This is not just a shopping post. Last year we were disorganised, every festive family activity we tried to book had already sold out.
This will be Mabel’s first Christmas where she fully understands what’s happening and the last where she essentially gets to hog the limelight – next year there will be a little sister to compete with! I have been determined to make it an extra special time for her and for us….before we become four.
Things To Do In The West Midlands And Warwickshire
One of the first bookings I made was The Snow Dragon which is on at the Phoenix Centre – part of Birmingham Hippodrome. It’s from the same company that produced The Gruffalo and is suitable for toddlers and younger children. I’ve heard some great reviews and worth noting is that they have a special relaxed performance on the 21st December for audience members with an Autism Spectrum Condition.
As a gift for my parents and ourselves we have booked afternoon tea with carols at Coombe Abbey. We’ve been for afternoon tea at the Abbey pre parenthood and it was lovely, this will be such a fun treat with the grandparents involved. Although my Dad’s singing voice does leave a lot to be desired…..maybe he can just eat the posh sandwiches.
My sister and I are currently contemplating whether to take the children to go to one of the Enchanted lights evening at Kenilworth castle (think toasted marshmallows, twinkly lights and winter wonderland fairground rides) or Stories With Santa at Warwick Castle. Maybe we just do all the castles?!
Christmas Fashions & Frivolity
The first piece of clothing I bought was a super cute and colourful cardigan from TU at Sainsburys. I bloody love Kids clothes from there – such good quality for the price.
Bargain wise I’ve found this Snowman dress from Mini Club at Boots (another great brand that I often forget about) – only six quid. Plus they currently have an offer on where you can buy two items for £9.
Last but not least I have treated Mabel to a Christmas day tutu from H&M because….sequins. Yes I am living my life vicariously through my 3 year old daughter this holiday season.
On the subject of H&M, have you ever tried their kids socks? They are THE BEST. They work out at about a quid a pair, wash brilliantly and are that little bit thicker for the winter months. I sent the team sock shopping for their littles a few days ago so thought I would make the recommendation here too.
I’m hoping to make our own crackers this year (I am terrible at DIY anything but I’m sure Mabel will love it) and have been inspired by the recent Advent Calendar feature to have a bash at one of those ideas too.
Do let me know where you are going and what you have planned with your family for the festive season this year in the comments section below, I’m sure there will be lots of parents all over the UK looking for ideas and recommendations.
I was in my first trimester last Christmas and felt horrific so didn’t even have the energy to dress the tree with my then two year old. Our Christmas festivities start this weekend to make up for it, we’re going to watch The Snowman on big screens at Lincoln Cathedral with a live orchestra playing the music. I can’t wait!
Oh my goodness Natalie this sounds epic!!! How amazing to have a live orchestra x
For the babes we’re doing the theatre too (HomeMcr) then lights at a local NT place. Panto the Saturday before Christmas and Santa the weekend before.
Letter to Santa written and posted (the freebie Royal Mail one).
As an Ex London Mum I usually have a diary reminder to book the wholesome NT Santa slots when they get released August 1. I have friends in Surrey who sit by their phones at midnight!
Clothing wise, matching jumpers from Boden again – only place I can find soft fairisle unisex jumpers and the resale value is almost the price paid with the recent discount
http://m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/baby-knitwear/knitted-jumpers/y0092-blu/baby-beacon-blue-reindeer-fair-isle-jumper
We have the Mini Club dress but the reindeer red one
And then these Matalan PJs and reindeer dressing gowns for Christmas morning
https://www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2667093_c270/unisex-4-piece-reindeer-pyjama-set-12mths-5yrs-navy
Sainsbury’s usually have some good Christmas tights for girls too.
Yes I also rate Sainsburys tights – I have the bunny set of three pairs and they wash really well.
Ooh this has made me feel very Christmassy! We live in Warwick so great to see local actitivities – I had no idea there was so much going on. Our little one is only 18 months so perhaps a bit young this Christmas but will definitely remember these for next year. We are booked in to see Snow Mouse at the Coventry Arts Theatre which looks great for babies and younger toddlers.
