If you’re considering wooden window shutters for your own home – here are some of the pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Window Shutters

Privacy – one of the big advantages of shutters over curtains or blinds is that they can offer a lot more coverage and privacy without blocking out the light. When having the shutter slats angled or tilted I can see outside and have a good view of the street outside, whilst shielding some of the view into my property from the drive. As a somewhat nosey neighbour, this is ideal! Where as we previously would have had to pull back our curtains in order to eat in privacy at the dining room table, we can now simply angle the shutters to shield the view whilst maintaining lots of natural daylight.

Kerb Appeal – There is no doubt that shutters look great – and not only from the interior! The kerb appeal of shutters is really high, and they can really make the outside of your home look fresh, modern and clean. We have had lots of positive comments from neighbours and friends who have been really impressed with the way the shutters look from the outside.

More control of light – Having lived previously with very thick heavy curtains I basically had one of two options – fully open, or fully closed, meaning if the sun became too bright my room simply descended into darkness! Now I have the option to have the shutters fully opened and pushed back, angled slats, closed slats and with three different points at which I can open and close the slats, I can have some open and some closed depending on where I am sat. We purposely went for tier on tier with a split tier on the bottom half – this is because I am currently working from home at my dining room table, and it allows me to block out the potential glare on my screen by shutting the lower half, but maintaining daylight by leaving the top half open.

Can fit almost any window – Even if you have the worlds strangest window, window shutters and plantation shutters can be made to measure and fitted to pretty much any space. Unlike curtains which could have light leaking in from the sides, shutters offer complete coverage and almost black out feel once closed.

Energy Saving – In winter, the shutters can create an additional bit of insulation for your home, reducing heat loss from even the best of double glazed windows. In summer, with the windows open behind the shutters, you can benefit from increased air flow and a breeze through your home without the unwelcome addition of insects, wasps or bugs finding their way in too!

Cons / Negatives of Window Shutters

The Cost – The obvious negative or con of window shutters has to be the cost, in that there are obviously cheaper window covering options available including blinds and curtains. That said, in my own experience, they have made such a huge difference to the aesthetic of our room that I was more than happy to pay the extra cost. You can bring the cost down my measuring your space and fitting them yourself, however if your window is complex in nature or has any irregularities / non consistent measurements, then you may find that this is a risky option. We personally opted for the fitted service, despite having a partner who was DIY savvy, because we wanted to reassurance of guarantees if something went wrong during the fitting.

Long Lead Time – If you have just moved into your new home and are looking to cover your windows quickly, then window shutters probably wont be for you. We booked our shutters just after the Suez Canal blockage, but even that aside with much of the finished wood coming from China, you are likely to be looking at a ship frieght lead-time of anything between 8 and 16 weeks. Some companies also have order shut off dates for fitting prior to Christmas.

Restricted View – It goes without saying that shutters do block out some of the visibility unless they are opened wide, If you live opposite the most picturesque of views that you love waking up to each morning then curtains may be a more suitable option as you can open these wide during the day and have the freedom of an entirely unrestricted vantage point. With a light airy room we weren’t concerned about shutter frames themselves blocking out light, but if you have a very dark room or dark walls, it is something to bear in mind.

Dust – Like any blind or slatted window covering, they do require a clean and dust every now and again. We found the best way to clean any sticky finger marks (kids!) was with unscented baby wipes or simply a damp cloth.

Kids – Last but not least, and this may be a bit of a strange con, but for children; initially at least, the pull of a shutter slat is pretty strong and they couldn’t help but touch them, opening the shutters, tilting the slats etc and we had to have some strong words about LEAVING THE WINDOWS ALONE. Hopefully the novelty will wear off soon.

Overall, we are really really pleased with our shutters from California Shutters and they have really transformed and brightened up our living space. If you have any questions about our personal experience please ask away!

Lucy x

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If you haven’t watched Bridgerton yet (the first Netflix series was released in December 2020), then seriously, where have you been!?! You can hardly blame your busy social life – here’s what you need to know.

First released on Christmas Day, Bridgerton is based on the book the ‘Duke and I’ by Julia Quinn – the first in a series of not 2, not 3, but NINE books about the Bridgerton family. Set during the Regency era in England, we meet Daphne – who is determined to marry for love as opposed to simply being matched to the first suitor who shows her an interest. This goes against the grain of traditional in Londons’ Marriage Market – with normally women being matched to partners before they even share their first kiss.

Simon, The Duke of Hastings has also recently returned to town, and he, whilst clearly a very (VERY) eligible Batchelor, has absolutely no desire to marry. His father disowned him as a child, and the last promise he made to him on his death bed was that he would never marry and never provide him an heir.

The Duke and Daphne decide to help each other out, setting up a ruse that they are courting. This interest from the Duke suddenly heightens Daphnes level of desirability, allowing her the opportunity to find someone who she can really fall for. Trouble is, the more time she spends with The Duke, the more she starts to fall for him instead!

