Crikey! We’re all feeling the pinch this Christmas. But magic doesn’t have to cost much or indeed really anything. Here’s our top 5 budget friendly tips to get you and your little ones in the festive mood.
Send a letter to Santa at Royal Mail and receive a free reply from the man in red!
This almost free (just pay for your postage stamp) letter to Santa is such a sweet festive tradition read more here. It’s also a great activity to get reluctant writers to put pen to paper. Dig out your craft supplies or grab a free Argos or Smyths catalogue for a bit of cutting & sticking –Â You may even get 5 mins with a cuppa whilst they are busy creating! Seal your letter and address to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ remember to pop your stamp on the front and post in your nearest letterbox by 9th December.
Take a twilight family stroll or drive to your local city or town centre Christmas lights display.
There’s nothing more magical than twinkling lights at Christmas time and thankfully most city and town centres put up fantastic displays. One of the very few bonuses of it getting dark so much earlier, is that this little night time adventure will not disrupt bedtime too much. Our kids love the thrill of being out after dark, so pop on your winter warmers, pack some snacks, a flask of milky hot chocolate (and the buggy if there are any very little legs!) and enjoy a free family evening out!
Have a festive baking session
Baking is such a fun family activity, but you don’t need to buy fancy kits. Gingerbread cookies are great for gifting too (they last ages!) Our favourite recipe is BBC Good Food Easy Ginger Bread for Kids. Once you’ve decorated your creations, let them dry and present them in recycled glass jars, adorned with home made tags and ribbons.
Give your kids the task of helping prepare the Christmas eve treats for Santa and his reindeer. Once the little loves are asleep use McDonald’s AR website to add a little extra Rudolph magic. This is a firm festive favourite with all the Tilbea families. This year’s version is not live until 16th December, but make sure you bookmark this page so you’re ready to go!
Floury Father Christmas footprints
Get ready for excited little shrieks of ‘HE’S BEEN’ when your children spot Santa’s snowy footprints on your floor! Here’s how to create them …
- Place flour onto a plate.
- Spray the bottom of a shoe with water.
- Press into flour until the whole shoe is covered.
- Press onto floor.
- Repeat with other shoe and make as many footprints as you wish!
Wishing a very merry Christmas from Team Tilbea x
