Some of you love it and others find it overwhelming....we think you all know what we’re talking about! Yes, the festive season is just round the corner and it’s not too soon to start planning! To help get you and your family off to a festive start, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to Christmas on pages 15-17, which covers days out, shows and where to find the big man himself! Also, if you fancy a festive family city break before Christmas – which could also 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. We have some ideas for you on page 22. We have also included an eco Christmas gift guide to help inspire you to buy something a little bit different that helps the environment. At this time of year, you may also be choosing your child’s first school, worrying about conflict in the playground, musing on your child’s future education or planning for the arrival of their baby sibling. This issue covers these topics and gives you some top tips to consider.
Above all we wish you and your family a wonderful festive break! See you in 2023
Families Thames Valley East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All Franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd. Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Artemis Studios is a performing arts charity providing award winning inexpensive (often free) classes in and around Bracknell since 2007.
Cheerleading, Hip Hop, Acting, Musical Theatre for ages 3-adult. They are an Ofsted registered evening/weekend school, and a free to attend full time vocational performing arts college (based at South Hill Park Arts Centre). They accept split payments, and Childcare Vouchers/Tax free Childcare helping families to budget. Classes start at just £46 for a whole 12 week term. As well as term time classes, they offer free and low cost holiday workshops - with highly qualified and talented teachers (including West end choreographers, and real actors and directors) who are professionals in their specialist area. Why not join them on February 25th and 26th 2023 in The Wilde Theatre for an amazing production of The Wizard of Oz (youth edition). Free two week tryout for all classes
www.artemis-studios.co.uk
In the summer I somehow wound up organising the leaver’s party for the year 6 at my son’s primary school and the best decision I made was to enlist the help of local company Big on Bouncing. Their inflatables are available for hire all year round for any occasion and there is plenty of choice on offer. From bouncy castles and soft play, to disco domes, assault courses, penalty shoot outs, sumo suits, gladiator duels and everything inbetween, for use at both outdoor and indoor venues.
Big on Bouncing run a very efficient service delivering, installing and collecting all equipment with good humour and couldn’t have been more accommodating, especially in the light of last minute changes. They ensured everything ran smoothly so all I really had to do was let them into the venue ahead of time and then enjoy the sunshine whilst they took everything down again at the end.
With a 15% discount for anyone booking more than one inflatable for the same day and event, their prices are very competitive. For more information visit www.bigonbouncing.co.uk
For anyone with a child under 8, their indoor soft play venue in Slough is also worth a visit. Book online at: www.bigonbouncingparties.co.uk
Herries is a small, popular non-selective preparatory school in Berkshire for children from rising 3 to 11 years old. Rated excellent in all areas in their recent ISI Inspection in March 2022, Herries pupils benefit from smaller class sizes allowing more individual attention and learning time. The ethos at Herries involves developing the whole child as a rounded individual by means of a broad educational provision. Character education and their wide-ranging curriculum focus on public speaking, study skills, drama, music and art. Sports and fixtures are played at Bisham Abbey the National Sports Centre, and they also offer numerous extra-curricular activities and clubs. Cultivating a supportive family atmosphere enables pupils to thrive and achieve their full potential.
An extended day and early bird care offers parents valuable flexibility and the school’s distinctive setting in Cookham Dean is in the former home of Kenneth Grahame, where ‘Wind in the Willows’ was written. The children use the wild woods regularly and the school is rooted in the local community, as well as drawing pupils who have lived around the world.
For more information visit www.herries.org.uk
For more information please email bernice@littlelearnersuk.com or call us on 07944478517
Farquhar’s Vocabulary Resource has been helping children pass the 11+ since 2012. The resource consists of a set of vocabulary-building flash cards which are highly recommended by tutors and schools for CEM and GL preparation.
Creator Mary Farquhar says “I have been delighted with all the positive feedback I have received over the years from teachers, parents and students and feel privileged to have been able to help so many children secure their grammar school place.
When visiting tutor centres and attending workshops and information evenings, it has been a pleasure to share my 11+ knowledge and meet so many parents and bright and enthusiastic students.”
We asked Mary what makes her resource so valuable for 11+ preparation?
“The vocabulary element of the exam is really challenging and the sheer volume of vocabulary needed can be quite daunting, even for the most able child. My comprehensive flash card sets are structured in order of difficulty (Level 1-3) which enable children to build up their vocabulary – instilling confidence as they work towards the level required for the exam.
The new centre - designed to expand the academic and personal horizons of its students – was created to provide a rich and adaptable learning environment for their new Sixth Form Programme. Hon Mrs George Cadogan was joined by fellow old girl and Sports Journalist of the Year, Laura Scott. Offering over 20 subjects at A Level, with no preset blocks, students are free to pursue their individual interests and to benefit from personalised tuition within small classes. Scholarships are also awarded for Academics, Art, Drama, Music, Photography and Sport.
Please find below a proof of your advertisement for the Jan/Feb 2020 issue (No. 106) of Families T VE.
Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses
Sixth form students also benefit from bespoke leadership courses, time management seminars and a mentoring programme, staffed by Heathfield’s alumnae mentors. In addition, they embark on Pathways and Horizons programmes designed to support a student’s A Level interests directly and to broaden their perspectives. The school also prioritises well-being for its students. Flourishing lessons offer strategies to help manage mental health and Heathfield’s Positive Psychology Programme motivates a personal desire to thrive.
Any changes need to be made at this stage Any further amendments will be charged for
I’ve always focused on creating child-friendly definitions which have been stripped back to their simplest form (you shouldn’t need a dictionary to understand a definition!). These clear and concise definitions ensure children can fully grasp the meaning of a word, ready to recall quickly under exam conditions.”
Having evolved to keep up with the demands of the exam, Farquhar’s comprehensive resource includes 6 different packs, each with 200 key words and over 1,000 synonyms:
· Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 provide the foundations of a broad vocabulary
T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605
· Opposites 1 and Opposites 2 focus on synonyms and antonyms
Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your advertisement
Headmistress, Sarah Wilson says “Academic work goes hand in glove with all the other aspects of Heathfield’s Sixth Form Programme to create well-rounded young people with a positive attitude and a good work ethic; young people who are well equipped to take their next steps, whether that is into higher education or the world of work.”
