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Christmas activities for children in Suffolk

 

Breeze through the seasonal festivities with these handy money-saving tips and up-to-the minute ideas that will help make Christmas a sensational time for you and your family…

 

 

Apportion the Christmas tasks to all family members

Who says that mum has to arrange Christmas? Ease the mammoth strain that often nestles on oneperson’s shoulders by apportioning tasks and responsibilities to all family members. Yes, for mum’s that means letting go of the control!

Dad can sift out the tree and perhaps dabble with a bit of grocery shopping, granny can make the Christmas cake, whilst the children can beautifully, and quite uniquely, dress the tree and make decorations.

Slightly older children can assist in writing the messages in Christmas cards, or even show mums and dads how to send Christmas e-cards. Letting go of control and lightening the load by delegating tasks will help everyone feel part of the arrangements.

A ‘real’ Christmas Tree should last about four weeks, so it’s best not to buy it too early on – certainly no sooner than 1 December.

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association suggest keeping the tree outside in a cool shaded place, preferably standing in water, until it is required indoors. Before bringing the tree indoors it is an advantage if about half an inch is cut off the butt in order to open up the pores of the tree. Mount it in a water-holding stand or wedge it in a bucket with pebbles, small stones or screwed up newspaper, and place it away from direct heat. Then keep the container topped up with water every day.

It is part of the life cycle of the conifer tree that it sheds needles and they will accelerate that shedding particularly if they dry out. The best way to ensure satisfaction is to care for the tree while it is in your home. A tree should be treated like any plant being brought into a warm, dry atmosphere. Find out more about caring for your Christmas Tree at www.bctga.co.uk

 

Re-Cycling Real Christmas Trees

Real trees are recyclable, however artificial ones are not. Local councils often arrange special collections of ‘real’ trees in early January.  You may receive a leaflet from your local council detailing when the 'special collection' will take place. If you don't receive anything, contact your council and ask if they are collecting in your area. Once the tree has been collected it is usually shredded into chippings which are then used locally in parks or woodland areas.

 

 

Re-Cycling Artificial Trees

Due to the combination of materials used to make an artificial tree you are unable to recycle it. However, if in good condition, you could donate it to charity.

For further information about re-cycling Christmas Trees visit www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/christmas-trees

 

 

 

Revisit traditional Christmas values

By drifting along with the festive tide it’s easy to lose sight of the traditional and true meaning ofChristmas. Children can learn the reason behind the festivities with the wonderful story of the nativity that will enlighten and explain what Christmas really is all about. Churches, local community centres, village halls and indeed schools continue to host the traditional nativity play, whilst many churches also hold other seasonal religious services such as a Christingle at this time of year.

Whether you have a Christian faith or not, a step away from the hustle and bustle into the calming atmosphere of a church where you will be reminded of the simple and humble story behind Christmas, is sure to reduce the pulse rate and perhaps, may help put life in a better perspective.

 

How to survive Christmas Day!

You’ve managed until now, but the big day has arrived. How will you survive it? Well, the blood pressure will reduce if everyone helps each other, rather than allowing one person do everything. Again, be prepared. Write a list of what needs to be done, who will do it and then stick to it. Children can help by laying the table, tidying their toys and clearing away the wrapping paper. On a day when they are buried with gifts galore they might be prepared to do their bit in return!

 

Arrange the annual festive trip to see Santa

An absolute must on any December to-do list has to be the annual festive trip to see the great white bearded one at one of his sparkly, icy clad grottos.

Santa is truly amazing and his timing is impeccable, as he magically transports himself from a snowy-landscaped garden centre to a busy shopping arcade to an historic steam train to a super fun children’s attraction, all with relative ease.

These visits are powerfully precious to any child and feature as a highlight in the run up to the big day - so slow down, leave the festive fuss behind and savour every bright, wide-eyed moment. Want to know where to find Santa?

Keep an eye out for our Where's Santa in Devon pages - coming soon!

