By Kate Hodges
02nd December 2016
MAKE Wreathed in Smiles
We don’t want to rush you, but Christmas is on the horizon. One of our favourite things to do every year is to sit down with our children, light a fire, put on some twinkly songs, and make our own decorations. These wreaths are made from recycled materials; newspapers, old jumpers, coffee sleeves, buttons, and even an old bicycle wheel, and look stylish and wintery. Which one will you choose to create?
EVENT Sparkling Times
Inspired by ‘hygge’ and the Northern Lights, this weekend’s Frost Fair at The University of Manchester’s Whitworth gallery is a celebration of art and togetherness. The two-day, free event include an environmentally sustainable ice rink, short films showing in an outdoor cinema, and live music. There’s a magical performance of The Ice Queen and Ice Queen’s Courtyard, which includes the titular figure commanding ice and flames, and there’s a fire and fireworks on Sunday evening. Sparkly and festive!
LEARN Ice Magic
If you or your fingers haven’t noticed, it’s cold! The recent hard frosts and chilly weather have sparked all kinds of discussions with our kids about the freezing process, ice, water and steam, and what freezing means. Explore the science behind it with some fun experiments. Little Bins for Little Hands has a great selection – we like the fizzing castle melt and frozen hands.
COOK Clementine Cake
Tiny, tangy clementines are in season right now. We could happily peel and eat a whole box, but are going to save some to bake Nigella’s extremely easy Clementine Cake. It’s simple to make a gluten-free version too.
EVENT Noel House Party
Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields, London, is a ‘still-life drama’ created during the 1980s and 90s. Step through its arched door, and you’ll step back in time to the 19th century, when the fictional Jervis family lived there. There’s a hushed atmosphere as you enter (it’s best for older children); and at Christmas, it’s extra special – candles blaze on a tree, green garlands hang heavy over the fireplace and the smells of puddings and roasting dinners fill the air. It’s a truly immersive, special experience; more akin to a show than a gallery. November 25–January 6
