Now that you have a family of your own, it makes sense that you would want to replicate this for your own children. After all, when they’re older, they will appreciate the work that you put into making this a truly special time of year.

If you’re looking for inspiration to do just that, here are five traditions you can start this time of year.

1. Create an advent tradition

Think of activities that you and your children can take part in every day on the run-up to Christmas. This can be practical tasks such as writing out your Christmas cards, or recreational activities such as making gingerbread houses or Christmas decorations.

2. Go for a Christmas walk

There are many families that go for a walk as part of their family Christmas tradition. Pick a day that suits you best, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, and set out on a short walk. This is a great way to help your children discover the beauty of nature, and you can even help them to collect twigs and rocks that they can use for crafts once you get home!

3. Decorate the tree while listening to Christmas songs

Kids love getting involved with Christmas decorating, and everyone loves a sing-along! So throw on some Christmas tunes while decorating. Family Christmas traditions don’t need to be expensive or extra special – just involve your kids in the things you do each year, and they will have fond memories of the time you spent together.

4. Make homemade crackers for the Christmas table

Not only is this a great money-saving hack, but it’s also a more sustainable option than buying Christmas crackers from the supermarket. Many Christmas crackers contain foil, glitter or plastic, which means they can’t be recycled!

Find out how to make your own Christmas crackers here.

5. Take a holiday trip to the local library

Let your children pick out a festive book and read it with them during December. Most of these books focus on the theme of giving and can help your kids to appreciate the spirit of Christmas. If you don’t have access to a library nearby, have a look at second-hand websites or download an audiobook.

Read: What are the Best Christmas Stories to Read at Bedtime?

Family Christmas traditions can be anything that you want them to be. They don’t need to cost much money or even take a lot of time! Just do something together that you all enjoy, and it will be special.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• How Much Do Children Really Need From Santa? The Benefits of Having Less
• How to have more happiness with less this Christmas
• 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas
• Why You Should Use Kindness Elves This Christmas (Instead of the Elf on The Shelf)

The post Five family Christmas traditions to start this year appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

What are the benefits of using kindness elves?

There are many reasons why you should use kindness elves this Christmas. They encourage good behaviour, promote helping others and set a positive example for your children. But the real magic lies in the lessons they teach us.

You see, despite our best intentions, telling our children that Santa won’t come if they’re naughty puts all of the focus on their negative behaviour. Instead, kindness elves teach us to focus on the positives.

By encouraging acts of kindness and rewarding selfless behaviour, kindness elves teach our children how good it feels to be generous! They also understand that we slip up every once in a while – they’re not here to judge our mistakes or report us to Santa. This removes any pressure or shame our children may feel during the run-up to Christmas.

At the heart of it, kindness elves teach our children that gifts aren’t something to be earned or bargained for – they are a token of someone’s love and appreciation.

How should you use your elves to encourage kindness?

Since your elves won’t be getting up to their usual mischief this year, it’s a good idea to re-introduce them to your children. Kindness elves often like to introduce themselves with a letter. This way, they can explain why they’ve come to stay and what your children can expect during their visit.

Kindness elves like to spread Christmas cheer with kind gestures. During their stay, they will leave notes and ideas for fun and thoughtful activities for your children. On some days, they will even leave special treats to reward good behaviour! You will still find them hiding around the house (bathing in the kitchen sink or climbing into your mixing bowl), but this year it will be to encourage acts of kindness – like doing the washing up or baking for a neighbour.

25 days of kindness

If your elves need some inspiration, we’ve come up with 25 ideas to help you spread some kindness this Christmas.

1. Smile at a stranger
2. Make someone else’s bed (as well as your own)
3. Give someone a hug
4. List 3 things you’re grateful for
5. Bake for a neighbour
6. Write someone a Christmas card
7. Donate old toys/clothes to charity
8. Do the washing up
9. Visit a relative
10. Help carry the shopping
11. Pay someone a compliment
12. Draw your friend a picture
13. Tell a family member you love them
14. Help cook the dinner
15. Write down your favourite things about your parents/siblings
16. Hold the door open for someone
17. Call a Grandparent
18. Pick up some litter
19. Leave a kind note for a friend or family member
20. Tidy your room
21. Give someone a high five
22. Help wrap up some Christmas presents
23. Invite someone new to play with you
24. Donate some food to your local food bank
25. Write a thank you letter to Santa

If you’re still wondering why you should use kindness elves this Christmas, we ask you this – what better way is there to spend the festive season than making a habit out of helping others? We hope we’ve inspired you to reinvent your Elf on the Shelf and to spread some extra kindness this Christmas season.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• How Much Do Children Really Need From Santa? The Benefits of Having Less
• How to have more happiness with less this Christmas
• 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas

The post Why You Should Use Kindness Elves This Christmas (Instead of the Elf on The Shelf) appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

Here are our favourite Christmas stories to read at bedtime:

1. A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” features Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who dislikes Christmas. Haunted by ghosts showing his life’s impact, he realises his meanness. On Christmas, he awakens kinder, embracing the Christmas spirit of generosity. Read the full story here. 

