'Twas the day after Christmas - now what to do with all these toys?

This is my first proper year at this so it's all new for me, but after Santa visited and all the aunties and grandparents have given presents to Arthur (17months), I was left with the issue of what to do with all these toys!

I could buy more storage. Indeed I found plenty of ideas for toy storage on Pinterest. But seeing as we don't have more space that wasn't the best option. I like Arthur to be able to get (and put away) his own toys, so the space needs to be low. I have always fancied the idea of rotating the toys and now we have enough to make this possible. In addition to this, I don't want too much to put away each day, and I like to be organised and know where things are.

So rotation won.

I spent Christmas evening busily tidying away toys and setting out the new ones on the shelves. I had a little move around, got out some new puzzles from the "I'll grow into it box" put all the books (except library books) onto the bookshelf. Fabulous! I feel in control again! l

I took photos while it was tidy - though this does happen, to a greater or lesser extent, at the end of each day. Incidentally, the little cooker in the photo was made for me by my Granddad about 40 years ago, and has just emerged from my Mum's loft!

It's working so far, though Arthur did discover the box that I hid all the the toys in that are not currently out to play. I told him they were having a rest and put them back again and he seemed to accept that (for now at least). It got me thinking though, however to you deal with this when you have more than one child, all of whom have several Christmases under their belt?

Maybe you clear out in advance to create space? Perhaps you involve the kids in deciding what goes? Do you regift? Pack them away for the next Nearly New Sale? Build an extension?

We'd love to hear your hints tips and ideas. Please share by commenting below.

What's On - Local Events: January 2013

Tuesday 1 January

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

Festive weather can often offer some unforgettable scenes at Welney; will we have swan in snow this year?  Don’ t miss the famous swan feeds, explore the reserve with our 12 days of Christmas discovery trail, keep busy with activity stations in the pond room, or get out and about with the activity clipboards.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney/whats-on/2012/12/21/christmas-holiday-family-activities/

Wednesday 2 January

 

Ely Cathedral Children's Activities, 10.00am-12.00noon

Children of all ages and their guardians are invited to participate in arts & crafts activities and storytelling within Ely Cathedral. Cathedral Children's Trail available on the day.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-cathedral-childrens-activities-2nd-3rd-january-2013

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 1.00pm and 5.00pm

Following the great success of last year's production of Cinderella, Cambridge Arts Theatre's traditional pantomime is back! Jack and the Beanstalk is a giant of an adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

https://cambridgeartstheatre.purchase-tickets-online.co.uk/public/daily_events_list.asp

Cambridge Corn Exchange: Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Medicine, 2.30pm

George makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. But when his grandmother drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. And George's adventure has just begun! With a shrinking and growing granny, giant chickens, magic potions and madcap chases - there's loads of chances to shout out and join in the mayhem!

http://www.cornex.co.uk/ccm/cornex/2012/roald-dahls-georges-marvellous-medicine.en

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

For information, see 1 January

Thursday 3 January

Ely Cinema: Madagascar 3 – Europe’s Most Wanted (PG), 3pm

DreamWorks’ third 3D animated MADAGASCAR epic is arguably the most inventive so far, ot least because the directors have freshened up the franchise with some new animal characters. Cue an abundance of gags.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/madagascar_3_europes_most_wanted_pg_ely_cinema

Ely Cathedral Children's Activities, 10.00am-12.00noon

For information, see 2 January

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

For information, see 1 January

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 2.00pm and 6.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Cambridge Corn Exchange: Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Medicine, 2.30pm and 7.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Friday 4 January

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

For information, see 1 January

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 7.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Saturday 5 January

Botanic Gardens: Flat-Pack Nests, 11.00am-3.00pm

Build your very own flat-pack nest kit to hang in your garden and watch as the birds pick up materials to make their new homes.

http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Event.aspx?p=27&ix=331&pid=2718&prcid=0&ppid=2718