Claire I always forget about Warwick Arts centre – I was saying only yesterday how they have loads of great stuff on for families. I didn’t even consider there was Coventry Arts Theatre! I’ll mention the Snow Mouse to my sister x
Aww lovely ideas, we are going to meet Santa at Harewood house this year (where they filmed Victoria) with my 3 and 1 year old, I’m a bit excited 😁 Just hope neither of them are scared of the big man 😬 LOVE the tutu, I might have to invest for my little girl! My little lady is very opinionated about her clothing and I know I won’t get her in a Christmas jumper so I’ve gone for this because she’s all about dresses at the moment… http://www.next.co.uk/style/st208549#158966 and these Xmas pjs from mothercare… https://www.mothercare.com/baby-and-kids-christmas-clothing/christmas-pyjamas/LMH916.html?cgid=christmas-clothing-2#sz=12&start=53 which I’m thinking about starting to use soon, is it too early?! Hope you have a lovely festive build up together 😊🎄 x
Ahhh thanks so much Sarah, I have just ordered that NEXT tunic – I wanted a bobble hat and leggings anyway so I added it to my order 🙂 x
Hooray for Christmas! When we were chatting about this last week you inspired me to get a few things booked in. I’ve just booked up ice skating at Webbs (a giant garden centre near us). The girls loved it and if you book before Saturday this week the off peak sessions are only £4.50 which is a bargain. Molly had a little penguin to push around last year and Alice rather enjoyed being scooted on the banana sledge. It also helped me stay upright :). We have also booked Panto for just after Christmas at Malvern theatre which will be fun and trying to decide where to visit Santa. Normally the girls have gone to a place called Smart Trees near Pershore (http://www.smarttrees.co.uk) with school which is brilliant but now Molly is in year 1 they don’t go on the trip so I need to find a visit for her too.
I haven’t got the xmas outfits sorted yet. Alice actually has a pretty Boden hand me down from Molly which she can wear but might grab a H&M tutu for Molly I think. Must get these done this week.
Next up is finishing the advent calendar and I also need that garland in your header! At the weekend I managed to get a load of Meri Meri tags and stickers for great prices in TK Maxx. I’ve seen them in two different stores so might be worth checking your local store.
xxx
Ooo love this feature…gets my usual ‘Grinchy’ self all excited.
We’re kicking things off next weekend with our annual trip to Chatsworth Christmas market. We’ve taken our 3 year old every year since she was born. This year the house is dressed up Dickens style and the market is by far the best we’ve been to.
We’ve also booked ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ at Warwick Arts centre and the annual trip on the Severn Railway Santa steam train on Christmas Eve too.
We *may* have also booked tickets for Botanical Gardens light trail.
Christmas clothing wise, Boden is kicking butt this year I feel. We also have a lovely Northern Lights print dress coming from Mini Medley (on fb/insta!).
Advent calendar wise, we are going to give the reverse one a go I think.
Oooh, I keep meaning to do the SVR Santa Train as it is so close to our house. I really must give it a try I think xx
It’s wonderful Lottie. Just try to get the earliest train you can, the later ones can be a bit manic! x
Charlotte I’m talking DIY crackers next week so stay tuned!
P.S. All of these Christmassy activities sound ace. Can Lyra and I tag along please 😛 x
You should definitely come to the Kenilworth Castle lights with fairground! it sounds amazing. I’ll text you dates 🙂 x
Yey do! X
Our local garden centre Father Christmas thing was sold out I August!!!! Bonkers.
It’s Silvia’s first one where she will get it too- I’m so excited.
The first thing is the village grotto- run by the preschool, of which I’m a committee member. My husband and another dad are building it, I’m decorating with some mums and my lovely Dad has stepped in to be Santa at the last minute. He’s the best.