Commenting on the new Sixth Form, she continued “This project has taken several years to come to fruition through challenging times. It will provide a much-needed larger space and I would like to extend a ‘very big thank you’ to everyone who kindly contributed to our fundraising campaign.”
For more information visit
Thames Valley East We are an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding ’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.
· The sixth pack supports work on tricky Compound words. Each pack can be purchased individually or as part of the full boxed set.
E: editor@familiestveast.co.uk
Little People Media, 29 Furrow Way, Maidenhead SL6 3 NY
A recent addition to the range is a child-friendly quiz game, aiming to add fun and variety to 11+ preparation.
The quiz game offers a fresh approach to help children improve the homonym and vocabulary-based general knowledge which underpins so many 11+ questions. A quick round makes the perfect ‘break’ from paper-based practice!
For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk
Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team
Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk
A team of Australian researchers has identified a biochemical marker in the blood that could help identify newborn babies at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a breakthrough that they said creates an avenue to future tragedy-preventing interventions.
The researchers found that babies who died of SIDS had lower levels of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) shortly after birth which plays a major role in helping babies to wake up during the night if their breathing is interrupted.
This is the first evidence ‘that babies who succumb to SIDS are different from birth,’ reports study leader, Carmel Harrington of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
The enzyme abnormality is ‘a measurable, specific vulnerability’ to SIDS that had not been previously recognised, the study reported. Further research needs to be undertaken to determine whether routine measurement of BChE could help prevent future SIDS deaths.
Christmas won’t be magical for every child. It can be a difficult time of year for children in care who may be spending their first festive season away from their family; for households facing economic hardship, buying presents will once again put additional pressure on parents. Reading brings children profound and wide-ranging benefits that can have a lifelong impact on their lives, positively affecting their health, wellbeing and academic and social development. Just one book can brighten a vulnerable child’s Christmas.
Last year sixteen thousand books were given to children in need and the BookTrust is aiming to match this figure in 2022, giving recipients access to the world of imagination, creativity and possibilities that books can provide. A £10 donation to BookTrust will help fund a surprise book gift for a vulnerable child and support BookTrust’s work during the year.
The theme of this year’s Road Safety Week, the UK’s biggest annual road safety campaign, is ‘Safe Roads for All.’
This year’s campaign takes place between 14 and 20 November and brings together communities and professionals to speak up for everyone’s right to make safe and healthy journeys on our roads.
The 2022 campaign will raise awareness of key areas of road safety, including safe vehicles and speeds, the recent update to the Highway Code and the new hierarchy of road users, plus the importance of inclusivity to keep us all safe on the roads, no matter who we are or how we travel.
Providing care
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All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post. And what could be more special than a letter from Santa? Here are two ways of making this happen.
Montessori Education for funded 2-3 year olds
Montessori Education for funded 2-3 year olds
can provide 15 and 30 hours across all 5 days if required (6 hours a day).
We can provide 15 and 30 hours across all 5 days if required (6 hours a day).
Fridays at Windsor Montessori
Toddler & Parent Sessions available
For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa in an envelope with either a first or second class stamp and addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address.
Check the deadline for posting the letter to Santa at www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa
Park,
01753
Home Park,
Lock Road, Windsor SL4
01753
OR 01344
Lock Road, Windsor,
01344
Lock Road, Windsor SL4
01344
Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online.
Check the deadline at https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk
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 application. 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. 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 knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?
School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally 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 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.
Consider your working week. If you’re commuting to work, how will you do that after school drop-off? Is there a train or bus nearby or space to park your car?
Every school is organised and managed differently, so you’ll need to do some research to see what each school offers and what matters most to you. When you’re shortlisting schools, it’s important to visit to get a feel for each one. Go armed with lists of questions and an open mind.
Each school will have its own personality but so does your child. Are they loud or reserved? Smaller schools with just one-form entry might suit a quieter child. If your child has any special educational needs, you’ll want to know the school caters well for them.
What wrap-around care does the school offer? If it doesn’t suit your needs, are there sufficient alternative options? Find out which secondary schools pupils go on to and see how that impacts on your thought process. For example, if a high proportion of the pupils go to the best local secondary school, then that’s a plus.
Find and compare schools in England at www.gov.uk/schoolperformance-tables
Get to grips with your child’s move into full-time education, with the Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk) and The School Run (www.theschoolrun.com)
Understand the school’s catchment area with the interactive tool at The School Guide (www.schoolguide.co.uk)
If you’re a parent of a child with additional needs, seek further specialist advice at My Family Needs (www.myfamilyneeds. co.uk)
Reach out to other parents for parent-focussed tips on how to choose a school. Local Facebook groups are useful but so are resources that host forums where you can contact other parents eg www.mumsnet.com and www.netmums.com
For when the day finally arrives, there are some super resources for starting primary school at BBC Bitesize (www.bbc.co.uk/ bitesize) and Family Lives (www.familylives.org.uk).
Children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. From farmers to flight attendants, astronauts to doctors, the answers are always a mix of familiar careers. But astonishingly, over two thirds of children joining primary school this September will end up in jobs that don’t yet exist. Think back thirty years - there were no social media managers or Bitcoin traders!
Today’s workplace is rapidly changing. As Richard Riley, former Secretary of Education, said:
‘We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.’
It’s a challenge and mainstream education will be required to adjust. Is an education system that focuses mainly on teaching children academic subjects outdated? Focusing on tests and exam results will not deliver for a future which will need creative, flexible problem-solvers who can collaborate.
The visionary educational pioneer, Maria Montessori, recognised this when she wrote, ‘Education must no longer be mostly imparting knowledge but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.’
In Montessori education, children are guided by a teacher trained in child observation and development. Classrooms provide open-ended, hands-on activities where children choose tasks appropriate to their stage of development.
With activities so targeted to each child’s individual needs and interests, children are engaged and motivated to concentrate, persevere and develop self-discipline. In addition, the activities are designed to encourage children to think flexibly and come up with creative solutions. In the early years, this may simply be how to unbuckle their shoes or share a snack. Later, it may be an exploration of the Jurassic period or a novel approach to solving quadratic equations.
Mixed-age classes with children aged up to three years apart is another key feature of Montessori education. Younger children learn from older role models and older children benefit from the experience too. In this mini community, children share resources, put things away ready for someone else after they have used them and help each other. This fosters social collaboration and builds emotional intelligence.
