeping Beauty is brought to life in this spectacular, fun-filled, family pantomime, led by Mercury’s award winning duo Dale Superville and ‘the best Dame in the country’ (British Theatre) Antony Stuart-Hicks. Once upon a time in Colchesteria, Princess Luna is turning 18 but all celebrations have been banned by her wicked Aunt Carabosse, who is determined to stop Luna from taking her rightful place as Queen. Carabosse tricks her niece into pricking her finger on a spinning wheel needle, cursing her to everlasting sleep. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse and wake the princess. Me… Wed 13 Dec 2023 – Sun 7 Jan 2024 Tickets from £10 The world is a very big place, especially for a tiny baby penguin who is just finding his feet. The shimmering stars and glistening snow spin around our little hero, while the mountains tower high and the wind rushes to and fro. And although baby penguin may be small his family know he’s the biggest thing of all. This early years favourite is a touching story about a parent and their love for their child by cherished children’s author Emma Dodd. Ideal for toddlers aged 2-5 as their first theatre experience. A Little Angel Theatre production based on the book by Emma Dodd published by The Templar Company Limited. Book tickets at mercurytheatre.co.uk DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• WHAT'S ON
16 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] WHAT'S ON Jack and the Beanstalk Jack and the Beanstalk, the GIANT spectacular family pantomime, roars into Chelmsford Theatre in association with One From The Heart from Friday 1 December 2023 until Sunday 7 January 2024. This traditional pantomime of a classic adventure story promises to enthral and excite audiences of all ages. Meet hapless Jack, his mother the dame and their beloved cow as they discover a handful of magic beans and a larger-than-life beanstalk that is inhabited by a ferocious giant! Fee, Fie, Foe, Fum, you’ll want to join in with all this fun! Don’t miss your chance to see this much loved pantomime with outstanding sing-along songs, glitzy costumes, hilarious jokes, amazing dance routines and a HUGE helping of magic – all that audiences have come to expect from pantomimes at Chelmsford Theatre. You can book online at chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01245 606 505 IMAGES TAKEN AT HYDE HALL, CHELMSFORD.
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 17 SPOOKY SPECIAL FEATURE
Section Title 18 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Fill your diary with things to do Listings where correct at time of publishing. Please do click on links and check with the event organiser before leaving to ensure it is still correct. Some evenst also require advance booking. Enjoy your day out and don't forget to mention us when booking/ enquiring! Now – Sun 14 (Jan) Sleeping Beauty The magical world of Sleeping Beauty is brought to life in this spectacular, fun-filled, family pantomime, led by Mercury’s award winning duo Dale Superville and Antony StuartHicks. From £10. times vary. FIND OUT MORE Now – Tue 2 (Jan) The Upside Down House Christmas Delight The familiar scenes of Christmas are recreated in a way that challenges your perspective and brings laughter to all who step inside. Lakeside, Thurrock FIND OUT MORE Now – Sun 24 Christmas Special With a Nutcrackers help, this winter you will board the Polar Express and journey deep into the Enchanted woods and visit Santa’s winter workshop! Audley End Miniature Railways. FIND OUT MORE Now to 24th December Now - Sun 24 German Market & Xmas Fair Hot food is served in the German Market and you can enjoy freshly-made belgian waffles, bratwurst, kaesewurst and sauerkraut. They also have a confectionary stall with a range of the famously-popular schokokusse, or ‘chocolate kisses’. Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Wickford SS11 7QU FIND OUT MORE Now – Sun 24 Santa’s Grotto Get into the Christmas Spirit with a visit to our famous Santa’s Grotto. with photos and merchandise available to purchase separately. £6 Incl gift. Harvey Centre at Harlow, Harvey Centre Approach, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1XR FIND OUT MORE Now - Sun 23 RHS Glows As darkness falls, journey through Hyde Hall as it’s filled with hundreds of lights that transform it into a magical festive experience. Hyde Hall, Chelmsford. FIND OUT MORE Fri 1 to 7 Jan Beauty & the Beast When the Prince is cursed to live as a Beast in a magical Castle, his only hope is to find love before the last petal falls! Will the beautiful Belle be the chance he has been waiting for? Harlow Playhouse, CM20 1LS. FIND OUT MORE Sat 2 – 30 Dec Elf on the Shelf Mischievous elves are hiding around Harlow Museum. Each elf represents an important figure in Harlow History. Pick up a trail and see if you can find them all. Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, CM20 2LF. FIND OUT MORE December
