Out and about Christmas inspiration
You didn't have to delve deep into your pockets to have some festive fun and create magical memories last Christmas. We had a range of cracking Christmas ideas that all the family could get involved in. Take a look at them here and don't forget to come back closer to Christmas to see what's new for 2012.
Get crafty
Making your own Christmas cards is a great way to keep the kids occupied and at the end of it you'll have something unique that you can send out to family and friends. For the best results keep your cards simple and go easy on the glitter, but most of all have fun.
Gifts with a twist
Want a different way of giving this year? How about writing a present as a promise on a scroll, rolling it up, tying with ribbon and placing on your tree. You could promise a romantic night out, a camping trip, a midnight feast or just more quality time together.
The old ones are the best
Charades, hide and seek, the yes/no game, twenty questions. Get everyone together, young and old and give these great parlour games a new lease of life this Christmas.
Christmas sing along
Most Cathedrals, churches and community centres put on candlelight carol services at Christmas, often in aid of a good cause. Altogether now...Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heavenly and homemade
It tastes so good when you make it yourself and it can be loads of fun too. Mince pies, Christmas cookies and chocolate roulade. Dig out your aprons and dust off your rolling pins!
Send Santa a letter
Get your little ones to write their Christmas wish list and post
it to:
Santa/Father Christmas,
Santa's Grotto,
Reindeerland,
SAN TA1
We have it on good authority he'll do his best to respond. Just don't forget to include the stamp!
Host a cookie swap
For an entertaining event that brings friends and family together, try hosting a cookie swap. Ask everyone to bring a dozen or so cookies and their recipes, put on the Christmas carols then swap, eat and enjoy them.
The holly and the ivy
For decorations that go back to nature, head out to your local woods and snip some holly, ivy or mistletoe and gather some pine cones. At home arrange the cuttings and pine cones in a glass bowl or make your own wreath. You could even add some fairy lights or glitter for an extra bit of sparkle.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
It doesn't matter how old you are, making a snowman is still fun. All you need is a scarf, a carrot for the nose, some stones for eyes, mouth and buttons and twigs for arms. Oh and of course, some snow!