2. The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore is a cherished Christmas poem. It brings to life the magical night when Santa visits, with his reindeer and a sack of toys. As children sleep and stockings hang ready, the poem shares the excitement and joy of Christmas Eve, ideal for a festive bedtime story.

3. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

The story of the Grinch is one of a man who tries to ruin Christmas for Whoville by taking all the decorations and gifts. Yet, despite having nothing, the town’s joyous spirit surprises him. He realises Christmas joy comes from togetherness, not things, leading to a change of heart and a happy ending. Read The Grinch Who Stole Christmas here. 

4. The Polar Express

Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” is about a boy’s magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. It’s a tale of adventure and belief, culminating in a special bell from Santa that rings for true believers. Read the full magical story here. 

5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Robert L. May’s story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” tells the tale of Rudolph, a reindeer who is teased for his glowing red nose. However, he soon becomes a hero when he guides Santa’s sleigh on a foggy Christmas Eve, proving that being different is valuable.

6. The Legend of the Poinsettia 

“The Legend of the Poinsettia” is a Mexican tale where a girl’s humble roadside weeds transform into red poinsettias at a nativity, symbolising the true spirit of heartfelt giving at Christmas. You can read this story here. 

7. The Jolly Christmas Postman

“The Jolly Christmas Postman” weaves a festive tale of a postman delivering letters to fairy-tale characters. It’s an interactive adventure filled with letters and puzzles for children to explore online, adding fun to the holiday season as they follow the postman’s Christmas journey. Listen to the full story here. 

8. The Elves and the Shoemaker

It is a festive tale of a struggling shoemaker who becomes prosperous with the help of mysterious elves crafting shoes overnight. It’s a story that celebrates kindness and the joy of giving back, perfect for feeling the Christmas spirit. Read it here. 

Reading Christmas stories at bedtime is a magical tradition that brings families together during the festive season. It’s a time for parents and children to share in the spirit of Christmas through tales that spark the imagination and warm the heart. By creating your own tradition with these timeless stories, you’re not just telling tales but making memories that will last a lifetime.

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At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• Why You Should Use Kindness Elves This Christmas (Instead of the Elf on The Shelf)
• How to have more happiness with less this Christmas
• 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas
• How Much Do Children Really Need From Santa? The Benefits of Having Less

The post What are the Best Christmas Stories to Read at Bedtime? appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

What are the benefits of having fewer toys?

We’ve all heard the saying less is more. But for some reason, we’re told this rule doesn’t apply at Christmas. Thankfully, we’re about to change that. There is a long list of benefits to buying your child less at Christmas – allow us to explain. Fewer toys:

– Increase your child’s attention span

– Promote creativity and imagination

– Teach children the value of money

– Encourage children to spend more time reading/writing

– Make children more appreciative of the gifts they receive

– Encourage children to spend more time playing with others

By buying fewer gifts this year, not only will you be supporting your child’s development, but you will also be teaching them fundamental life lessons about the value of presents and the importance of gratitude.

So, if less is more, how many gifts are too many gifts?

There is no exact number to suit every family – each child has different wants and needs, much like each family has a different budget. However, studies undergone by child psychologists suggest that the perfect balance lies somewhere between 3-5 toys.

In a study that gave children either 4 or 16 toys to play with, the children who played with four toys had greater concentration and played for much longer. Why? Because too many toys can quickly become overwhelming for our children. They end up spending more time flitting between toys than actually playing – which (when you think about it) sounds a lot like what we adults do when deciding what to watch on tv. In short, more choice isn’t always better.

So, if less is more – what gifts should take the top spot on your shopping list? We suggest using the ‘rule of 4’ to ensure you cover all of your bases. Try to get a gift they:

1. Want
2. Need
3. To Wear
4. To read

This way, your child will still receive a variety of presents (both fun and practical) without the added excess! So, if you’re still wondering ‘how much do children need from Santa?’ – we think that four gifts is the best answer.

How to keep the festive cheer with fewer toys this year

Downsizing at Christmas can be an adjustment, especially if your children have gotten used to receiving a lot of presents. Luckily, we have some tips to ensure that you and your children still enjoy the festivities despite having fewer presents this year.