 

 

 

 

Leave something out for the Reindeers on Christmas Eve

Throughout Christmas Eve, Santa is nourished with plenty of mince pies and sometimes he may havetime to enjoy the odd tipple of sherry, whilst the reindeer are often left to rummage around for scraps of biscuit and carrots. So, this year, why not surprise the reindeer with a sparkly edible treat?   

Special reindeer food can be made by the children and then sprinkled on the lawn on Christmas Eve. The food includes brightly coloured sprinkles which reindeer’s can easily spot in the moonlight – which helps them to find your house! The birds will no doubt feast on whatever is left behind.

To make the reindeer food you will need: Oatmeal, sprinkles (suitable for birds – and reindeer!), an empty baby food jar and tissue paper. The procedure is very simple.

Mix the ingredients together and then place them in a baby food jar covered with the tissue paper. Then leave the jars out on the lawn on Christmas Eve for the reindeer to munch on to help them along on their epic journey!  

 

We’ve searched across the area for some of the best festive events – take a look!

 

Santa's visiting Alder Carr Farm!

Alder Carr farm's popular Christmas fayre is back again this year on Saturday, 5 December and it's going to be filled with even more festive cheer. Once again, the friendly folk at the farm have managed to encourage Santa to pay a visit, who is taking a day out of his busy schedule. There is no need to book to see Santa - just go along on the day! There will also be a selection of craft stalls offering some fantastic Christmas gifts, which will be under cover in the courtyard so there’s no need to worry about the weather. Alongside the craft stalls there will also be Christmas food tastings and tractor trailer rides will be running throughout the day.

The fayre is being run to raise money for Alder Carr Farm's charity of the year, St. Elizabeth Hospice. It promises to be a fantastic day! For details call 01449 720820 or visit www.aldercarrfarm.co.uk

 

Planet Laser's Winter Wonderland Christmas Party: Saturday 19 December

Planet Laser will take the world of gaming out of the stratosphere this festive season! Children will be able to play with state of the art Helios laser guns and compare scores with the rest of the country at this extraordinary new laser arena in Bury St. Edmunds. Planet Laser's Winter Wonderland Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, 19 December and will include two hours of amazing entertainment for 4 to 11 year olds. The fun festive package includes a Kid's Disco, games, food and refreshments, giveaways and a special Christmas gift for all. It will cost just £15 per person and will run from 4pm to 6pm. Book early to be sure of a place. Find Planet Laser at Unit 2, Lilac Works, Bury St. Edmunds, IP33 3SP. Call 01284 220102 or visit www.planetlaser.co.uk for details and bookings.

 

Farmer Christmas visits Baylham Farm

It doesn’t seem that long since Baylham Farm closed for the winter but it will re-open in December!  Farmer Christmas has again agreed to take time out from looking after Santa’s animals to visit the farm during the first three weekends in December, notably 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. From 10am to 4pm, Farmer Christmas will be in Baylham’s Christmas barn, with some helpers, ready to talk to every boy and girl who wants to tell him their wishes for Christmas.  There is no additional charge for visiting Farmer Christmas, and all children will receive a gift. The yard enclosures at Baylham Farm will be filled with pigs and cattle to keep them out of the worst of the winter weather, while the sheep are still out until they’re brought in for lambing. Once the children have whispered all their wishes to Farmer Christmas and met the cute animals, they can then burn off some energy in the play area, whilst the parents relax in the café over lunch or a slice of homemade cake. For details visit www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk

 

Get active this winter at South Suffolk Leisure

This winter make a splash in the leisure pool at Kingfisher where the children can ride the water slides, jump the waves or climb the inflatable. There’s hours of fun to be had that will really tire them out! Alternatively, let the kids vent off some steam by exploring the four tier play frame in Little Kingfishers Play Centre, where they can climb the ladders and nets, jump on the rope swing, ride the spiral and wavy slide or play in the new ball pit. For the very little ones there is a ball pool and sensory soft play pit for them to have fun in a safe environment. For details, visit www.ssleisure.co.uk or call Kingfisher Leisure Centre on 01787 375656 or Hadleigh Pool and Leisure on 01473 823470.

