Oh, don’t you just love the beginning of winter? Halloween heralds the New Year in our ancient Pagan history and sometimes it really feels like something has changed as we slip from inclement autumnal weather into darkness after the clocks go back!

Bonfire night begins the seasonal ‘Festival of Light’ as we burn effigies, send sparks flying high into the black night sky and Hot Chocolate becomes the new beverage of choice. Traditionally the Yule Log was taken from the Bonfire and kept in the hearth until mid-winter to represent good luck and protect the family. So, the two events are intrinsically linked, although we don’t recognise this today.

Involve children in planning
Before long we begin to plan to decorate our own homes, string garlands of lights across the front of the house and enjoy the delight of the town centre illuminated with coloured bulbs, lighting up those long dark mid-winter nights.

Allowing the children to join in is a great way to prepare for the coming celebrations, and making paper chains, homemade cards, or helping with the making of a Christmas Cake ready to put away until the big day are all great ways to involve them in the planning.

Getting prepared early is the secret to a smooth holiday season. Buy or make your Christmas cards and actually send them (I still have last years in a box in my bedroom!)

Less about getting and more about sharing
Making lists and doing a little every week will take the pressure off – but remember, choose your budget and stick to it! If you are really clear with the kids about what you can and can’t manage, they will gladly alter their expectations to fit in with your guidance. A little less browsing of the Argos catalogue (the laminated book of dreams) and a little more thought about what they really would appreciate and value, makes Christmas less about getting and more about ‘gifting’ and ‘sharing’.

Ensure lasting and meaningful memories
Let the kids source recipes for cookies, cakes and sweets to make and package for gifts. Designing their own wrapping paper and gift tags makes each gift something really special. If your children like art, why not frame some of their best works to give as gifts? Or create homemade books from their stories and poems. This is something grandparents will treasure for years to come.

From practicing a new skill like knitting or crochet to making soft toys with felt or old clothes, these simple projects are fun for children, create inexpensive gifts and ensure lasting and meaningful memories for everyone. If craft sessions are accompanied by delicious treats and feature lots of laughter you are making memories, and that is priceless.