Louise Livingston has over thirty years’ experience in education and a background in educational neuroscience. She is Head of Training at the Maria Montessori Institute (www.mariamontessori.org), which offers Montessori teacher training, online short courses and the Maria Montessori School for ages 2 to 12 in London.
In a Montessori environment, children with a three-year age span work alongside each other, choosing and taking part in activities as and when they are developmentally ready. This is in sharp contrast to mainstream approaches which typically require children to learn the same things at the same time, in the same year group.
Developmentally, there can be a marked difference in the abilities of the youngest and oldest children in a standard classroom and how readily they can pass set milestones and tests.
With Montessori, children develop capacities at their own pace, building on a firm foundation of what they can already do.
Mistakes are viewed positively as an opportunity to find a different way of doing something, whereas sometimes mainstream approaches can make children feel that ‘getting it right’ is all that matters. When mistakes are valued as part of the learning process, a child’s confidence grows, they are able to try new things and contribute their ideas, exemplifying the fact that everyone has a unique perspective to offer.
Supporting your child’s development with a Montessori approach doesn’t require expensive equipment. It’s all about changing your mindset.
For example, instead of automatically doing things for your children, you can encourage them to do things themselves as much as possible and support them only as and when they need it. Depending on your child’s age, these things could include getting dressed, pouring a glass of water or helping to prepare vegetables for dinner.
When they try to do things for themselves, children find their own way. If they ask ‘how do you do that?’ turn that question on its head and ask ‘how do you think it should be done?’
Montessori is about optimising human capacity rather than filling children with facts that can usually be accessed with a few taps on a device. It’s so well-suited to preparing for future jobs because it recognises that with the right encouragement, children are motivated, curious, flexible and creative.
Playground conflicts can shape a child’s experience at school. When we show children how to manage them, they are learning vital life lessons about getting on with other people.
Conflicts in the playground can flare up and be forgotten from one day to the next.
As parents, we can’t swoop in and save our children from uncomfortable or even painful situations while they are at school. However, we can equip them with their own skills to use when teachers are not immediately available to intervene. Using well-chosen words can change the course of a conflict and help equip children to deal with future ones.
Of course, it’s important to understand where conflict ends and bullying begins: bullying involves a repeated, intentional act to hurt someone; it can take many forms. All schools must have an anti-bullying policy should bullying occur.
When conflict occurs, explain to your child that ‘hotting up’ a conflict makes a disagreement worse and ‘cooling down’ makes it better; we can help children realise they have the power to influence and resolve situations.
Start by listing which behaviours can hot up a conflict, such as shouting, name-calling, invading personal space, accusing, lying and being physical. Then list the behaviours that can cool down a conflict: admitting to what you did wrong, saying sorry, saying what you would like to happen, using a calm voice and avoiding words such as ‘always’ and ‘never’ which can immediately make someone feel defensive.
Active listening is a fundamental skill in resolving conflicts. Help your children practise by asking them to listen and repeat instructions back and paraphrase what you have said. Encourage them to ask questions so they learn how to develop healthy dialogues.
Older children may have more complex conflicts involving social media. These require a slightly different approach. Childline (www.childline.org.uk) and UNICEF (www.unicef.org.uk) offer solid support and advice for those who are experiencing issues online.
Dealing with conflict provides an opportunity for growth, emotionally, socially and intellectually. By continuing to observe and give children a safe space to talk about any conflicts they have, we are providing useful safeguards against potential bullying scenarios.
Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Instagram page edumate_uk.
Bullying is defined as a repeated, intentional act to harm someone. It is further defined as an act that can be both emotional and physical, targeted at individuals or groups of people and/or based on a particular identity.
All schools must have a policy that both addresses reported bullying and has preventative measures. If bullying occurs outside of school, headteachers do hold some power to make sure pupils behave off the school grounds.
Most organisations advise parents and pupils to report ongoing bullying to the school.
If a crime has been committed then the police should be informed. Keep evidence and a timeline of events if possible. Be alert to changes in your child’s demeanour and discuss the next steps with them.
Work through the ‘bullying temperature check’ on the AntiBullying Alliance website (www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk)
Anti-Bullying Week takes place from 14 to 18 November. The Anti-Bullying alliance website has a free parent pack offering advice and tools to support families.
Some schools have implemented programmes where selected children are trained to listen to and support their peers. This particularly helps those who find it easier to open up to someone their own age who they can relate to. Often called peer listeners or playground buddies, the trainees are available to help with tricky situations that may arise in the playground.
Part of the training involves knowing when to recognise problems that are ‘too big’ and require adult support; for example issues that arise at home.
Peer listeners are taught the importance of confidentiality and empathy. Training also includes how to ask open-ended questions which encourages others to talk and demonstrates the value of getting problems off one’s chest.
These skills are crucial in life. Often both parties benefit from the interaction as the listener develops leadership skills whilst their peer gets to offload their concerns.
Giving children a chance to become a peer listener takes children one step closer to becoming a responsible citizen.
Introducing a new baby into the family can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for parents. Here are some tips on the best ways to prepare your older children for the impending arrival of their baby sibling and help them to feel loved and included during the process.
If they are under the age of two, they may not be that interested at all and take the idea of a new addition to the family in their stride. However, a slightly older child might be bursting with questions or struggle emotionally with the transition.
Explain that the new baby is going to be with mummy or daddy most of the time and the baby is going to do a lot of sleeping, crying and feeding. This will also help manage their expectations so they won’t expect their new sibling to be a playmate from the moment they enter your home!
Show your children some old photographs of when you were pregnant with them or of them when they were a baby. Talk to them about what it was like when they were younger and how they too cried and fed all hours of the day. This will be a lovely bonding exercise and help them understand why the new baby will need more attention initially.
Using a doll is another great way to introduce your children to the idea of having a baby around the home. They can practise
how to be gentle, hold the baby and talk to them. Overall, this helps to normalise the idea of a baby. Better still, if you’ve got friends or family with small babies, set up meet ups or playdates so your child can get used to hearing baby cries, being around a baby and observing how mums and babies interact.
Ask them what they think of the names you’ve picked for the baby. Chances are they won’t like your choices and would much prefer Spider-Man or Peppa but the key thing is to value their opinions!
It will help them feel important if you let them pick some baby clothes. They could also help put new items away, pack the baby changing bag or even prepare the nursery.