1. Start by explaining that Christmas will be slightly different this year. Your children need to understand that gifts aren’t a measure of love. Although some families might have more gifts than your own, it doesn’t mean they are loved any less.
2. Once you’ve managed their expectations about how many gifts they will receive, you can then get excited about all the different ways you will be able to celebrate Christmas this year. Because you’re spending less money on gifts, you can now put that money towards making memories. There are so many activities you can get involved in – from ice skating and baking to visiting Christmas markets! Whatever it is, making memories and starting Christmas traditions will be far more memorable than any old toy!
3. Make some donations to charity. Whether it’s money, toys or clothes – Christmas is the season of giving, so get your children involved. You can also take this opportunity to explain to your children that some families can’t afford luxuries like gifts at Christmas. This way, if you ask them ‘how much do children need from Santa?’ – they can answer by having a greater perspective and appreciation for those less fortunate than themselves.

If, at any point, you find yourself wondering ‘exactly how much do children need from Santa?’ – we invite you to revisit this article. Christmas isn’t about how much you can spend – it’s about spending time with your children, showing your appreciation for one another and teaching them to be grateful for what they already have.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

• Why You Should Use Kindness Elves This Christmas (Instead of the Elf on The Shelf)
• 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas
• How to have more happiness with less this Christmas

The post How Much Do Children Really Need From Santa? The Benefits of Having Less appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

While this is how many people are feeling – wondering how to be happy this Christmas – it is possible to make the end of 2022 a special one. It’s all about reframing this time differently and being happy with less.

Here’s how to do just that.

Cut back on the gift-giving

Everyone has been in the same boat, so they won’t judge you for cutting back this year. Have a talk with your family and if you want to cut back on gifts, decide on what you’ll do all together when it’s safe to meet up again. Maybe you will have a big dinner later in the year or go on holiday together?

Whatever it is, talk it through and decide as a family. It’s been a stressful year so you don’t need to pile on extra stress to find gifts when shops are closed and many relatives can’t even get out to look themselves.

Christmas is about spending quality time together and making memories so reframe it this year and be thankful that your loved ones are safe and healthy.

Focus on what you truly love

Think about your Christmas traditions. What is truly important to you and your family? Maybe it’s having a movie night on Christmas Eve or eating altogether, decorating the house or baking on Boxing Day. Whatever your favourites, focus on these and let the rest go.

This is a very different year, so instead of letting it get you down, get creative and make those all-important things happen. Yes, they will be different, but you can make that movie night tradition special by doing it virtually or meet up with family for a socially distanced walk on Christmas Day.

If you want to know how to be happy this Christmas, you need to think about what makes the season for you and make those things happen (just in a different way).

Embrace nature

Instead of sitting indoors, take a walk in the frosty morning or after dinner. As we said previously, maybe you could meet up with some family members for a socially distanced walk close to home.

Nature is healing and it makes us happy, so embrace it. Breathe the cold air. Collect pine cones. Make a snowman if you’re lucky enough to have snow. Whatever you do, look for ways to enjoy and appreciate the nature that surrounds you and you’ll feel a lot better for it.

Be charitable

If you’re worried about how to be happy this Christmas, maybe look beyond you and your family and to those in need. How can you make someone else’s Christmas?

It feels good to make others feel good so look for opportunities to give others your time, to listen to them, and make them smile. It can be something as simple as giving some toys away to children’s charities or having the grandparents on a video call as the children open their gifts.

While it’s not the best time to volunteer or get involved in activities with others, you can still use this time to teach your children to be charitable. That’s what Christmas is all about.

Reconnect and reflect

Last but not least, use this time to reconnect and reflect. Not just with your family, but with yourself. What has been positive about this year? Which challenges have you overcome? What are you grateful for? How have you become closer as a family?

By focusing on what you are grateful for and the positives of the past year, you can better be in the moment and enjoy the day without any stress or worry.

Spend this day reconnecting with each other – play board games, eat great food, and spend the day laughing. Just remember to take a little time out for yourself too.

Please try not to worry. This year will be different but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to focus on the most important traditions and to reinvent the rest! Try to embrace the differences this year, be grateful for what you have, and take comfort in the fact that there’s no pressure this year other than to spend quality time with your children.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas
• How You Can Strengthen Family Relationships in the New Year
• 10 Fun Winter Activities To Do with Your Little Ones
• The Best 20-Minute Activities to Keep Your Children Entertained

The post How to have more happiness with less this Christmas appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.

What’s great about our children is that they have the best imaginations! This means that you don’t have to stress too much about getting a certain toy or gift. If you are creative with your gifts, then they will be just as happy. To help you make this Christmas one to remember (but also one that doesn’t break the bank), here are some of the best creative gift ideas that you can make yourself.

