That, sometimes, exhaustive list of things to do in the run up to Christmas can seem overwhelming – even when there’s only a few weeks to go! A lot of the stress will dissipate by making a rolling list; breaking activities, duties and events into manageable chunks.

There’s always more choice with early reservations, so by prioritising actions such as buying pantomime tickets or booking a Santa visit, will give you first pickings of times and dates.

Don’t leave it to chance – those most desired dates get filled very quickly! Here’s a taste of things to come and to help you begin your list…

Top Tips for a smooth festive season

Stock up on frozen food: Head to the supermarkets before everyone else! Frozen food or pre-cooked food can come in handy as quick easy meals during the busy days running up to Christmas.

Get the children to write to Santa: As we get closer to Christmas, children are likely to be beside themselves with excitement. Encourage them to write a letter to the white bearded chap and who knows, if they are lucky, Santa may send a letter back!

Buy the small gifts: Don’t forget to stock up on small gifts for teachers, classroom assistants, neighbours, your child’s best friend and so on. You may wish to buy an emergency supply of gifts in case someone arrives unexpectedly with a present for you.

Spread out the shopping: Aim to do your shopping over several weeks. Not only will this spread the cost; it will allow you more time later on when things start getting really busy.

Go late night shopping: Don’t miss out on the magic of ‘Late night shopping’ as it can really lift the spirits. But not if it’s all a rush. Rather than frantically rushing around to buy gifts, aim to amble along at your own pace and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Buy those Panto Tickets: Remember to book your tickets for your favourite show on your preferred date before they sell out!

Festive Things to look forward to...

Christmas Markets 

Enter a Christmas market and instantly, you’ll be immersed into an inviting festive scene filled with cosy cabins, soft illuminations and an array of traders selling all sorts of unique craft items and tasty world food.

It’s an ideal environment to pick up slightly quirky gifts and sample authentic food from different parts of the world. Take a look through our what's on events to find a Christmas market near you.

Christingle 

Christingle is a celebratory event, taking place every year in the run up to Christmas. Now in its 49th year, this vibrant event is hugely popular for churches and schools, raising millions to help change the lives of disadvantaged children. All it takes is an orange, a candle and a few dolly mixtures.

The themes of Christingle include serving other people, thinking about children in needy situations, celebrating light in the darkness, creativity and redemption. You can find out more about Christingle at www.christingle.org or visit www.messychurch.org.uk for an event near you.

Google Santa Tracker 2018

Google has launched Santa Tracker, a fun, educational and interactive way for children to experience more about the festive season. The experience starts with the opening of Santa’s Village on 1 December.

Then, not only does the countdown to Santa’s departure start, but each day until 24 December, visitors can learn basic coding skills, exercise their geography knowledge and create printable ornaments while learning about charitable organisations. Visit https://santatracker.google.com/village.html 

Sleeping Beauty Comes to the Corn Exchange

There’ll be no snoozing at this year’s King’s Lynn pantomime – Sleeping Beauty. Hot on the heels of last year’s smash hit show, tickets are already selling fast for this dream of a panto in King’s Lynn.

Once again, King’s Lynn Corn Exchange promises a spectacular show full of music, fun, laughter, stunning special effects and plenty of surprises along the way. Sleeping Beauty is at the Alive Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn from Friday 7 December until Monday 31 December 2018. Don’t wait 100 years – book now at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk or call 01553 764864.

Educational Games for Christmas from Orchard Toys

Orchard Games and Toys are delighted to have launched two fun new games, which make the perfect educational Christmas gifts with their balance of learning and fun.

Giraffes in Scarves is a fun counting and colour matching game for ages 4-7, featuring giraffes in wacky patterned scarves. Jungle Heads and Tails is based on the bestselling farmyard equivalent and features a variety of wild animals for children to match and pair from a crocodile to a flamingo.

Both games are perfect examples of Orchard Toys’ ethos of ‘learning made fun’, combining fun characters, engaging gameplay and educational benefits. They are great for gifting and can be enjoyed by children as young as 18 months up to 7 years old. See www.orchardtoys.com

Festive Elf Workshops at Little Dream Parties

Little Dream Parties has created an exclusive and magical Christmas event for families in East Anglia, at the stunning setting of Wood Farm Barn, Beccles, Suffolk.

At the festive Elf workshops children can write a letter to Santa, get a glitter tattoo and help the elves with some balloon modelling.

Plus, the children can visit Santa and receive a special gift. The workshops will be running on 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December and as spaces are limited, advanced booking is essential.

For a small extra fee, children can receive a special personalised invitation from Santa, sent by the Royal Mail. To book a place call Maria on 07516 030947.