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 19 Section Title Sat 2 – 23 Dec The Culver Express – meet Santa The highlight of the event is ‘The Culver Express’, a static Christmas train carriage installation which will be transformed into a magical grotto and nestled in the heart of the shopping centre. £10. Culver Square, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JQ Sat 2 Dovercourt Town Christmas Switch on and Opening of Orwell Place Switching on of Christmas Lights and opening of Orwell Place. Late night Shopping, Attractions, Rides, Live Performers, Singers and Dancers, Street Food and drink stalls, craft stalls and much more. 3.30pm - 8.30pm. Orwell Place and High Street Dovercourt Sat 2 Maldon Christmas Fair & Market Join The Rotary Club of Manningtree Stour Valley with their Manningtree Christmas Market, Manningtree High Street 3pm - 9pm. FIND OUT MORE Sun 3 Supanova Santa The Rise of The Gingerbread A Musical Theatre adventure from the fabulous Mad About Theatre Team. A Christmas adventure with fairies, gingerbread, a feisty snow queen, mother Christmas, Prada the Christmas cat all with their own quirks and a truly modern Christmas Tale. 1pm & 3pm. £6 adult £3 child. Holland on Sea Public Hall. 07709 315510 Mon 4 Christmas Wreath Workshops After last years success we are delighted to have joined up with Mansion House Florist to host our second Christmas Wreath Workshops. 7pm. £45 01255 686633. Princes Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SE. FIND OUT MORE Mon 4 Christmas rag wreath workshop Create your own unique wreath using a wire wreath frame and upcycled fabric. Cost includes full tuition, mulled wine or hot chocolate and mince pie. 7pm. £20. UnSealed Eco Refill Store, Clacton on Sea CO15 1TJ Wed 6 Colchester Castle Open Evening As a special festive treat, Colchester Castle’s free Christmas Open Evening returns. Soak up the festive atmosphere whilst seeing over 2,000 years of amazing history. Meet Father Christmas and receive a small gift for just £5. Colchester Castle. FIND OUT MORE Thu 7 A Christmas Carol A recital of the classic Christmas tale, at the historical; atmospheric and eerily unique Martello Tower - you don’t want to miss it! Colchester Arts Centre Director Anthony Roberts’ traditional rendition of the Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’. Tea at the Tower. FIND OUT MORE Fri 8 – Mon 1 Aladdin – Christmas Pantomime Join them to see Aladdin and his Princess battle the forces of evil with the help of his bumbling brother Wishee Washee and their mum, the gawgeous, Widow Twankey. £56 Family of 4, £16 Adult, £15 Concs 01255 686633. Princes Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SE. FIND OUT MORE Sat 9 Craft & Gift Fair Lots of stalls with wonderful gifts and presents to suit everyone from babies to grandparents. Family Friendly. Disabled access. Free parking. Refreshments available. Free admission.10am - 2pm. Tendring District Scouts Centre Valley Road, Clacton on Sea CO15 6NA Sat 9 Christmas Crafts Free children’s crafts with a Christmas theme. The event is suitable for children from toddlers to approximately year seven. Children aged five and under must be accompanied by an over-16 at all times. Older children can be left subject to numbers. FIND OUT MORE