With thanks to leading UK baby brand, Nuby (www.nuby-uk.com) for this article.
Family and friends will be enamoured with the new baby which may make your older children feel left out. It will help them feel much more secure and loved if you heap attention on them as well. Being full of praise, especially when they’re around the baby, will really help boost their confidence and esteem.
A ‘gift’ from the new baby to their older sibling is also a wonderful way to instil good feelings from the get-go. Show how much the newborn loves their older siblings already and can’t wait to get to know them.
The stress of the change may cause your children to act out or behave badly; remember, it’s normal. They may also start to regress and act younger than their age. Being patient and praising them for their good behaviour might help reduce this.
When introducing a new baby, one of parents’ biggest fears is that their older children will feel left out. Try to not feel guilty about spending less time with them and instead focus on quality time over quantity.
We all want a fabulous Christmas tree that lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for selecting and maintaining your tree.
How do I select a tree that’s the correct height for my room?
Measure the distance between your ceiling and floor, which gives you the vertical height limit. Take a note of the height of your tree stand. Deduct the height of the stand from your vertical height limit and you have the maximum possible height of tree that your room can accommodate. Take these measurements with you. Doing this preparation will ensure you don’t end up coming home with a tree that is too tall.
A healthy tree will have bright and shiny needles, not dry and dull. If you spot any grey sections, that’s a sign of dehydration which means that the tree is not that fresh.
If the tree is fresh, the needles should not break easily and should be hard to pull off. If the trunk is sticky and there is any sap residue, the tree is fresh. Also, the tree should be heavy, which means it is freshly cut and still contains all its water.
Choose Douglas or Nordmann Firs as the best options. If cared for well, they can last for about six weeks before withering, offering the best longevity throughout the Christmas season.
Lower the temperature in the room where you put up your tree, as this really slows down the drying process and keeps your tree fresher for longer.
Your tree will need one litre of water per three cm of the stem diameter. That means a fresh cut tree can consume four to five litres a day. Watering is critical, especially for Norway Spruce trees.
Check the water level daily and never let it go below the tree’s base. Without water at the tree’s base, the tree will dry out within a week. The temperature of the water is not that important and no, you can’t overwater your tree, it will absorb only as much as it wants.
Give your tree a good trim which will reduce the number of water-requiring branches. Keep the room as cool as possible and move your tree to the darkest place of the room.
Families would like to thank Fantastic Services (www.fantasticservices.com) for this article.
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for parents. The pressure to create the perfect experience for everyone builds into a behemoth balancing on a plate of mince pies, threatening to crumble at any minute.
The upward comparison with Insta-perfect mums and crafting geniuses, let alone the constant narrative in the press, on television and on social media, means the mental load reaches an all-time high during the festive season and it’s well documented that mums bear the heaviest burden.
The sheer volume of things to think about and do can quickly lead to high-stress, low mood and burnout and not enjoying a minute of Christmas.
It’s very British to need to present the perfect picture. But when you realise that you can’t control everything, including the actions of your extended family or your delivery man, it can be truly liberating!
Here’s a few tips on how to manage the mental load this Christmas and feel good about it too.
Grab a pen and paper and write a list of the top three things that mean the most to you this Christmas.
Focus on those first. Doing a few things well will feel so much better than spreading yourself too thin and doing lots of things, just ‘ok’.
Ask for and accept help - it’s a sign of strength, not a weakness.
Slow down to speed up. Running on caffeine at one hundred miles per hour is detrimental to your mind and body. Slowing down and taking some deep breaths or even indulging in a Christmas movie, will help you reset, re-energise and get some headspace.
Ask yourself what your children really want and need this Christmas and focus on that rather than succumbing to the pressure to spoil them or compete with peers.
Reduce your time on social media. It’s amazing how many hours you’ll get back.
Avoid too many excesses. Don’t deprive yourself of a glass of fizz and a few mince pies but counter them with a family walk in the fresh air or a healthy breakfast or lunch.
And don’t forget to give yourself the gift of self-care so that you can enjoy Christmas too.
Chloe Lowe is founder of @parentlistapp (www.parentlist.app), the app for busy parents who want to find joy in parenting.
With Christmas just around the corner and the excitement in our houses building, Anna Collins from Families puts together her pick of the best Christmas days out, shows and where to find the big man himself in the local area. Don’t forget to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
The Carnival of the Animals Lantern parade returns to illuminate Maidenhead town centre on Saturday 7 December
A Norden Farm favourite, this free event also features ‘The Brass Funkeys’ who will join all with live music on the route! Entertainment from 4.30pm and the parade departs from Maidenhead Town Hall at 5pm. You don’t need a lantern, but should you wish to, there are Lantern making workshops operating throughout November and December at Norden Farm. Address (lantern making): Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4PF www.nordenfarm.org
Christmas at Kew never fails to disappoint as you enter a natural world glittering with a million lights! From Wednesday 16 November to Sunday 8 January, encounter sparking tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewellike colour. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way. Time slots start between 4.20pm and 8.20pm. The Gardens close at 10pm.
Address: Royal Botanic gardens Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB. www.christmasatkew.seetickets.com
Christmas at Waddesdon is back on Saturday 12 November until Monday 2 January with magical lights, the gardens aglow and with Christmas displays in the house for the first time since 2019. The Christmas Fair returns with all the sights, smells and tastes of Christmas. New for this year is a Food Village to pick up delicious festive food and drink (the Fair ends on 18 December). The Winter Light Trail sees the garden spectacularly lit up with colourful interactive light installations (Winter Light continues until 22 January)
Address: Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/christmas
Christmas Lights Switch On Events Maidenhead Town Centre’s event is on Saturday 26 November, along with the festive market. Clewer and Dedworth Christmas fair and light switch on is on Sunday 27 November at 1pm at the Pirate Park. Windsor’s Switch On is Saturday 19 November along with carols and festivities.
Add some LEGO magic to your Christmas at the Legoland Windsor Resort. With over 24 rides, live shows and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and snow dusted trees. You’ll also see Father Christmas as he roams the park on the back of his magical sleigh, so don’t forget to wave! For an extra cost, guests can add on a visit to Father Christmas’s Cabin (subject to availability). From Saturday 26 November.