Then Killerton House, a local NT, have a magical Christmas journey with all the rooms decorated- this years theme is the Wind in the Willows.
Picking our own Christmas tree from the farm shop up the road (£10 any size, it’s great!) and then her Christmas preschool concert! Plus we are going to a wedding on the 17th in a Cornish castle which will be so special.
I just can’t wait. I caved and started wrapping gifts last night. Love it!
Ooh where is this Christmas tree farm please? Killerton isn’t too far from me so I’m hoping it might be nearby!
Hi Bunny,
It’s here- Royal Oak Farm- http://www.royaloakfarm.co.uk Its just outside Honiton, and they do fabulous cream teas too.
Cotley Farm off the Daisymount junction near Whimple also do trees but we go to see their reindeer! They make a lovely little petting zoo for the Christmas period. It’s free but donations in their boxes to Send a Cow are encouraged.
Maybe see you at Killerton x
I’m in Taunton, will also be going to Killerton for the Wind in the Willows, genuinely can’t wait 🙂 We always get our tree from Langford Lakes as my parents have lived in the village forever, don’t know if that’s close enough for either of you.
August?! Goodness that is bonkers! And bless your Dad, sounds like lots of fun. Also I really must check what’s on at our local NT, we go there so often anyway I hadn’t really considered it for Christmas specifically.
You are so organised with gifts Lucy! I haven’t bought a single thing! x
Loving that Boots dress – thanks for the idea!! And such a bargain. Our LO is already demanding that nursery sing all the carols every day, we have the Christmas music on at home in the evening for her too, she loves it! I don’t think she understands yet, but her enthusiasm is infectious 🙂 We are going to Tin Pan Annie’s Christmas show this year (I think this is just a SW London thing, but basically one of those toddler music classes that puts on a Christmas-specific themed show every year for 30 mins). This is the first one we are going to and I think she will love it. Playgroup also has Father Christmas coming, although I suspect she won’t go near him as she is a bit shy, but we will see. And we will also have a disco at playgroup with Christmas tunes. We aren’t doing anything else specifically, as she is 2 so not quite understanding yet, but next year I already have lots of ideas…
Annie Mabel is loving the Christmas tunes! I swear I must have heard Jingle Bells 457 times already 🙂
We are seeing Santa at my Dad’s golf club, Mabel was quite shy last year but this year she will probably ask him where the “rest” of her gifts are (!) x
We have just booked the National Forest Adventure farm for our Xmas Santa visit. Tempted to go to the Botanical Gardens as well as it looks so pretty.
I have to say for boys Sainsbury’s is just awful…so dull no colour and a really poor selection. H&M and Zara are much nicer for boys wear and have some really smart Christmas outfits
I’m loving H&M in general Helen – such good designs as so reasonable x
My son has just turned 2 but the H&M size is 2-4. This confuses me so much and puts me off buying from there (even though there’s a Christmas Tom & Jerry jumper I know he’d love!) What’s the sizing like? I’m still trying to get my head around which shops 2-3yrs is small fitting so I can buy him some new Winter clothes.
P.S. loving all these Christmas posts … I’m so ready for it to be December!
I find they come up some where in the middle Suzy if I’m honest, as Mabel is 3.5 the 2-4 are a bit on the small side but when she was 3 they were perfect (she is very “average” in height for her age) I would have a whirl with the 2-4, it might be a bit generous but I’m sure it will look fab x
I love me a bit of Christmassy Shiz! Our son will be 1 at the end of November so whilst he is still too young to ‘get it’ I am going to start the traditions this year. He loves anything twinkly already so I know all the Christmas lights will be a hit.
We are going to our local tree farm the weekend of the 9th December to pick out our tree and come home to decorate along with Hot Chocolate and Baileys for the adults!