Fitzwilliam Museum: Family First Saturdays, 2-4pm

On the first Saturday of each month visit our Fitz Family Welcome Point in the Courtyard and collect drawing materials, activities and trails to use throughout the museum.

http://www.visitcambridge.org/whats-on/family-first-saturdays-p534451

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

For information, see 1 January

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 1.00pm and 5.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Sunday 6 January

Ely Cinema: Great Expectations (12A), 3pm

In Dickens’ heart-rending fable, humble orphan Pip learns that he has a mysterious benefactor. Director Newell’s fresh new version is both a love story and a thriller. Contains moderate violence and occasional gory moments.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/great_expectations_12a_ely_cinema1

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

For information, see 1 January

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 1.00pm and 5.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Monday 7 January

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

For information, see 1 January

Tuesday 8 January

Welney WWT: Christmas holiday family activities

For information, see 1 January

Wednesday 9 January

Denny Abbey: Pre-School Art Group, 10.00-10.45am

A course of 5 x 45-minute sessions every Wednesday, 9th January to 6th February 2013, for young artists aged 2 to 5 led by local artist and tutor, Ann Biggs. The course will introduce a range of artistic and fun activities which you can also use at home. No previous experience, nor exceptional talent, required. Price £15 for course of 5 sessions, (pre-booking essential).

http://www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk/content/events/pre-school-picassos-2

Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups in their Winter Wellies, 10.15-11.45am

The first of this year's regular Mucky Pups events for pre-schoolers sees everyone outside whatever the weather! Booking advisable.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 7.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Thursday 10 January

Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups in their Winter Wellies, 10.15-11.45am

For information, see 9 January

Friday 11 January

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 7.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Saturday 12 January

Lantern-Making Workshop (Trumpington Village Hall), 11.00am-1.00pm and 2.00-4.00pm

Make a lantern for the Wassail celebration, using willow, tissue paper and decorations. Suitable for all ages and accompanied children. £2 per lantern. Materials provided. Refreshments available.

http://www.cambridgeshire.net/event/lantern-making-workshop/87036.aspx

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 1.00pm and 5.00pm

For information, see 2 January

Sunday 13 January

 

Ely Cinema: Rise of the Guardians (PG), 3.00pm

An engaging cast of oddballs, including the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, join forces against the evil Pitch. Voiced by Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Jude Law and others, this is a seasonal family-pleaser with a difference.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/rise_of_the_guardians_pg_ely_cinema

Kettle’s Yard: Studio Sundays, 1.00-4.00pm

Drop in practical art workshops for all ages. Join us to make your own artwork inspired by our exhibitions and collection. A chance to explore, chat, sketch, make and play. Try out our great new PropsBox of family-friendly activities: www.propsbox.org.uk

http://www.cambridgeshire.net/event/studio-sundays/28220.aspx

Cambridge Arts Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, 1.00pm and 5.00pm

For information, see 2 January

How to Curb Your Christmas Spending

by Derinda Wildman, Cheltenham and North Cotswolds NCT

Christmas! What a great time of year, and all the more exciting for sharing with your new baby, family and friends. But with presents to buy and cards to send, the tree and decorations, festive fare and visits to Santa, is it possible to do this on a limited budget without feeling distinctly unfestive or like Scrooge? I’m delighted to say that indeed it is, and here are some ideas that might help to save some pennies!

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are an integral part of the celebrations in our house, and my children love the family tradition of decorating the tree together, but they can be expensive. So how about having a small tree with roots that you can plant out in your garden and use year after year? An artificial tree can also last many years (and you don’t have needle drop to worry about with little feet padding around). In our house we’ve decorated a large plant with fairy lights and small decorations and it looked fantastic! Or how about adorning some small branches and twigs with the fairy lights and decorations for an equally enchanting effect?