Address: Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/legoland-atchristmas
A popular trip out at this time of year is Odds Farm’s Christmas Spectacular Experience which runs from Saturday 3 to Saturday 24 December Experience a touch of added sparkle this year as you stroll through an enchanting festive forest and journey to the North Pole in search of Father Christmas. Families can then head to ‘Cuddle Creation’ in the Elves’ workshop, where children can make their own soft toy bear, cuddle to take home, complete with a birth certificate (included in admission price). There are also Christmas crafts with Mother Christmas. You can meet Odds’ Christmas animals including the Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, and the Jacob Sheep lambs due to arrive in December. The festive line up also includes Elf Academy, Tree by Twinklelight snowy shows and, back by popular demand, the acapella penguins.
Address: Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk/christmas-spectacular-2022
Look out for this new Christmassy event; Reading Winter Wonderland 2022 is opening on Saturday 12 November and runs till Monday 2 January. Enjoy rides and attractions, Santa’s Grotto with personalised gifts, an ice rink, German beer and much much more.
Address: Hills Meadow, George Street, Reading, RG4 8DH www.readingwinterwonderland.co.uk
We love a National Trust Christmas! Visit The Glamorous OneA Winter Ball at Basildon from Monday 16 November to Friday 6 January. Picture the entrance hall bedecked with peacock feather decorations, hanging bird cages and extravagant floral arrangements and the dining room transformed into a ballroom. Visitors can decorate their own masquerade mask and dance around the champagne glass tower. Children can get in on the excitement with an activity trail through trees hanging with clocks and fairy lights. The anticipation builds as they’re urged to get to the ball before the clocks strike midnight.
Address: Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park/features/christmas-atbasildon-park
The Spectacular One - Twelve Days of Christmas is the theme at Hughenden this year. On Monday 21 November to Monday 2 January, whisk your family away from the everyday and escape into a fairytale on your doorstep this Christmas. They are bringing enchanting scenes from the 12 days of Christmas to life in the garden, stableyard and manor at Hughenden.
Address: Hughenden Manor, Hughenden HP14 4LA www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/c2aeaacf-8c7a-439b-a9826e587852cfae/pages/details
Step back in time and enjoy a Traditional Christmas Weekend at the Chiltern Open Air Museum which runs from Saturday 3
December to Sunday 4 December. Meet costumed folk in the buildings and see how they decorated and celebrated Christmas. Plus make festive candles, listen to festive stories or join in with children’s craft activities. www. coam.org.uk/events/christmas-event/
Address: Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Ln, Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB
The Christmas sparkle continues at Windsor Great Park Illuminated which goes live on Thursday 17 November and is open until Monday 2 January. Follow a path through woodland awash with colour as sparkles of fireflies, luminous beacons and dancing fairies blaze the way, the lake alive with flood-lit fountains and glimmering reflections.
Address: Nr The Savill Garden, Wick Ln, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0UJ www.windsorilluminated.com
Starring Vernon Kay, join the Wycombe Swan for everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale, Cinderella from Friday 9 to Saturday 31 December. Hilarious family pantomime suitable for all ages, with tons of slapstick comedy and stunning musical numbers that you are guaranteed to be singing for days afterwards. The clock is ticking so grab your tickets now to the show that proves that a pair of shoes really can change your life! Address: Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE www.wycombeswan.co.uk
HA Events are delighted to present this year’s magical pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk – a giant of a show suitable for the whole family. This year Maidenhead Panto is proudly supported by Marlow FM. Join them at Braywick Leisure Centre in the Baylis Theatre as they cheer on our hero Jack on his climb to defeat the Giant. Expect charming animated scenery, sensational songs, delightful costumes, plenty of audience participation and belly laughing comedy. Performances run Saturday 17 to Saturday 24 December
Address: Braywick Leisure Centre, Braywick Road, Maidenhead SL6 1BN www.maidenheadpanto.co.uk
Norden Farm are delighted to announce that their Christmas show this year will be One Snowy Night which is a tale from Percy the Park Keeper by Nick Butterworth. On select days between Tuesday 29 November and Friday 30 December. ‘One winter’s night it was so cold it began to snow Great big snowflakes fell past the window of Percy’s hut… Percy the park keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. But one cold winter’s night, Percy finds his little friends shivering on the doorstep – they need more than food and he must find a way to help them…’ A snuggly, heart-warming story, with songs to sing along to, furry friends to meet and blankets to be tucked up in.
Address: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Rd, Maidenhead SL6 4PF www.norden.farm/events/one-snowy-night-38
Join The Theatre Royal Windsor between Sunday 25 November and Sunday 8 January for a traditional panto performance of Sleeping Beauty. The palace comes back to life this Christmas, spinning a tale which is sure to enchant you with their classic combination of dazzling dancers, stunning singing, and comedy capers! Suitable for all ages. Tickets available from £18.50. Family tickets available for selected dates.
Address: Theatre Royal Windsor 32 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PS www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/sleeping-beauty
A new show for 2022; The Santa Show is on Monday 19 December and Tuesday 20 December at 2pm. It’s Christmas Eve in the North Pole and the Elves are making final preparations to Santa’s sleigh before a crisis strikes! Santa needs your help to resolve the problem before it is too late and Christmas is cancelled. Will the children be able to help Santa save the day? Suitable for ages 2+, this interactive show includes songs, stories and a gift for every child.
Address: Braywick Leisure Centre, Braywick Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1BN www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/maidenhead/braywickleisure-centre/the-santa-show-2022
Step into Beale Park’s enchanting wonderland this winter from Friday 25 November to Saturday 24 December. Journey through a magical land on the Reindeer Railway and write a letter to Father Christmas in their alpine lodge. Voyage around the park to complete a special festive trail. Normal entry prices (or membership) apply to enter the park. For the ultimate magical experience, meet Santa in his fairy-tale grotto and feed his beautiful reindeer. Each child will receive a gift from Santa, and learn all about the reindeer from their keeper. Meet Santa is available on selected dates and requires separate pre-booked tickets at a price of £8 per child. Please note that you will also need the usual ticket for park entry. Accompanying adults do not need a Meet Santa ticket for themselves but they will need an adult admission ticket.
Address: Beale Wildlife Park, Lower Basildon, Pangbourne RG8 9NW www.bealepark.org.uk/christmas
Join the excitement as the first floor of Daniel Department Store is transformed into a Christmas Kingdom and Santa returns to his Grotto this year! Running 19-20 November, 26-27 November, 3-4 December, 10-11 December, 17-24 December. Bring all of the family along to experience the magic of Christmas and be sure to tell Santa what you would like for Christmas this year... as long as you’ve been good of course! £9 per ticket and includes a gift.
