Six Christmas activities that your children will never forget
It’s hard to believe…. but it’s Christmas time again! For the last few weeks, my son has been asking “Is it Christmas now?” Fair enough, in the eyes of a 3-year-old, it is one of the best times of the year and you get rewarded whether you’ve been good or naughty (despite what we want them to believe). I’m a bit more cynical (blame my age) - the darkness and the cold don’t help - BUT there are definitely a few things I do love about Christmas especially now I have my son. We’ve already started with the mince pies and the advent calendar but it’s only the beginning. I’d love him to embrace and cherish the small rituals that make the running up to our Christmas so special. I’m sharing six of my favourite things to do with children during this festive season. I am glad I managed to photograph these special family memories to show him later...
1. Decorate the Christmas tree
I must confess that we use a fake Christmas tree so we always to mount it first (a fun exercise in itself) before opening a box full of decorations. Every time we re-discover some old homemade ones (the ones made at nursery when he was a baby, for example) that have their place on the tree (towards the back!). My son loves being involved and being in charge of the decoration mapping. This means all decorations end up in the tiny area of the tree at his eye level. This is why we need his dad to lift him up and spread the items towards the top. A moment of pride for him!
There are many ways to get in the mood before decorating the tree. For some children, going up side down is the only way… Don’t ask me why.
2. Write a letter to Santa
Whether your child writes yet or not, writing a letter to Santa is such a satisfying activity. If your child is only starting writing (like mine), it’s a way to practice phonics in a real life context. Do it together, help your child putting the letter in a envelope, sticking the stamp and even posting it to Santa (special address with the Royal Mail, for example). It will be pretty special and grown-up!
3. Go on a Christmas trail
I’m sure there is a place near you that offers a Christmas trail in December. As National Trust members, we couldn’t resist going to Chartwell House’s Christmas trail last winter. The trail was very easy for our toddler boy to follow, which made it a very enjoyable family day-out. There were things to count and clues to find throughout the gorgeous garden. Fun in the fresh air, a great combination for little ones.
Finding the partriges in the pear tree and counting egg baskets were part of the games of this Christmas trail.
4. Meet Father Christmas (and Mother Christmas!) in a Santa grotto
Lots of parents hunt for the best Santa Grotto in their area and there is a lot of competition, especially in and around London. We fell in love with Ruxley Manor Garden Centre’s Santa Grotto (near Sidcup, Kent) on our son’s first year and we haven’t tried any others for this simple reason. What I particularly enjoy about it is that it’s not all about Santa. You are welcome by elves, play a game then meet Mother Christmas and her assistant to make magical reindeer dust before helping out an elf in their toy workshop, making something you can keep. Meeting Santa is the cherry on the cake as he offers a present to every child in the room. What’s not to like?
It’s decorated with charm and lasts just the right time - not too long, not too short - for young children to have fun and leave with a smile.
5. Visit an enchanted Christmassy castle
For the first time this year we discovered Christmas at Hever castle, a beautiful Tudor palace in Kent. Its popularity is due to the fact that it was Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. In the gardens, we walked through the Dickenian Christmas Carol inspired trail. In front of the castle, a choice of traditional fun fair games and food were on offer. We tried some roasted marshmallows, a classic outdoor snack. Inside the castle we spotted plenty of Christmas trees, one in almost every room together with a Nutcracker theme. A very charming place to visit as a family during the Christmas period.
Make sure you see the castle at night to see the beautiful lights outside and inside.
6. Open the Christmas presents
Last but certainly not least, the moment all children await is the opening of presents. No matter how many they receive, I think the joy is the same. My son sprinkles the magical reindeer dust he made at Ruxley Manor (see point 3!) on Christmas Eve to make sure Santa DEFINITELY comes around. I must admit, the excitement on your child’s face when he/she opens this presents is the best gift you can ever get. As a family photographer, I couldn’t resist grabbing my camera to capture his reaction but I made sure I put it away afterwards to enjoy the moment.
Has this article inspired you? Let me know! I’d also love to hear your favourite family Christmas activities; please share your tips ;-) Feel free to use the comments box below or get in touch to create your own Christmas memories.
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Marion & You Photography is a photographer in South East London specialising in family, newborn, baby and maternity photography.
Marion specialises in London family photography, South East London family photography (Beckenham, Crystal Palace, Bromley, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Herne Hill, Greenwich), North London family photography, East London family photography, South West London family photography, Kent family photography as well as areas in and around London. My style is natural and relaxed. Ask me questions or book your own family photoshoot here.