 

Christmas Fair – winter wonders at the Long Shop Museum

Pomp, ceremony and seasonal cheer will reign in Leiston on Saturday 5 December when, at 10.45am, Santa and his elves will arrive by tractor and trailer and be led by the Never Ready Band from the Sizewell Road Car Park to the Long Shop Museum. The museum will host Santa’s grotto as well as a range of great stalls, a prize draw, tombola, refreshments and some festive childrens’ activities as part of the Christmas Fair.

From 11am noon until 3pm, Father Christmas will be handing out presents at the Long Shop Grotto to all well-behaved children who visit him. Get into the festive spirit by picking up some original presents as the museum will be transformed into a craft market with stalls selling gorgeous gifts and more. Prizes will be aplenty at the Tombola as well as the Grand Draw and children’s activities will include old fashioned Christmas crafts like making bead decorations to hang on the tree.  Entry to the Fair is free – tickets to see Father Christmas are £4, available from the Garrett Room.

Yuletide activities continue across town with a free cartoon show at 1pm at Leiston Film Theatre. For details of this event, as well as 2016 events, at the Long Shop Museum, keep an eye on the website - www.longshopmuseum.co.uk. 

 

Gifts that Last all Year 

Imagine buying a memorable gift that can be used for 12 months. Well, you can! In these money-conscious times, people are becoming more cautious on how they spend their money, by shopping around for the best deals and searching for gifts that really offer value for money. Season tickets, memberships to attractions, an animal sponsorship or a charitable donation are ‘added value’ gifts that will be cherished well beyond the Christmas festivities. To help you decide where to spend that hard earned cash, we’ve taken a look at a few of the options open to you...

 

Memberships to nationwide attractions

Memberships to nationwide attractions such as National Trust and English Heritage properties can be used across England and Wales. Of course this is ideal, especially if you are a family that likes to travel and explore the different regions of the country. Most regions boast a few historic properties and with a membership, particularly one for all the family, guarantee an affordable day out without breaking the bank. With a National Trust membership there over 300 historic and quirky properties to explore, plus free parking at a number of scenic NT countryside and coastline locations. Similarly English Heritage membership offers free entry to all English Heritage properties across the country.

 

A membership to a local attraction

In the current economic climate, value for money is paramount to families and membership to a local attraction, where usage is likely to be more frequent, is often cash well worth spending. With an upfront sum, many theme parks, zoos, museums, art galleries and play zones offer the chance to buy an annual pass, season ticket or yearly membership.

This helps when the children haven’t managed to see everything they wanted in one day and gives them the chance to go back time and again. Usually, membership also offers a number of tempting benefits, such as free and fast track entry to the attraction, free entry or discounted rates to special events, discounts in the gift shop and restaurants, and unexpected treats on special occasions such as birthdays. Dividing the cost over the year, many membership packages work out less than £1 per week so are certainly an attractive option. It’s worth asking your favourite local attraction if they offer yearly membership – over the year you could make big savings.

 

Animal adoptions at a zoo or wildlife park

If your child has a passion for animals then an animal adoption may be the perfect gift. By adopting an animal, your money will make a real contribution towards the mighty food costs, veterinary bills and running costs of a zoo, animal sanctuary or wildlife park.

Most animal parks charge a set yearly rate for the adoption of an animal, be it a lion, tiger, penguin or bear. You can individually choose the animal you wish to adopt and can sometimes name him or her. Adoption packages often include an adopter's certificate, one free entry to the animal park, a photo of the animal and sometimes adopters can have their name etched on a plaque that is displayed within the zoo grounds. Contact your local zoo or wildlife park for more details. Alternatively the World Wildlife Fund offers adoption and guardianship packages aimed to help its plight for wildlife conservation and protection of endangered species. Go to www.wwf.org.uk