How to make Christmas special

With social distancing measures still likely to be in place, gatherings with the wider family postponed and visits to the big man himself harder to come by, everyone is doing Christmas a little differently this year. Different doesn’t have to mean less special however and here at Families we’ve put together our suggestions for where to visit locally and other ideas to make this Christmas one to remember.

All events will need prior booking. Tickets were still available at the time of going to print.

Everyone’s favourite arts venue has three shows on offer this Christmas!

With three shows coming to their stage this year, Norden Farm in Maidenhead have family Christmas entertainment covered.

Their first offering, Oldilocks and the 3 bears, which runs 26 -28 November, is a funny and warmhearted celebration of the classic story, starring a naughty old lady who looks very familiar… and 3 funny bears who love their breakfast. Expect to be spellbound by lovingly crafted puppets, music and some steaming bowls of porridge!

On stage 10-12 December, The Magic Porridge Pot and Other Tasty Tales, boasts two stories told with puppets, pop up sets and original music that will delight and entertain even the fussiest of foodies!

Or why not try Pinocchio, a one man-show which sees Pinocchio himself carved on stage. The use of clever illusion enables brushes to become a fox and the shadow of two saws to transform into a giant shark! Running from 22-24 December, an element of improvisation makes each performance unique to its audience.

At Norden Farm, every care has been taken to ensure safety is paramount with government advice being continually monitored. All events will have reduced capacity and socially distanced seating, plus they are even available to stream online, so you can enjoy the magic from the comfort of your own sofa.

The perfect alternative to the traditional pantomime, there’s something for everyone at Norden Farm. Tickets are available from www.nordenfarm.org or by calling the box office on 01628 788997

Fee fi fo fum... It’s time for Maidenhead panto fun!

HA Events are delighted to present this year’s COVID secure pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk – a GIANT of a show suitable for the whole family!

Join them at Maidenhead’s new Braywick Leisure Centre in the Baylis Theatre and get ready to roar with laughter as we cheer on our hero Jack on his climb to defeat the Giant, save the village and his best friend – Daisy the cow!

Packed with all the traditions of pantomime (plus a few extra treats!) and featuring the feisty, fun loving Dame Trott., Expect charming animated scenery, sensational songs, delightful costumes, plenty of audience participation and belly laughing comedy.

Producer, David Kemp, commented, “The health and safety of our patrons and staff is paramount and we have taken necessary actions to ensure your 2020 pantomime experience is a safe festive treat! We have socially distanced seating and have planned frequent cleaning in the theatre, plus sanitisation stations on arrival, a one-way traffic flow and temperature checks.”

The hilarious double act, Niall Hemmingway and Chris Sheridan, will lead in the comical roles Dame and Jack Trott, plus joined by previous Maidenhead panto stars, Victoria Collins as Jill, Rachael Blaney as Green Fairy and Callum John Hill as evil Fleshcreep.

Performances run twice daily between 19th-24th December. Tickets are available from www.maidenheadpanto.co.uk or by calling the booking agent on 0333 666 3366.

COVID SECURE

HA Events Ltd present

Braywick Leisure Centre, Maidenhead

Christmas weekend at the Chiltern open air museum

Find out how Christmas was celebrated in the past with a special Christmas weekend opening on 5 and 6 December. There will be a small artisan Christmas market perfect for a spot of Christmas shopping and some of the Museum’s historic buildings will be traditionally decorated for Christmas.

Grounds and Gardens Admission £5 per person. Free standard admission for annual pass holders. Numbers are restricted for safety. Please pre-book tickets online and ensure that you select the date of either the 5th or 6th December.

Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk/events/christmas-event

Experience a virtual magical sleigh ride at Longachres

From 16 November, join Dash on a magical adventure as you test drive Santa’s new sleigh in 4D virtual reality!

A magical way to get your family ready for Christmas in a safe and exciting environment. Tickets are £5 per person and you can book from two to four people per ride; once any tickets are sold for your selected time slot then no one else can ride with you to ensure your bubble of friends & family is protected. Once you’re on the ride and in Santa’s sleigh you will be given a freshly cleaned and fully adjustable VR headset.