Address: Daniel Department Store, 120-124 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DP www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on/santas-grotto-experience-atdaniel-department-store-p1791011
Santa’s Grotto is an exciting festive experience at Dobbies Garden Centre - Hare Hatch and this year they’ve made it even more interactive. Select dates from 24 November to 24 December. Enter the snowy forest where our elf will guide you past the reindeer and rabbits as you walk towards Santa’s toyshop. Then you’ll meet Santa himself where you can tell him all about your adventures before receiving a special gift. Should you wish, you’ll also have the chance to leave with a lasting memory of your visit to Santa’s Grotto with our special photo option. £7 when pre-booked with your Grotto or £8 on the day.
Address: Floral Mile, Hare Hatch, Twyford, RG10 9SW https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=4215&v=0&r=v
Experience the great immersive Christmas event that is Lapland UK running from Friday 25 November to Saturday 24 December (availability at time of going to print). Enjoy reindeerdriven sleighs, Husky-driven sleds, Elves around every corner, Spectacular shows, Tobogganing, ice-fishing, snowmobiles & so much more.. Ultimately follow the glow trail in the great search for Santa!
Address: Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 www.laplanduk.co.uk
Experience the magic this Christmas at the Legoland Windsor Resort. You’ll be met by one of Father Christmas’ cheery elves who will guide you to Father Christmas’ very own cabin. He’s checked his list, received your letters and for every good child he has a special LEGO gift waiting to be collected. There will be over 26 rides and attractions available over this period (Subject to capacity). From Saturday 26 November (booking essential, extra charge for visit to Father Christmas)
Address: Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/legoland-atchristmas
Longacres Garden Centre has something different this year. Instead of santa visits, you can ride their 4D Virtual Reality Sleigh. Tickets are £5 per person and you can book from two to five people per ride. You can also treat your little one to an extra special early Christmas present for just £5 per child. Sit back and enjoy this immersive show as the sleigh moves, the wind blows and you experience the magic of 4D virtual reality!
On between Thursday 17 November and Saturday 24 December. Booking is essential. www.longacres.co.uk/blog/new-magical-sleigh-ride-virtualreality-at-longacres
In-person visits to see Santa are back at Moss End Garden Village on 19, 20, 26, 27 Nov and 10, 11, 16 ,17 ,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 Dec. Decorate your very own Christmas Ornament with Father Christmas’ Elves, before going in to see Father Christmas himself and receiving a Christmas Gift. Send in your letters to Father Christmas for a more personalised experience. November dates £10 per child, under 2s £5. December dates £15 per child, under 2s £5. Booking in advance.
Address: Moss End Garden Village, Warfield RG42 6EJ www.ticketsource.co.uk/fatherchristmasinbracknell
Santa and his elf helpers will be at the Nicholson Centre on Saturday 26 November and 3, 10 and 17 December between 11am and 3pm. This is a free event set up by Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club, the Maidenhead Lions, the Louis Baylis Trust and The Nicholsons Centre management. Donations welcome in aid of various Rotary fundraising causes.
Address: The Nicholson Shopping Centre, Maidenhead SL6 1LB
Walk through the sparkling enchanted woodland to meet Father Christmas in his grotto at Odds Farm’s Christmas Spectacular Experience this year and be sure to tell him all your Christmas wishes! Families can then head to ‘Cuddle Creation’ in the Elves’ workshop, where children can make their own soft toy bear to take home! (included in admission price). Event runs from Saturday 3 to Saturday 24 December. More info in the days out section.
Address: Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk/christmas-spectacular-2022
Come along for breakfast and meet Father Christmas at Stubbings Café, Maidenhead. At 8.00am they will be offering a breakfast for families offering the opportunity to meet with Santa! Santa will walk between tables meeting the children and hand out a festive gift to ticket holders aged 2 to 12 years old. Santa will then read a Christmas story to all the children, after which each child will receive an ‘I met Santa’ certificate. On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December and every day from 17-24 December
Please find below a proof of your adver tisem Januar y/Februar y 2017 issue (No. 88) of Fam
Address: Stubbings Estate, Stubbings Lane, Maidenhead SL6 6QL www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/breakfast-with-santa
Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CO especially dates, telephone numbers and ad
Santa loves a great ice rink! Meet him at Windsor on Ice at Alexandra Gardens, Barry Avenue, SL4 3HY. If you would like to meet Santa and give him your Christmas list, make sure you visit on the following dates: Saturday and Sundays the 3, 4, 10, 11 and the 17, 18, 23, 24 December (between 12noon and 5pm). Email boxoffice@windsoronice.com for special requests for Santa or groups wanting to see him.
Any changes need to be made at this stage . Any fur ther amendments will be charged for Please contact us by return either to amend or a adver tisement.
Address: Alexandra Gardens, Barry Ave, Windsor SL4 3HY www.windsoronice.com/meet-santa
Spread a bit of festive joy by being good both to your family and the planet this year. These gorgeous gifts for kids and adults will make everyone’s day without costing the earth.
We’re all for an advent calendar that encourages children to read! This one has daily, personalised Elf letters directly from a North Pole Elf. Read the stories every day to find out what happens in the North Pole as Santa and the elves get ready for Christmas. £25.99.
www.elfforchristmas.co.uk
These jolly Bamboo socks are great stocking fillers that save endangered animals too. Bright and colourful, they will brighten up your children’s feet, while 10% of the profits are donated to help save the animal on the sock. £7.50.
www.barekind.co.uk
Buttercup’s Nature Curious activity subscription boxes encourage children to explore the British wildlife on our doorsteps. Their eco-packaged worksheets and nature prints with augmented reality are designed and printed in the UK. £20 per month with bonus access to an online community.
www.buttercuplearning.com
Families has an annual subscription to give away! Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go
This gorgeous natural children’s bedding from Kabode is designed to inspire big dreams. The Alphabet collection makes it fun for your child to learn their ABCs and the playful design is decorated with colourful letters. Made from 100% certified organic cotton. £44.95.
www.kabode.co.uk
The Play Kits imaginative subscription boxes help parents make the most of playtime and support pre-school brain development. Created with leading child development experts, these are built to last and are made with sustainable wood, organic cotton, non-toxic paint and baby-safe plastics. From £80.
www.lovevery.co.uk
Gingerbread People make the perfect gift for little bakers. Delivered through your letterbox, each kit comes complete with delicious ready-made gingerbread dough, a cutter and recipe card. £15.
www.cakeordeath.co.uk
If you’d like your event featured please email editor@familieswest.co.uk with details. Event times and dates do change, please try and check that an event is still going ahead before you head out.