No spoilers here… but here are the 10 reasons why you MUST watch Bridgerton.

Shared anticipation

Of all the things I miss about lockdown, it’s those shared moments in the office where you chat about what you watched on TV the night before – the plot twists, the car crash moments, the scenes which had you on the edge of your seat. Literally EVERYONE is talking about Bridgerton, and it’s a great topic of conversation to have with those who you can’t physically be with during lockdown 3.0.

Lady Whistledown

Think a Regency style Gossip Girl and you’ve got Lady Whistledown – the unknown narrator and writer of the gossip column newspaper that can always be relied upon to discover the scandal that most of the other residents are desperate to keep hidden! Voiced by Julie Andrews, we have hints all the way through on what could be the true identity of Lady Whistledown -and I absolutely loved following Eloises’ mission to discover the truth!

The Cast

Bridgerton features a modern, diverse cast. Not only is the Duke Simon (Rege Jean-Page) incredibly smouldery, good looking and in incredible physical shape (let’s face it we will never look at someone licking a spoon again in quite the same light), but also stars some great actors and actresses including Brummie actress Eloise Bridgerton who plays sister Eloise and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope who you may recognise from Derry Girls. The character building is detailed and deep, meaning you become emotionally invested in characters and their unique, personal challenges.

The Outfits

Who doesn’t love admiring the outfits of period dramas? If you can get past the thrust up breasts (which at times look incredibly painful), the wigs and Daphne having the strangest fringe haircut ever known to man, the Bridgerton outfits are just stunning and it’s fantastic escapism to get whisked into another world for a while!

The sexual tension

Not your average period drama, the tension and build up here is edge of your seat stuff. From spoon licking, to promiscuous rendezvous and first sexual experiences, there is plenty within Bridgerton to get your pulse raised!

The Marriage Market

There is something incredibly amusing yet absolutely terrifying about the prospect of being paraded around like an item to be bid upon, before potential suitors literally turn up at your door to declare their intentions to marry. It’s been 10 years here and I still don’t have a ring on it, but with two children out of wedlock I’d have certainly bought shame to my family based on Bridgerton standards!

The Scandal

Think we’ve had it hard in 2021? Imagine growing up in an era where you become damaged goods the instant you lose any sense of purity? From hidden pregnancies to affairs, questions over sexual orientation and forbidden goods, Bridgerton loves a bit of scandal and you don’t always see it coming!

Characters going against the grain

Throughout Bridgeton, there are many characters who go against the grain in terms of their behaviour and lifestyle choices. Of all the characters, I personally bloody love Eloise – this is a woman who refuses to be labelled purely by her gender. Hair down, bust covered and a girl who loves to write – Eloise is a raging feminist fighting for women to be given the same opportunities as men.

The Anticipation

Will they, wont they, should they, could they!??! So mannnnnny questions!!!!

More to come….

Now that the first series has been boxset binged, it’s left a huge Duke shaped hole in our lives but knowing that there is more to follow is a real relief. If you cant wait till then and need to fill your Bridgerton void so to speak, you can check out the full range of Bridgerton books on Amazon now!

(Image of Bridgerton card available at moonpig.com)

Did you watch Bridgerton? What did you think? 

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Normally we would be out for a meal with friends and family, heading to a fireworks display or partying until midnight. This year however, most of us are now looking for alternative things to do on New Years Eve and having our New Years Eve celebrations will be at home.

Don’t however be despondent – there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate New Years Eve 2020 at home, making the most of technology and still sharing the countdown to midnight with friends and family. With many of us already having experienced a virtual Christmas in 2020, here are 10 ways to host Virtual New Years Eve celebrations during lockdown.

