From books and games to films and new traditions, HELEN FARMER is on hand to get you feeling all warm and fuzzy this Christmas
"Whenever we travel we try to buy a new tree ornament so we. can remember the trip when it comes to decorating..."
Growing up, we think our families are totally normal. That everyone does what we do. And it’s only when we go into the world that we realise that these are foods, words and ways to spend time that are totally unique to us. Now that I have my own kids, I’ve loved starting traditions around this time of year and hope they give you some ideas, too.
Books
Start a collection of stories that you can read through the month of December that encapsulate those festive feels. From the true meaning of this time of year to classics like The Polar Express and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, we try to keep them hidden for the other 11 months so they stay special. For older children, Little Women is just lovely, with the opening line “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents” said by a grumbling Jo.
Prefer to listen? You can get the original Walter Matthau narration of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and a Tim Curry reading of A Christmas Carol at Audible.com – perfect for road trips.
Films
Where to start?! I grew up with The Muppets, Elf and of course, Kevin McAllister defending himself against hapless Harry and Marv and these classics still stack up but don’t overlook the newer movies. The Christmas Chronicles (shout out to Kurt Russell as Santa) and Angela’s Christmas are big hits in our house, while Arthur Christmas and Klaus make me cry every time.
This year new releases include A Boy Called Christmas, based on the book by Matt Haig with an all-star cast, and a reboot of Home Alone, with John Hughes still at the helm. And while it’s not necessarily festive, Sing 2 is out soon, too.
At home
Whenever we travel we try to buy a new tree ornament so we can remember the trip when it comes to decorating and while writing a letter to Santa has become something of a ritual, with the kids getting new pyjamas that night. When it comes to scents, there are some fab candles and plug-ins around to emulate a pine forest even if you have an artificial tree. As for Elf on the Shelf? Sorry to my kids, but I don’t have the energy or imagination! If you’ve committed to having this little guy or gal making trouble around your home, be sure to check out the many websites dedicated to ideas before they end up in the cereal box for the sixth time.
Think of others
Many of us are incredibly lucky to be in a position to have presents, food and new clothes, and it’s a good reminder to us all that people both here and all over the world aren’t so privileged. Whether it is supporting a family through kindness exchange Stop & Help, donating toys to charity or signing up to Facebook groups like UAE Pay It Forward where you can offer up items to those in need, you can do more than you realise.
