MAKING THE MOST OF CHRISTMAS 2020
REVEALS SEVEN TOP TIPS FOR A VERY DIFFERENT FAMILY FESTIVE SEASON
WHILE this picture book can be enjoyed by children as the story of a lifetime friendship between a boy and a lighthouse keeper, adults can also see it as an allegory for the birth of Puffin Books, celebrating its 80th birthday this year.
Benjamin Postlethwaite is the keeper on Puffin Island; he saves the lives of passengers on a boat wrecked during a storm, including five-year-old Allen Williams and his widowed mother.
Years later, Allen finds the world much changed by war – so seeks solace with Ben and the host of puffins who have made the island their own.
This charming and clever book emphasises the power of kindness and allowing things to flourish in the right way.
Whether you read it on face value or examine the subtext, it tells you about the value of writing and reading stories – something you want a child to take to heart.
THROUGH the dark days of winter and pandemic restrictions, Christmas has been the one glittering light on the horizon for many families. While the festive season will still (hopefully) be bright and cheerful, however, it will undoubtedly be different this year.
New research has found that while 71% of families are planning smaller gatherings this Christmas, more than half (53%) are hoping the celebrations will be more special than ever, and 62% are intending to put a greater emphasis on festive family traditions – with a good helping of tech thrown in to include as many family members as possible.
The research, by Barclays Digital Eagles (barclays.co.uk/digitalconfidence/eagles), found the average household plans to extend their Christmas gathering by five people through virtual means, and half also intend to use tech to celebrate with elderly relatives.
“There’s no denying Christmas will likely be different for most families this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as enjoyable,” says nanny Sarah Hankinson from Signature Staff (signaturestaff.com), which provides household staff including nannies.
“Don’t overwhelm yourself with needing to overcompensate for things not being how they usually are, and focus on what’s important.
“A big, over-the-top Christmas isn’t necessary – take advantage of technology and connect with grandparents and other family members unable to be with you.”
Ryan Lowe, a child and adolescent psychotherapist at the Association of Child Psychotherapists (childpsychotherapy.org.uk), advises: “Include the children in the planning – kids have such innovative minds and you can use them to help find some creative ways of doing things differently.”
And mother-of-six
Rachaele Hambleton, aka parenting blogger Part-Time Working Mummy, says:
“Despite Christmas looking a little different this year, many people are still looking forward to it and will be embracing new things.
“We usually have lots of family over on the day but this year it’ll just be us – however that’s still quite a few of us with lots of varying diets, so I have a few hacks up my sleeve to help the day run smoothly, and to ensure we spend as much quality time together as a family as possible.”
Here are the trio’s tips for a fun-filled but different family Christmas...
GET CREATIVE WITH DECORATIONS
THERE’S never been a better excuse to go mad with your Christmas decorations, says Ryan.
So if they’re already up, see if you can add a few more everywhere, and if you’ve still not done them, make sure that when they do go up they’re bigger and brighter than ever before to cheer the whole household up after such a miserable year.
“As Christmas is likely to be spent mostly at home this year, you can go to town on the decorations and make the house feel really festive,” says Ryan.
MAKE A CHRISTMAS LOTTERY
IN THE build-up to the big day, try creating a Christmas lottery with your children, suggests Sarah.
Write down activities like baking and building gingerbread houses, watching a festive film and making festive ornaments on bits of paper, fold them up and choose a new surprise each day to do together as a family, in the run-up to Christmas Day.
“Remember when you were a child and how excited you’d get over the smallest things? Adopt this attitude and you’re guaranteed to have a magical day,” she promises.
HAVE A FESTIVE VIDEO BREAKFAST
CREATE new traditions and invite family and friends to enjoy a festive breakfast over a video call, on Christmas Day, suggests Sarah.
“This could also be the perfect moment to open some presents,” she suggests.
ENJOY QUALITY (FACE) TIME
“THIS year, we’re getting creative when it comes to bringing the family together,” says Rachaele.
“Though certain relatives won’t be able to celebrate with us