Dorney Village Hall, Off Meadow Way, Dorney Reach, Maidenhead SL6 0DS
Messy play for 5 months - 5 years. See website for booking. Pay as you go and terms available. www.littlelearnersuk.com/franchise/messyplay-windsor-maidenhead-slough
TALES FROM ACORN WOOD Wycombe Swan, HP11 2XE Performances at 4pm Thursday and 10.30am and 1.30pm Friday. www.wycombeswan.co.uk
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
Legoland Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road SL4 4AY www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/ fireworks-spectacular
FIREWORKS NIGHT
Danesfield House Hotel, Henley Rd, MarlowOn-Thames SL7 2EY Gates open 5.30pm. Display at 7pm www.mymarlow.co.uk/events/fireworks-night
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11am www.norden.farm
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12pm www.norden.farm
MAIDENHEAD CYCLE HUB FAMILY RIDE
The ride will start by the entrance to Bray Lake (SL6 2EB) 2pm. Distance 8 miles. www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/maidenheadcycle-hub
WINDSOR CYCLE HUB GENTLE RIDE FOR FAMILIES
The ride will start at The Swan, 9 Mill Lane, Windsor SL4 5JG Meet at 11am for an 11.30am start. Distance 8 miles. www.cyclinguk.org/event/gentle-ride-suitablefamilies-1
GRAND OPENING READING WINTER WONDERLAND Hills Meadow, Reading 10am-9pm www.readingwinterwonderland.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT STOWE Stowe National Trust, Buckingham MK18 5EQ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/d4f25d8c24be-433f-93b1-4d8ba6bf4134/pages/details
CHRISTMAS AT WADDESDON Aylesbury HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/christmas
CHRISTMAS AT BASILDON PARK: A WINTER BALL
Basildon Park, Reading RG8 9NR Closed December 24 and 25 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park/ features/christmas-at-basildon-park
DINOSAUR - THEMED TODDLER DAYS
The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services look-out-discovery-centre/toddler-days
4D VIRTUAL REALITY SLEIGH RIDE
Longacres Garden Centre, London Road, Bagshot GU19 5JB Booking essential www.longacres.co.uk/blog/new-magicalsleigh-ride-virtual-reality-at-longacres
WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED www.windsorilluminated.com
NEVERLAND ILLUMINOVA Wellington Country Park www.neverlandilluminova.co.uk
THE STORY OF THE SNOW QUEEN, CHRISTMAS MARKET AND ILLUMINATED TRAIL
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire. OX20 1UL www.christmasatblenheim.seetickets.com
WINTER WONDERLAND Hyde Park 10am-10pm www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
FAMILY CONCERTINI WITH CUT A SHINE Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11.30 am and 2pm. 0-8 yrs www.norden.farm
WINDSOR MARKET AND CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT MOSS END GARDEN VILLAGE
Maidenhead Road, Warfield RG42 6EJ Also 26, 27 Nov and 10, 11,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24 Dec. Booking essential. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ fatherchristmasinbracknell
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 10.30 am and 2pm www.norden.farm
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Hughenden National Trust HP14 4LA www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/c2aeaacf8c7a-439b-a982-6e587852cfae/pages/details
VISIT SANTA
Beale Wildlife Park, Lower Basildon, Pangbourne www.bealepark.org.uk/christmas
FESTIVE MARKET
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12-4pm free entry. www.norden.farm
MAIDENHEAD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON AND FESTIVE MARKET Maidenhead town centre
VISIT SANTA AND HIS ELVES
The Nicholson Shopping Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 1LB
Free visits between 11 and 3pm Also December 3, 10 and 17
WHITE WALTHAM SCHOOL CHRISTMAS MARKET
Christmas fun for families, all welcome 4-7pm White Waltham SL6 3SG
TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS Grey’s Court, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4PG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court/lists/ christmas-at-greys-court
SANTA FUN RUN
Sun, 11:45–14:00
Dorney Lake, Off Court Ln, Lake End Rd www.runabc.co.uk/ads-santa-fun-run
If you’d like your event featured please email editor@familiestveast.co.uk
with details. Event times and dates do change, please try and check that an event is still going ahead before you head out. Deadline for inclusion in next issue (Jan/Feb 23) is Dec 1
ALEXANDER DEVINE’S SANTA DASH Windsor 5k family fun run www.alexanderdevine.org/santadash
CLEWER AND DEDWORTH CHRISTMAS FAIR AND LIGHT SWITCH ON Pirate Park 1pm
ONE SNOWY NIGHT
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF A snuggly, fun and heart-warming story, with songs to sing along to and furry friends to meet. 3+ years www.norden.farm
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 6-9pm free entry. www.norden.farm
LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOPS
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 10.30 am and 2pm www.norden.farm
MAIDENHEAD CYCLE HUB FAMILY RIDE
The ride will start by the entrance to Bray Lake (SL6 2EB)
2pm. Distance 8 miles. www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ maidenhead-cycle-hub
The ride will start at The Swan, 9 Mill Lane, Windsor SL4 5JG
Meet at 11am for an 11.30am start. Distance 8 miles. www.cyclinguk.org/event/gentle-ride-suitablefamilies-1
Windsor Yards Shopping Centre, SL41TF
2-5pm. Planned at time of going to print but tbc.
Pug Yard Learning Centre, Windsor Castle SL4 1NJ
Free upon admission to The Castle
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Ln HP8 4AB www. coam.org.uk/events/christmas-event
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common HP10 0LX Take a Magical Stroll to the North Pole and Enjoy a Personal Visit to Meet Father Christmas! www.oddsfarm.co.uk/christmasspectacular-2022
BREAKFAST WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS Crocus at Dorney Court SL4 6QP 8.30-11.15am
Other dates available. Booking Essential www.bookwhen.com/crocusdorney
CHRISTMAS - THEMED TODDLER DAYS
The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/ look-out-discovery-centre/toddler-days
CINDERELLA
Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE Starring Vernon Kay www.wycombeswan.co.uk
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Stubbings Nursery, Stubbings Lane, Maidenhead SL6 6QL www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/ breakfast-with-santa
If you’d like your event featured please email
with details.
LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOPS Maidenhead Library Times TBC www.norden.farm
CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS LANTERN PARADE Maidenhead Town Centre This year the parade will take a new route to celebrate the new Riverside Quarter. 4.30-6.15pm www.norden.farm
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Pug Yard Learning Centre, Windsor Castle SL4 1NJ
Free upon admission to The Castle
BABY BROADWAY
Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE 10am 0-8yrs www.wycombeswan.co.uk
MINI CREATIVE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Busy Buttons, Yards Shopping Centre, 8-9 King Edward Court, Windsor SL4 1TF Living advent calendar, craft workshops, homemade gifts, refreshments and more www.busybuttons.org
CHRISTMAS CEILIDH
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 7.30pm www.norden.farm
CREATIVE MINDFULNESS FOR CHILDREN 4-7YRS
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 11am www.norden.farm
CREATIVE MINDFULNESS FOR CHILDREN 8-11YRS
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF 12pm www.norden.farm
National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration and will from Saturday 26 November to Sunday 3 December.
Across the country, people will be planting thousands of trees to mark the start of the winter tree planting season.
Trees and hedgerows are some of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against climate change. And the good news is that we can all make a difference by planting a tree. Whether you plant a tree in a pot on your doorstep, a hedge in your garden or organise a community event at a local park, every tree will help us grow a greener future together.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Pug Yard Learning Centre, Windsor Castle SL4 1NJ
Free upon admission to The Castle
Thames Valley East magazine is looking for distributors in Windsor, Egham & surrounding areas to start asap.
Around the country, volunteer Tree Wardens and other champions of local trees will be holding tree planting events throughout the winter planting season.
a local tree planting event
Contact: Chrissie Wilson Telephone: 07799 826 567 Email: editor@familieschiltern.com
If you have a car, a few hours to spare every two months, are reliable and want to earn some extra money, contact: Rachel on 07867 514138 or email editor@familiestveast.co.uk
Please find below a proof of your July/August 2021 issue of Families Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION especially dates, telephone Any changes need to be made at Any further amendments will be charged Please contact us by return either
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It’s the MOST wonderful time … of the year! It sure is! And what better way to experience Christmas with little ones than on a city break? Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the most family-friendly UK cities in which to experience the full magic of Christmas.
Glasgow holds all the festive fairs that you would expect from a city but it also offers a range of theatre and entertainment for little ones. From a variety of pantos to Children’s Classic Concerts such as The Night Before Christmas, there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Travel by Santa Trains (www.svr.co.uk/ events/santatrains22) from Kidderminster to Arley to see your favourite characters in pantomime. Twenty minutes away, Bodenham Arboretum’s (www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk) live nativity play is superb.
www.allevents.in/kidderminster/ christmasNottingham
Nottingham’s festive markets offer something for everyone, from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland! Trinity Square is a city highlight and last year it contained a specially constructed Christmas village which offered visitors the chance to relax with hot chocolates in a number of igloo-style domes. A unique experience!
https://bit.ly/nottswinterwonderland
A beautiful, picturesque city that truly embraces the spirit of Christmas.
Alongside its regular markets, the city holds an annual Christmas Festival. This year’s Festival will run from 2 to 4 December. In addition, Durham will be full of festive music, seasonal storytelling, Carols in the Cathedral, a children’s Lantern Procession and so much more.
Perhaps not the first destination that comes to mind when you think about Christmas but Norwich has lots of festive charm, including the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light! As one of the largest of its kind in Europe, the Tunnel of Light consists of more than fifty seven thousand LED bulbs and over five and a half miles of cabling!
https://bit.ly/norwichxmas
Why not celebrate Christmas with a trip to a festive castle? Cardiff Castle has a fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows such as Santa’s Wish, Castellana and The Nutcracker, all performed in the round. Plus, there’s the usual spectacular Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland.
https://bit.ly/cardiffcastlexmas
Tested by Tots checks out and recommends only products and services that are genuinely child-friendly. For hints and tips on holidaying with children, including holiday packing checklists, go to www.testedbytots.com
This city goes big when it comes to Christmas with light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. The kids won’t believe their eyes!
https://bit.ly/xmasbel
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is widely recognised across Europe and is inspired by German Christmas markets. The Cathedral is at the heart of the city’s festivities, lighting up in celebration with Christmas services and other festive activities that carry on into the New Year.
https://bit.ly/wincxmasmarket
Exeter city comes alive this time of year with an ice rink and Winter Wonderland plus the usual carol concerts and pantomimes. Drive twenty minutes and you’ll also find Pennywell Farm (www.pennywellfarm.co.uk) which boasts one of the best live nativity and Christmas experiences in Devon.
https://bit.ly/xmasinex
Here at Families, books are always top of our Christmas list and with it’s quirky humour and loveable character, it’s no wonder this series following the adventures of Einstein the penguin is right up there. Rachel Bailey talks to author Iona Rangeley about the challenges of having a non-verbal main character and what inspired her love of writing from an early age.
Here’s a really fun Christmas activity to do with your little ones! These penguin pops not only taste delicious, they are also super simple to create. With just a hand full of ingredients, these banana penguins will impress and entertain the kids!
You will need:
1 banana
lolly sticks
milk chocolate
candy eyes
orange Smarties (cut in half)
Baking paper
1
Step 1
Start by melting your chocolate in the microwave for around 2 mins. Stirring occasionally.
Step 2
Peel your banana and cut in half.
Step 3
Slide the lolly stick into the flat part of the banana.
Step 4
Take your warm melted chocolate and dip your bananas in it, coating the back fully. Coat the top of the banana to a third of the way down and upwards from the tip for around 1cm, leaving space to add the feet.
Step 5
Cut the Smarties in half.
Step 6
Place your dipped banana on a plate lined with baking paper. Add your candy eyes just below and in between the eyes, add half a Smartie to make a nose.
Step 7
Use two more halves of Smarties to make two feet!
Place in a cold refrigerator for around 30 mins to set.
Neha Gandesha is a mum from North West London who shares her colourful kid-friendly meals and snack recipes on her Instagram page
@Squashedpickle.