For younger children the same content will play simultaneously on a TV situated at the front of the ride. Sit back and enjoy this immersive show as the sleigh moves, the wind blows and you experience the magic of 4D virtual reality!

Longachres garden centre in Bagshot has ensured social distancing is in place in the woodland walk waiting area and entrance and exits to the ride are completely separate. Sessions last 5 minutes.

Longacres Garden Centre Ltd, London Road, Bagshot GU19 5JB. www.longacres.co.uk

Experience Christmas in the wizarding world

Get into the festive spirit as the annual Hogwarts in the Snow feature returns to the Warner Bros. Studios with more snow than ever!

For the very first time, you’re invited to explore another of your favourite sets in the snow as Diagon Alley undergoes a wintery transformation. As you step into the authentic Great Hall set, you’ll be welcomed with wreaths, garlands and trees topped with witches on miniature broomsticks.

The Gryffindor common room and Boys’ dormitory will be decorated with the original props including handmade Christmas cards and fireplaces throughout the Studio Tour (including those in the Leaky Cauldron and Great Hall) will be ‘lit’ with special effects fire.

Hogwarts in the snow runs Saturday 14 November 2020 – Sunday 17 January 2021. Tickets must be pre-booked, and all extra features are included in the ticket price

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/hogwarts-in-the-snow

Illuminated light trail at Blenheim Palace

The Illuminated Light Trail will be even more spectacular this year with new installations including Blue Neuron and Heart of Stars. Wrap up warm and walk through breath-taking light displays with your family to enjoy the Palace gardens like never before. Blenheim offers the perfect outdoor Christmas experience.

2020 brings new surprises from the Heart of the Stars scattering shards of light across the lawn to a scented fire garden that adorns the Water Terrace. Walk towards dynamic, colour-changing neon tunnels, lakeside reflections and onto a mesmerising place where, beneath the branches of a sprawling tree, softly glows the fairy-fire known as Will-o-the-Wisps.

The Palace will still be open for you to come and enjoy the lavish state rooms including the Cecily Brown Contemporary Art Exhibition. The Christmas trees will be up and the fires lit ready to give visitors a warm welcome.

www.blenheimpalace.com/christmas-new

See the magic of Lapland in the UK

LaplandUK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality, as well as stories and interactive activities.

This year, families will enjoy all aspects of the experience together in their individual ‘family bubbles’ and there will be plenty of measures in place to ensure safety is paramount.

14 November - 24 December 2020. Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot www.laplanduk.co.uk

Legoland at Christmas

The annual festive event transforms the Park into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, snow dusted trees, and of course…a sprinkling of LEGO® magic!

This year the park is also gearing up for some LEGO Friends Carol Singing, a fun DUPLO Puppet pantomime and an amazing Holiday Harbour lights show featuring a very special guest.

Whilst Father Christmas won’t be able to invite anyone into his Grotto this year due to social distancing, you and your family will be able to see him as he makes his way through the park on his very own magical sleigh. Don’t forget to wave to his elves! www.legoland.co.uk

Winter Light - an extravaganza of magical lights and gardens aglow at Waddesdon

The House is not open this Christmas due to social distancing protocols, so instead Waddesdon have focused on creating an outdoor Winter Light experience that delivers just as much magic and sparkle, but in a way that visitors can safely enjoy. Gardens ablaze with light, using a variety of state-of-the-art effects, will bring the extraordinary landscape and woodland to life. Visitors will also be treated to the spectacle of the façade of the Manor illuminated with dancing lights set to music. There is also a 30-day long Christmas Fair to delight shoppers.

Winter Light gets underway on Saturday 14 November 2020 and runs Sunday 3 January 2021 (Wed-Sun, 12noon-7.30pm). www.waddesdon.org.uk

Enjoy a socially distanced breakfast with Santa at Dorney Court

Take your little helpers down to Crocus at Dorney Court this December to enjoy a jolly good breakfast with Santa. All children will receive an ‘Elves breakfast’ which includes a free-range fried egg, bacon and beans with toast, decorate their own gingerbread and receive a gift.

This year things will be very different, but the elves will be working very hard to keep everyone safe.

