Christmas is a magical time for the little ones but it's so commercialised these days that it starts all too early and those little ones get so excited,that the big day itself seems to take a lifetime to arrive.
So much so, we thought we'd share a few ideas that you can get them involved in on the lead up to Christmas so that the wait isn't quite so unbearable.
This is a lovely activity that the whole family can get involved with.
There are a number of items at little cost in the likes of the pound stores, so it doesn't have to cost the earth. Use paint to make thumb print reindeer or Christmas trees - it doesn't matter what it is, but the recipient will be elated to receive something so personal this year.
A gingerbread house isn't as difficult to make as it may first seem. There's a number of recipes and patterns online through sites such as Pinterest or foodie websites. Not only is this great fun, the house will smell divine and the children will love decorating it with icing and little sweets (if they don't eat them first!)
Failing that, you can buy a kit from most supermarkets nowadays.
A number of towns now host traditional Dickensian style Christmas events which incorporate people dressed in period costume, stalls and activities, and in some cases finale with a traditional parade. There are a number that can be visited over the coming weeks.
The little ones will love this and it's so simple.
All you need are a few oats, festive hundreds and thousands and a little glitter. All ready to sprinkle outside ready for Rudolph on Christmas Eve.
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without visiting the big guy would it? Newbank Garden Centre have a fabulous Grotto this year where you'll hear a festive tale, chat to the elves (and Father Christmas of course) as well as taking a lovely gift home
to remember the occasion.
Christmas is an indulgent time for many, but for
others not so. The gift doesn't have to be expensive but will make a huge difference to a child on Christmas morning. Key 103 are currently running Mission Christmas and there are a number of drop off points around the borough where you can leave your gifts.
Well this one is more for the look on their faces than something you do together but it's great fun. Bury Tic Tacs in the ground and wait for the children to go to bed. When they do replace the Tic Tac with a candy cane and they'll think they've grown overnight! Magic.
It's up to you but get out the scissors, the paper, the paint and the glue. It will keep you all occupied for hours!
Sometimes it's good to do nothing!
There are some wonderful films out there from old favourites like Miracle on 34th Street to Elf and Polar Express. They're guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Follow Norads Santa Tracker from the 1st December and build up to Christmas Eve where you can watch him fly around all of the locations across the world.
Totally magical for small (and big) kids of all ages!
There's a few things to be going on with but of course there are lot's and lot's more activities from decorating the tree, to Elf on the Shelf.
Whatever you choose to do with them this year, make memories to look back on for years to come and maybe even start a few of your own traditions.
Personally, new PJ's and bed covers on Christmas Eve has become the norm for me - a cosy bed and a comfortable nights sleep to lead you into the big day itself.
Have fun and make it a very merry Christmas 2016.