Then the following weekend 15-17 we have our annual trip to Switzerland. We got engaged there in 2015 and so this year taking our son. Cant wait! We stay in Montreux on Lake Geneva where they have Marche De Noel – the BEST Christmas Market I have ever been to. You must go if you get chance, then on the Saturday we take the Santa Train up into the alps to Santas House, its always covered in snow and cant wait to see his little face. Then back down for more shopping, fondue and fun.
Christmas Eve we are going to the Crib Service at our local church and walking home via the ‘lights’. Can you tell I am excited?!
This all sounds amazing!!!!!!
Merry Christmas!!
X
I am so excited – hadn’t felt like in the Christmas Spirit like this for years but now I have Abel I cant wait! x
So exciting! Ifee everyone is up for starting festivities early this year (mid Nov is early….???) we started watching Christmas movies last week! Yay!
Love all your plans, we will be West Midlands based next year so I’m making notes!
I’m a frustrated free-spirit as in I’m planner at heart who likes to project spontaneity! So I’ve had stuff booked for several weeks now – ever since the great harrods santa grotto fiasco. Anyone else have a nightmare booking tickets this year? Short story – it was a complete mess and tickets had already sold out by the time emails with links to the booking site were sent. I got a Twitter rage on!
So after that shocker as I was determined to not get disappointed again.
Xmas movies are already on, the white company winter candle arrived today! we are even getting the xmas decs down this weekend, writing letter to santa and making Christmas cards. My 2 year old loves arts and crafts so I’m excited to see the cracker tutorial, Lisa!
My season really kicks off next week with a day in London with my cousin – adult only but taking in the windows of harrods, lunch at Harvey nics… etc etc! That always gets me in the mood (I’m hoping I can pick up one of the holiday make up pallets…)
There is a little Christmas festival in the neighbouring village to celebrate the village lights being switched on… there iare food stalls, parades etc, it won’t be a kylie and Charlotte tilbury level of celebration at Covent Garden this week, but will be cute and festive (I hope!)
There is a great garden centre in Windsor called saville garden – my friends and I went a few years ago (14 adults and we are now outnumbered with kids!) there was a really cool elf studio there a few years ago but there is a gingerbread trail this year
We have our Aussie family friends Christmas lunch in London Town a few weekends before Christmas, so we are making the most of being in town and going ice skating at the natural history museum (I think it’s the most beautiful ice rink in London!) cassie will have to wear the strap on skates and have a penguin… she’s only just over two so no idea how long she’ll last! But we have been watching a Disney xmas show that has Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck ice skating and she tries and copies them – so cute
We are going to Kew gardens for the second year in a row – it’s amazing and sounds like the kenilworth castle experience. Cassie was only 15 months when we went last year and was a sensory overload for her so I think she’ll really enjoy it this year.
Meeting santa on 21st at painshill Park, Surrey. last year was a fail! So we are doing lots of story reading And movie watching in prep. It sells out quite quickly and we haven’t been to the park before so it will be a nice few hours just walking and exploring the grounds – the cafe is meant to be really good!!
We use an advent calendar my husband/sister and mum made back in the 90s – it’s actually my most loved Christmas decoration and was so happy when we got to have it as part of our family Christmas. Along with a few chocs, Cassie has rights, Christmas dresses, books, happyland xmas figures etc to open. She’s in to the game snap at the mo and finding things/colours/patterns that are the “same” so we are putting xmas pictures in the pocket and a co-ordinating picture on the gift for that day (if it doesn’t fit in the advent calendar) and so she gets to play xmas snap. I have picked up a few books from your book post a few days ago so thank you!
Wow I have gone on and on…
Love hearing all the traditions, events etc – now for another crap Netflix Christmas rom com (they’re are so bad they’re great – would recommend!)
Ooh… and magic and heart xmas stations are live in DAB again!!! Christmas cheeeer!!
Xxxx
I’m excited to write it Nicola!
Loving your enthusiasm for all things Christmas! This post and all the comments have got me massively in the festive spirit X
Where is that lovely garland from in your picture please Charlotte? I think I may need it!
I agree Sainsburys is fabulous for clothes!! Xx