8.30am - 10.15am. £14.95 per child. Adults £10.95. For more information or to book: 01628 669 999, or email admin.dorney@crocus.co.uk

Crocus at Dorney Court, Court Lane, Dorney, SL4 6QP

Christmas 2020 at Norden Farm

Garlic Theatre presents Oldilocks and the 3 Bears

Thur 26 - Sat 28 Nov 11.30am and 2pm 3+ YEARS

Theatre of Widdershins present

The Magic Porridge Pot

Thur 10 - Sat 12 Dec 3+ 11.30am and 2pm YEARS

4+ YEARS

Indefinite Articles present Pinocchio Tues 22 - Thur 24 Dec 11.30am and 2pm

Showstopping illuminated trail returns to Kew Gardens

Returning for its eighth year, Kew’s sell-out winter trail is back with old favourites and brand new light installations, bringing a touch of magic to the London festive calendar. Visitors can expect bursts of colour and enchanting optics as they explore Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape after dark. This year, a new route takes visitors through Kew Gardens’ beautifully illuminated Rose Garden with highlights including a canopy of stars, neon-wrapped trees and another spectacular light show at the Treetop Walkway.

Additional safety measures will be in place to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. These will include: a one-way system on the trail; the use of additional gates for entry and exit; additional time slots to help spread the arrivals and flow of visitors; and stringent cleaning practices. Rather than a concentrated ‘catering village’ as at previous events, food stalls will also be spread across the trail. Visitors can book tickets safe in the knowledge that if Covid-19 developments require cancellations, they can re-book their slot or get a full refund.

Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, says: “In a year that has been challenging for many, we are delighted to host Christmas at Kew, and have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that it will be a safe event for all. I am sure you will agree that we could all do with a bit of festive cheer, and I am confident that a wander through our spectacular Gardens, illuminated by over one million lights, will bring joy to our visitors this winter.”

The trail runs Wednesday 18 November 2020 – Sunday 3 January 2021. 4–10pm (advance booking only).

www.kew.org/christmas

Traditional Pantomime comedy capers at Theatre Royal Windsor

Cinderella is on at the Theatre Royal Windsor from Thursday 19th November 2020 – Sunday 10th January.

The panto features the theatre’s traditional pantomime comedy capers, with a sprinkle of fairy dust, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a glittering star cast featuring Movie Legend and star of The Real Marigold Hotel Britt Ekland and not forgetting the little fox with the big laugh … Basil Brush!

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Tickets from £11.50 | Live Stream tickets £15 per household

01628 788997 www.nordenfarm.org

Ideas to keep you entertained at home!

Reverse advent calendars

Keeping the spirit of ‘giving’ alive - especially during difficult times - why not try an advent calendar which is focused on offering a good dead or a donation to a foodbank every day in December?

Often referred to as ‘reverse’ advent calendars, you and the family could have fun designing and making these up yourselves! You just predetermine what happens each day - it could simply be to donate a tin of peas one day, donate some pasta the next and so on.

Berkshire Christmas elves

Look out for Berkshire Christmas Helper Elves on Facebook where families get involved in making Christmas special for those who need a bit of extra help. Last year our children loved being elves, picking out and wrapping gifts for another child, which was a great way to learn about the true spirit of Christmas. Creativity for kids If you’re spending more time indoors this year, why not get busy making Christmas decorations, baking treats together or even perform a play or a magic show. Enlist older children to write the lines and give parts to the whole family. You could even dish out

Zooms for kids prizes for the most inventive costume.

Maybe your kids can’t see their cousins this year, so perhaps arrange for them to meet on zoom with a well-structured game. Generally speaking, just setting up a zoom for a chat with young children is hard work, but with structure it can work really well. For a fun sleepover alternative, why not build a Christmas den in your lounge, decorate it with fairy lights, set up a Christmas film to watch and then let the kids sleep in it overnight. Adult participation is optional!

