By Kate Hodges
05th December 2019
MAKE Let there be Light
At its most simple, a lightbox is just that. A light in a box. Small children – and older ones too – will be instantly fascinated by them and find a million ways to play. Making one is a lot easier than you might think – find a very simple method here. In winter, they extend playtime on dark afternoons – try using yours to look at leaves, sprinkle sand and shells on it, use it to trace comic characters, do a jigsaw in the dark, or make translucent numbers and letter to make spelling and maths more fun.
EVENT and LEARN Fight for Your Rights
Human Rights Day is celebrated across the world on December 10. It honours the adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The day is marked with a cluster of high-level conferences, cultural events and exhibitions, but it’s good to do something smaller-scale too. This year, the theme is Youth Standing Up for Human Rights – download campaign information about bullying, climate justice and LGBT youth here. Perhaps you might like to learn about your rights – have a look at the Declaration, history and many other resources here.
EVENT Party Like it’s 1899
Put on your top hats, pull on your crinolines and take a trip back in time at Robin Hood’s Bay Victorian Weekend. The picturesque seaside village is decorated in lush, traditional fashion, and the streets are filled with chimney sweeps, smugglers and gentry. Events include a children’s lantern parade, blacksmith demonstrations, welly throwing on the beach, guided walks, storytelling and a sheep hunt. Indulge in some cosy winter time by the sea.
RECIPE and MAKE Treats and Eats
Thinking of making some edible Christmas presents? Why not venture beyond the usual chocolates and sweets this year? We love this Christmassy red-and-green fresh vegan granola in a jar, hot chocolate on a stick (give it in a beautiful vintage cup or glass)and these moreish, sweet and spicy rosemary cashews.If you are making chocolates and sweets (find a great selection of vegan ideas here), try packaging them in this cleverly designed gingerbread box
EVENT Another Eden
As if the Eden Project wasn’t stunning enough, this winter it dazzles. Light projections, soundscapes and live music transform the Biomes into after-dark! See Luke Jerram’s work Gaia suspended in the Mediterranean Biome, giant willow lanterns and discover storytellers around the gardens. Bring your old woolies to exchange in the Christmas Jumper Swap Shop, and have your picture taken in the Photo Booth while you wait to go ice-skating or meet Father Christmas (there are special relaxed sessions for those with additional needs). Light and sound show free with standard admission, Father Christmas and skating extra. Book online for cheaper tickets
What we’ve been reading this week:
Greta is headed to Spain for the COP25 conference, but what is the climate summit, and why does it matter?
“The Conference of the Parties – United Nations jargon for the annual meeting of nearly 200 countries to discuss international action on climate change. Around 25,000 people are expected to descend on the talks” Read more here