20 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Step into a winter wonderland with Colchester Museums this December!️ Immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere of Christmas at Colchester’s city centre museums where cherished traditions meet historical wonders. Winter is the perfect time to visit with it's exhibition Gladiators: A Day at the Roman Games on display at Colchester Castle until the 14 January there. Visitors can marvel at Britain’s only surviving gladiator armour found in Suffolk, and believed to have originated from Roman Colchester, which is on special loan from the British Museum for this incredible exhibition. Suitable for the whole family it’s a must see for anyone fascinated by Roman history and Colchester's historic past. A short walk across the road leads you to the Natural History Museum and Hollytrees Museum, both of which are free to visit and packed with fascinating displays and exhibits. To find out more about what’s on over the festive period head to the website www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events Sun10 and Sun 17 Colchester Park & Ride market & craft fair. Specialist traders, Santa’s grotto, children’s characters, miniature funfair, carol singers and much, much more. 10am - 5pm. Colchester Park and Ride, A12 Junction 28, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5YX. Sun 10 The Show Queen Puppet Show The Toy Maker is in his workshop making toys for the children, when all of a sudden, they come to life to tell the story of The Snow Queen. . Hedingham Castle CO9 3DJ FIND OUT MORE Wed 13 Dec – 7 Jan Me… The world is a very big place, especially for a tiny baby penguin who is just finding her feet. Me… is ideal for toddlers aged 2-5 as their first theatre experience. £10 FIND OUT MORE Sat 16 – Sun 24 Family Christmas Trail Go along to High Woods for some Christmas-themed family trails. Follow the map looking for pictures which will help you answer your trail sheet and bring it back to the visitor centre when you are done for a small treat. Drop in 11am – 3pm. £1. High Woods Country Park, Colchester. Wed 20 – Sat 23 Festive Stories with Father Christmas Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree, in our group storytelling sessions. 10am – 4pm. Audley House and Gardens, Audley End. FIND OUT MORE Wed 20 & Thu 21 Peter Pan - A Magical Pop-up Panto! Fly away on the adventure of a lifetime this Christmas as Peter Pan swoops into town! Join the Lost Boys in a battle against Captain Hook, and escape on an awfully big adventure. Hedingham Castle CO9 3DJ. FIND OUT MORE
DIARY DATES Mon 1 to Fri 12 Little Red Pantomime Little Red loves nothing more than being in the magical forest. Visiting her grandma is the last thing she wants to do when there’s adventures to have! Hadleigh, Southend (check website) FIND OUT MORE Mon 1 New Year’s Day Crank Up and Wassail A day of celebration as we crank up the engines to ring in the New Year and bless the fruit trees in our orchard to ask for a bountiful crop. With entertainment in the form of dancers and musicians. £5/£4/£3. Museum of Power, Langford. FIND OUT MORE Sun 7 The Nutcracker Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King. Chelmsford Theatre. FIND OUT MORE Fri 26 Fun Fridays There’ll be music, magic, dancing & more as performers surprise and delight little faces with their expert acts and routines. 11am4pm. Harvey Centre at Harlow, Harvey Centre Approach, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1XR Wed 14 & Thu 15, Sat 17 & Sun 18 Wed 21 & Thu 22, Sat 24 & Sun 25 Kids for a Quid Keep the kids entertained on a day out with a steam-hauled train service when our Child tickets are just £1! Tickets offer unlimited travel on our heritage steam and diesel trains and vintage London bus services on the date of your visit. It’s 3 great heritage experiences for 1 great value ticket! Epping & Ongar Railway FIND OUT MORE Weds 21 – Sun 25 Half Term Havoc - Spring into Springtime Stone Painting, Make a Paper Flower, Make a Puppet, Springtime Hunt, Experiments, Puzzles and more. Let’s Get Crafty Workshops running. £8.00/£7.00/£5.00/under 5 FREE. Museum of Power, Langford FIND OUT MORE Sun 25 Winter Bus Event Expect a wide selection of vintage London vehicles, plus possibly some interesting guests, on display and in service operating additional routes in the local area. Our steam and diesel train services will also be in operation, together with our route 339 bus service providing connections to Epping Underground station (Central Line, zone 6). Epping & Ongar Railway FIND OUT MORE Thu 8 Nature Nursery Open Day Spend a morning the pioneering outdoor nursery located in Abbotts Hall in Great Wigborough, nr Colchester. The nursery provides exceptional holistic childcare for 2–5-yearolds based on learning through nature and inspired by the Scandinavian approach. 9:30am - 11:00am. Pre-booking essential. FIND OUT MORE January February DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 21