Some activities may require an adult to help, or a simple movie or traditional board game with treats may give you an hour’s peace! An adult could arrange a scavenger hunt which involves each child finding an object in their house and the first to bring it back and show it on zoom wins a point (this could be toy-based, shape-based, word-based or colour based for few ideas!). While we can’t get out quite so much, why not make your garden work that little bit harder this year by creating a Winter Wonderland. Fairy lights, hanging sparkly jam jars and decorations from trees, fire pits, outside heaters and blankets could bring that space to life! Get the children to get involved and celebrate with some toasted marshmallows! Adults could

Look out for the House Party app which already has quizzes and even make sure there is a bar serving mulled wine. games setup. ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄❄❄ ❄ Enter at Conversation Cards Vroom Vroom Plate Knitted Diplodocus Space Magnetic Pack Micro Scooter Driving Experience (child 10-17 yrs) Sword & Shield Set WIN Toys from our Gift Guide

familiesmag.co.uk/go familiesmag.co.uk/go

How to Have a Thrifty Christmas

The pandemic, lockdown, a slowdown in the economy, and job losses have affected many people’s finances across the UK. So here are some great festive money-saving tips, so you can enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank.

Set a budget

Work out what you are going to spend on food, decoration, entertainment and gifts. It’s easy to get carried away when you are Christmas shopping. Work out what you are going to spend on each child, friend, and family member and stick to it.

Shop around

Get the best price! Shopping guru and blogger, Samara Shahzad from Gift Goonie (www.giftgoonie.com) says: “When I shop online I always go on to Google, type the product I want and then click the shopping tab at the top. This brings up the product I want, where I can buy it from (online and in-store), and the price it’s available for. Sometimes the difference in prices can be vast and sometimes you get a small saving.”

Get baking

Save money by making your own mince pies or sweet treats as gifts. Rhiannon Abbott, from The Epsom Bakehouse (www. theepsombakehouse.co.uk) says:

“Keep an eye out for baking ingredient discounts around Stir-Up Sunday (mid-November). Stock up on dried goods if you are planning on baking for Christmas.

You can get the kids baking gifts. Make a large batch of simple Christmas Cash Saving Tips

Money coach Emma Maslin has a few simple steps that can save you money when Christmas shopping.

Sign up for a free 30 day trial with Amazon Prime to give you access to free delivery (as well as other benefits).

Download a savings printable at www.themoneywhisperer. co.uk and calculate the total amount which you need to save for Christmas. Divide it by the number of weeks to go for a weekly savings target.

An app like Chip or Plum takes the emotion out of saving.

They use artificial intelligence to read your bank account (using Open Banking technology) and ‘skim’ off money, which they determine you can afford to save after paying your bills and living expenses. You can set saving goals within the app.

Change the screensaver on your phone to an image of your child’s most wanted toy. If you are tempted to succumb to a frivolous purchase, you’ll be reminded of what you are potentially sacrificing. shortbread with flour, butter, and sugar. For a selection box, flavour some with orange or lemon zest/essence, dip some in chocolate, coat some in icing. Use leftover dry ingredients (nothing that will perish quickly) to make baking gift sets. For example, a sealed jar with the dry ingredients for biscuits, a handwritten label with the recipe, and a pretty cookie cutter.”

Go foraging

Home décor influencer, Abi Hugo, has some great tips for Christmas decorations. “Gather pinecones, fir tree branches, green foliage, evergreen plants, and festive berries in your local woods or park. They can be transformed into lots of different decor items, such as wreaths, table runners, centre-pieces, and mantle decor.” She adds: “A branch with decorations hanging off it can be stunning – it is very Scandi and Hygge. Hanging dried fruit with some string from a piece of driftwood can look really festive - you can dry oranges and apples on a low heat in your oven. The best part is they’ll make your house smell wonderful.

For more inspiration, follow Abi on Instagram @thewhitethistle

Save on Festive Food

After gifts, the Christmas food shop is the next biggest expense for families over the holiday season. Get a head start on these purchases to avoid the whole cost of Christmas ending up on the credit card.

Thrifty Mum (www.thriftymum.com), Hollie Hutchinson, shares her tips.

Make sure you budget for ALL your Christmas food and drink, not just the Christmas dinner. Factor boxes of biscuits, nuts, wine and chocs to see you through to the New Year.

Start right now by spending an extra few pounds each week to buy some of those extra Christmas treats. This way you can reduce the big hit on your income in December.

Check out the offers in the frozen food aisle. Buying extra frozen veggies now will ensure all you have to do come Christmas week is defrost and reheat!

Plan whose house you’ll be eating at (Covid-permitting) and how to share the cost. You could even suggest some potluck meals where each person brings a course each.