Decorations

For decorations, we like to get creative and the children have made some lovely ones - they love being part of the Xmas preparations too. Shapes made from card (stars, baubles, angels etc) and decorated, with a hole punched in the top and threaded will keep the little ones amused for a while, as will making paper chains, cutting snowflakes from paper, and making salt dough decorations. Oranges studded with cloves and hung with red ribbon always look lovely and give a wonderful festive fragrance (so long as they’re taken down before they go off, which doesn’t smell so good!). Ivy and other evergreens can be gathered from outside and draped around the room (remember not to use real mistletoe as the berries are poisonous), and a vase or dish filled with pine cones (left natural or sprayed with silver or gold paint) all give a festive feel.

Presents

And so to the presents! For children’s toys the NCT Nearly New Sale is a fantastic treasure trove, and relatives love pictures made by the children (hand and foot prints of little ones are always well received). Personal and homemade presents are always lovely gifts – it really is the thought that counts here! Edible gifts (sweets, biscuits, cakes) and home grown plants are appreciated and children can be involved in making these too, as well as simple rolled candles (craft shops sell wicks and wax sheets for rolling and the candles can be decorated with glitter for that Christmas sparkle). 

The gift of time is always valued and this can easily be made into a voucher promising the recipient a skill or service that you can offer e.g. entitlement to an evening’s babysitting, a promise of a home cooked meal, breakfast in bed, gardening – the possibilities are endless!  Groups of relatives or friends may also consider setting a budget for presents or operating a ‘Secret Santa’ system where everyone in the group buys just a present for one other person (chosen by picking names from Santa’s hat maybe?) It’s amazing what can be found on a limited budget, particularly if you buy from charity shops (a feel good factor too as the charity is also benefiting)!

Wrapping

Which brings us on to the wrapping … here the possibilities are endless: brown paper painted with your little one’s hand or foot prints and tied with string or red ribbon; pages from newspapers and magazines colour-washed with paint by the children (cheery stories only on the pages please!); fabric, hessian, or for those big awkward presents, a sheet, tied with a bow; or last year’s wrapping paper reused (a quick iron first helps – cool setting only!). Tags can be made by cutting pictures from last year’s cards, or use Christmas shapes made from thin card, painted and decorated by the children.

Cards

The expense of buying and posting Christmas cards can be reduced by sending e-cards instead (some charities offer free e-cards, others ask for a donations). Alternatively some people only send cards to those they won’t see over the festive period. Of course cards can be hand delivered to those who live locally saving on the postage (and the family get to enjoy seeing all the pretty trees and decorations in the windows of your neighbours as they do the deliveries). Children love to make cards too: the simplest I have seen was a Christmas tree shape made from a green triangle for the tree and a small red square for the pot (sponge painting or potato printing would work well) with a star sticker on the top – it was very effective and wonderfully personal.

Christmas displays

Even visits to Santa can be done on a budget! Local events e.g. school Christmas fairs, often have Santa walking around chatting to the children. In particular my family love seeing the numerous decorated Christmas trees at the Festival of the Tree (Emmanuel Church, Cheltenham) where Santa can often be seen. Seeing the Christmas lights in your town, village or neighbourhood is also magical for the children (I often take them on dusk walks locally to spot the magnificent lights, trees and decorations of our neighbourhood!) Garden centres too often provide much entertainment gazing at the displays of Christmas lights.

Food

Then there’s the food! Christmas often means huge queues in the supermarket and enough food at home to last as if we were under siege! So, easy ways here to budget are only to buy what you’ll eat, ask guests to contribute by bringing some food (or the prepared vegetables, pudding, drinks, etc) and to buy from local farmers markets or farm shops (sometimes you can pre-order which makes things even easier!) – saves time in the queue and money! If you can control yourself, buy Christmas treats whenever you see them on offer.

I simply love the excitement of Christmas, and can indulge that side of me even more now that I have children. It is made even more exciting for us all by involving them in making presents and decorations, and what could be better than the little ones revelling in your time as you prepare for Christmas with them? So, not a bah humbug in sight! Happy Christmas everyone!

How do you budget at Christmas? Let us know by commenting below.