22 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] "The kids and I make and decorate shortbread biscuits! So simple but fun. We also make salt dough and make decorations. We have an evening where we put Christmas songs on and write Christmas cards for friends and family. We take a late evening walk when it's dark to see what Christmas lights we can find too!" Vikki. "We always open a small present on xmas eve just before bed. It helps me get the kids to go to bed, ready to get more in the morning!" Tracy. "We do a reverse advent calendar - put one item each day into a nice basket and then donate to the food bank. It’s a good idea to start it early, so we’ll be doing it in November rather than December." Cathy, KidAround reader "I’m carrying on my Mum’s tradition of making beautiful, homemade crackers for everyone, containing a mixture of mini perfumes, mini booze, fortune fish, vintage jewellery, little trinkets and cracker toys." Sophie from London "We have a family ‘makes’ each year. We decide upon a theme and give each other a homemade gift centred around that theme. We look forward to our ‘makes’ unwrapping far more than anything else." Adele. "I always do advent books. So I wrap up 12 Christmas children's books and put them under the tree. Every night 12 days before Christmas the children choose one to unwrap then we read it under our special Christmas blanket next to the tree." Kathleen "I visit my friend on 23rd and we watch 'Love Actually' whilst drinking copious amounts of tea, wrapping pressies (hers, not mine, I do mine in October!!) and having a good ol' natter." Debbie "We have a Christmas Eve Sack. It arrives on the doorstep in the late afternoon, when it’s dark. Inside are wrapped goodies for the children: ingredients for hot chocolate with new Christmas mugs, chocolate nibbles, a Christmas dvd (or sky store voucher!), reindeer OUR READERS GUIDE TO A PERFECT CHRISTMAS
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 23 food to scatter on the lawn and Christmas pyjamas (always good for the photos on Christmas morning) The children love it, even the older one who is 11." Kate "Instead of a chocolate advent calendar we have a wooden advent calendar. I order lots of Shopkins or miniature toys and put one on each day of the calendar. We always make a Christmas Eve Box. We put in things like a sachet of hot chocolate with marshmallows, a Christmas DVD, a cracker, a glittery magic door key with a note attached for Father Christmas so that he can get into our house (no chimney!); magic reindeer food (made from oats and glitter). Finally, one of our Christmas Day traditions is to watch the film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life'." "My 8 year old likes cutting up old Christmas cards to use as gift tags on presents so we listen to Christmas Carols whilst doing that. On Christmas Eve we put out a mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolph by the chimney. When we go to my Aunt and Uncle’s house for Christmas, they always have a special tradition after Christmas lunch – every guest is given a piece of paper with something written on that they have to do eg a silly song. By this time everyone’s had a fair bit to drink so no-one has any inhibitions and it’s always a real laugh!" Suzanne. Pre-Christmas tip: sort through old toys ahead of receiving new, you can sell these online which will help towards the cost of new or if you can, donate to a good cause.
Section Title 24 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] New Year New You Find all you need to start your 2023 with a healthy mindset.
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 25 Click here for a printable PDF
26 Winter Issue 2023 | www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Q. Who hid in the bakery at Christmas? What do monkeys sing at Christmas? A. Mince Spies A. Jungle bells KIDS FUN ACTIVITY PAGE USE YOUR FINGER TO TRACE AND HELP RUDOLPH GET TO SANTA SEE HOW MANY OF EACH ITEM IS IN THE PICTURE
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz | Winter Issue 2023• 27 Section Title Who gives Puppies Christmas presents? What do you get if you eat Xmas decorations? Q. What do you call a snowman on rollerblades? A. A Snowmobile A. 'Tinsel'litis A. Santa paws TRY OUT THESE CUTE IDEAS WITH HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS SUCH AS EGG BOX CHRISTMAS TREES OR BE CREATIVE WITH TOILET ROLL TUBES
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