1. Sock Puppets

If you’re handy with arts and crafts, sock puppets are a great gift for young children! All of the components are cheap to buy such as colourful socks, multi-coloured puff balls and googly eyes and you have yourself a series of characters to make!

Here’s some help: How to make a sock puppet video and How to make a dog sock puppet, step by step

2. Bath Crayons

Children of all ages love bath time, so create your own bath crayons to make it even better. Your little ones won’t believe that they can draw on the tub!

Here’s how to make your own: Bath crayon recipe and DIY bath crayons

3. A Tool Belt

Do your little ones like to build? Do they have some trusty tools that they use to fuel their imagination? Then why not make them a tool belt? A tool belt will help them dress the part!

Here’s some help: Make a tool belt tutorial and Step by step guide

4. Doll Accessories

Almost every household with children has dolls, whether they are life-sized babies, barbies or action men, so making them accessories will be the best gift!

Here’s some help: Barbie accessories, Barbie clothes, Winter accessories, Make your own doll nappies, Baby doll sewing patterns

5. Felt Pizza

Inspire creativity by making your own felt sets. You can buy different coloured felt and cut them into shapes and put them in a box. Now all is left to do is for your child’s imagination to run wild!

Here’s some help: Make your own pizza shop

6. A Puppet Theatre

This may take some time but it will be so worth it. If you have some cardboard or even just a cereal box, you can make a puppet theatre. Then all it needs is some characters! Depending on your craft skills, you can keep it simple by drawing and colouring characters and sticking them on to lollypop sticks or you can make your own finger puppets!

Here’s some help: Make your own puppet theatre out of a shoebox or cereal box, Make your own finger puppets, make puppets without sewing

7. A Mini Marshmallow Gun

A fun game and you can eat the bullets at the end! Your children will have so much fun running around the house shooting marshmallows at each other and the great thing is, is that they won’t get hurt.

Here’s some help: Make your own marshmallow gun

8. Clothespin Wrap Dolls

When children are young, their imaginations are amazing and anything can become a toy! Get creative and make something different like some clothespin wrap dolls. Simple and perfect for travelling, these dolls are a really great gift idea.

Here’s some help: Make your own clothespin wrap dolls

9. Play Dough

Playdough is a classic gift and every child loves it! Make your own and have hours of fun creating masterpieces!

Here’s some help: Best homemade playdough recipe, A simple and natural playdough recipe

10. Animal Ear Headbands

Children love dressing up and there are no easier accessories to make yourself than animal ear headbands! Not only are these fun to make and the perfect stimulus for creative play, but your children will revel in the variety of animals that they can become.

Here’s some help: Animal ear headbands, DIY animal costume ideas, 10 animal costume ideas

Homemade gift ideas for family and friends

If you’d rather spend what money you do have on your children and save money elsewhere, here are some great creative gifts that are thoughtful yet easy to make yourself.

11. Homemade Candles – using wax flakes, colours and essential oils, you can create beautiful candles where you choose the colour, scent and overall look.

12. Homemade Bath Bombs – many people love fizzy bath bombs but they can be expensive to buy from the shop. You can make your own with baking soda, food colouring and essential oils!

13. Spa in a Jar – for friends who love a bit of pampering, collect their favourites in miniatures and put them all in a jar. Pack it with spa goodies such as bath bombs, face masks, hair masks, soaps, pillow spray, and maybe even a candle.

14. Bake a Cake – who wouldn’t love a gift that you’ve taken the time to make yourself? Just think about what they love (e.g. cheesecake or muffins or chocolate cake etc), make it with love and it will be a hit!

15. A Personal Hamper – does your family member or friend love tea, cheese or chocolate etc? Whatever is their favourite, make a homemade hamper that is personal to them. This is a lovely gift idea and it can be easily done on a budget.

16. Knitted Hat/Scarf/Blanket – if you can knit, the world of gift-giving is your oyster.

17. Hand-Embroidered Gifts – if you can sew, there is a range of great gifts that you can give. Has a friend or family member had a baby? Buy plain white onesies and embroider their name. Other things you can stitch initials on include handkerchiefs, headbands, socks etc. You could also buy a sewing kit with a picture to follow and create things like a bookmark for a special person. Here are some ideas!

18. Any gift with photos – people love memories and these types of gifts are very budget-friendly so consider printing some pictures and making an album. You can also create things like a yearly calendar, a notebook, or even a canvas with special moments on.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

• The Best Inside Activities for High Energy Kids
• How to Create a Daily Routine that Works for Your Family
• How to Encourage Your Child to Get Involved
• 5 Reasons Why Messy Play Is Important and Benefits Children

The post 18 Creative Gift Ideas to Save You Money at Christmas appeared first on Schoolhouse Day Care.