Sonya's Blog

Sonya Murray is co founder of The Baby Gurus. The Baby Gurus' pregnancy and birth education services range from private individuals to corporate for some of the UK's leading companies.

As a wife and a mother of three, Sonya brings a personal understanding of pregnancy and parenting as well as tips on multi tasking and getting the most of the work life balance. Her favourite online stores are MACCosmetics.co.uk, MarksandSpencer.com, Boden.co.uk, JoJoMamanBebe.co.uk and JoMalone.co.uk.

What Makes Christmas For Children...

Published on Wednesday 14th November 2007

Oh I just love Christmas, for me it really is a family time. I love to go all out to be together and enjoy the festivities.

For my children the opportunity to decorate the Christmas tree and make wonderful creations is probably the highlight. I confess I’m not the greatest fan of ad hoc hand painting at home (thankfully we have an amazing art centre near by!) but I am partial to a little bit of gluing and I do like stickers.

I also try to use the time to help my children understand that not everyone in the world get presents, Christmas tress and a fine roast turkey, and I sincerely hope that others do the same – if we all do a little this Christmas we can make a difference altogether. Consider:

Not accepting a carrier bag in every shop you visit this Christmas – fill up the one you’re carrying from the shop before or even better use a cloth bag. I’m currently sporting a Cath Kidston Tote, it’s beautiful (matching items are on my Christmas list) and big enough to load with shopping.

Make it the time to give to another child – over Christmas you’ll find local toy collections for those who aren’t so fortunate. If you haven’t done it before, then now’s your chance. It gives you a great feeling not to mention how the children will feel come Christmas morning.

Buy charity cards – this year I’m supporting Macmillan Cancer who also do some really good little stocking fillers all for a good cause.

Small things CAN make a difference and if you get your children involved it can be fun and keep them occupied! Encourage them to put together a shoe collection of toys they’ve never used. To find how shoeboxes help and to find your local collection point visit Samaritan’s Purse and take part in Operation Christmas Child.

Finally, for those of us who like the finer things in life – ribbons, tissue and wrapping paper that look the business can be reused or at least recycled so you needn’t feel too guilty. I for one like a nicely wrapped parcel on Christmas morning alongside the family tradition of a bacon roll and a sherry –an old family tradition!

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