Over the years, we’ve celebrated Easter in many creative ways. (See my mega list of ideas here!) However, some years it’s necessary or even good to pair everything back and just do something simple and meaningful, and perhaps also fun. Here’s seven simple Easter ideas: I hope that inspires you to do something simple this … Read more
I’m a huge fan of listening to stories – I listen to books myself and my children listen both individually and together when we’re in the car. I don’t feel it’s better or worse than traditional reading, and it definitely means we get more read. Let’s apply this to the Easter story: If you read … Read more
A few years back, I was sharing this activity about making Easter puppets by cutting pictures out of a book when I realised the book I was recommending wasn’t easy to get hold of any more. Instead of ditching the idea, I thought: Why not create a set of puppets? So here they are! A … Read more
This is a really simple activity, but it involves getting out for walk in nature first – something I highly recommend if, like us, you find people going a bit stir-crazy indoors sometimes. There’s nothing like being outdoors to help reset us! When you’re out, challenge everyone to collect FIVE similar length sticks. When you … Read more
One thing I enjoy doing are simple craft activities which link in with the Christmas story in some way, giving me an ‘in’ to chat about it both with my family, and with whoever comes into contact with the final product. Making chocolate creams is ridiculously easy, and yummy so a perfect gift for a … Read more
We’re planning to go to a carol service at the weekend, and I wondered how familiar my children would be with the songs, so I contacted the person in charge and asked what carols they would be singing. They sent me the list, saying that they hoped they wouldn’t get in trouble for sharing secrets!!! … Read more
Read through the Nativity Christmas story in four parts. Audio links included too!
Christmas is a great time to celebrate Jesus. However, it is also a very busy time, so we need to be intentional. Each year I try to prioritise three activities: The list below is a collection of ideas, one or two of which might be just right for your family this year. Why not chat … Read more
I love this book! It’s the Christmas and Easter stories told by the eloquent Madeleine L’Engle illustrated with frescoes from the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto. You can see my review of the book here, but this post is about how I’ve used the pictures and story in this book to meditate on the Christmas story … Read more
This is a simple adaption of something lots of families do each year: Go and see the lights. I remember when I was little, occasionally my Dad would take us in the car to central London to drive through all the busy, light-decorated streets. It was a highlight of our Christmas season. With my own … Read more
Title: The Christmas Mystery Written by: Jostein Gaarder (author of Sophie’s World) Published by: Orion Children’s Books Useful for: parents of children aged 7–11 years old Best bit: The story is clever and beautiful, mysterious and fascinating, a treat for adults and children alike, with 24 chapters exploring the birth of Jesus, making it perfect … Read more
Wrap up 24 Christmas-y books then unwrap and read one a day during Advent. All you need to do is collect* and wrap up 24 Christmas books and number them 1—24. Open one a day and share together. I found seven Christmas books for £5.80 in three of my local charity/ secondhand book shops, so … Read more