10 Virtual New Years Eve Ideas

1. A Virtual Pub Quiz – As long as someone doesn’t mind taking on the role if Quizmaster, a virtual pub quiz over zoom / teams / face time is a fun way to get the whole family / group of friends together laughing and chatting together on New Years Eve. You could do a quiz of the year (although lets face it in 2020 that may be a tad depressing), or you could do some fun trivia or more lighthearted quiz questions to get the night off to a good start.
2. Bingo – Although a bit of a cliche, if you are celebrating New Years Eve with a group of all ages, virtual bingo can be a great ice breaker or fun start to your New Years evening. You can download bingo sets online, or even get one of the kids to play the all important role of spinning the bingo wheel. A word of advice, it helps if they are old enough to know all their numbers (I learned that the hard way!!)
3. Dance the night away – This year there are a number of virtual music events, virtual new years eve celebrations and even virtual New Years’ Eve raves taking place in 2020. From the entertainment options of Alicia Keys Rocks NYE Party on TV and the Jools Annual Hootenanny 2020 (socially distanced of course but featuring the likes of Tom Jones and Rag’n’Bone Man standing 2 metres apart). For those who fancy some more hardcore dancing / raving for new years eve, check out the Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021 You Tube Originals special event. Running from 10.30pm till late featuring Dua Lipa, Casette Boy and Joel Corry to name but a few this is sure to get you up on the feet. You can also look out for the NYE Hacienda House Party – a 24 hour live stream at @unitedstreamgm on Instagram.
4. Laugh the Night away – If you fancy seeing the new year in with some laughter instead – this year there are some great comedy options on TV, including The Big New Years In at 9pm – Paddy McGuinness’ comedy quiz, and the Graham Norton Show on BBC1 which features none other than actor legend Tom Hanks.
5. Bling up your House – We might not all feel like celebrating the new year, but if nothing else we should be celebrating that 2020 is OVER. Bring out the sparklers, party poppers and party hats, and get on zoom with your friends and family to raise a glass to the end of the worst year in our lifetime to date. Lets hope that 2021 is a little better at least!
6. Cocktail Making Party – This one takes a bit of prep but let’s face it, after a year like 2020, most of us have a reasonable supply of alcohol at home for this. A really fun way to host your virtual New Years Eve celebrations is to get on zoom or teams with your mates and take it in turns to take on the role of mixologist, either using tried and tested cocktail recipes or simply making it up as you go! Get your friends to follow your step by step cocktail recipe and shake to their hearts content before drinking up! This one may get a little trickier as the night goes on. Careful not to spill vodka on your laptop.
7. Guess the Resolution – Get everyone to send a trusted person their New Years Resolutions before the party, and then the host can pull out of a hat each resolution whilst the guests all try to guess whos’ is whos. You could mix this up a bit too by having a virtual awards ceremony too – e.g. friend most likely to have napped today, friend most likely to still be wearing PJS on her lower half etc etc.
8. Virtual Drinking Games – Following on from the above, virtual drinking games work really well. Things like – take a sip if you didn’t get dressed for at least 24 hours in 2020, take a sip if you are now on first name terms with your postman, take a sip if you can no longer fit in your favourite jeans etc. You can choose the cues that work best for your group, but the more easy they are to achieve the better!
9. Share a Virtual Meal – just because you cant physically be together on New Years Eve, doesn’t mean that you cant share a meal together. For a fun virtual new years eve celebration, why not get your friends and family to all sit down and eat at the same time. You can all benefit from the conversation and laughter you would normally look forward to, with only the slight downside of the additional washing up.
10. Build a photo booth – Mock up a fun photo wall in your living room and take silly photos of your household with photobooth props such as ‘F%$k Off 2020 / Good Riddance 2020’, ‘I survived Home Schooling’ and ‘Bugger off Karen’

One thing is for sure, New Years Eve with COVID on the scene is going to be different! However you choose to host your virtual New Years Eve celebrations, I hope that you and your family have a happy, healthy and slightly less stressful 2021! Happy New Year!

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There are a few phrases and terms we have overheard over the last 9 months that quite frankly, I cannot WAIT to see the back of in 2021. Which ones do you hate the most?

1. “The New Normal”

No. Just no, absolutely none of this is normal. There is nothing normal about people fighting over bog roll, being too scared to give your Dad a cuddle and trying to teach your own children fractions using gummy bears. There is nothing normal about living within your own four walls, never getting dressed (or at least not the top half) and spending most of your working day talking to colleagues through a screen. Sure, there have been some minor positives (particularly during the summer months) but if you ask me, this new normal can stick it – I want the old normal back.

2. Tiers

Before 2020, the prospect of tiers sounded amazing. Three tiers on a bloody big wedding cake, loads of delicious toppings, bucket loads of icing and ideally a cute little couple perched on the very top. But now? STOP ADDING TIERS!!! The prospect of tiers are terrifying, particularly when what started as 3 tiers rapidly became 4. Whilst the idea of an extra tier of cake (to save for the christening perhaps) sounds really appealing, more tiers of lockdown, does NOT.

3. Circuit Breaker

As the partner of an electrician, this term is not to be confused with the electrical safety switch, designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage when overloaded. No in 2020, a circuit breaker has basically become the threatened version of ‘turn it off and turn it on again’; in the hope that whatever the hell was going wrong before the switch was pressed would automatically be fixed when the screen comes back on. Sadly, the circuit breakers require people to actually give a damn for them to work and it appears that ship sailed quite some time ago.

4. Covidiots

We’ve always had idiots, social media Karens and conspiracy theorists, but in 2020 we’ve welcomed a whole new version – the Covidiot. The one who still believes that COVID-19 is a myth, that asking people to save the lives of others goes against their human rights, and decides to pack themselves into a train seconds after being told they should stay at home to contain a new strain. Sadly there’s no cure for this one. The vaccine may protect against COVID, but not against stupidity.

5. Unprecedented Times

Since March, I would estimate that roughly 85% of my emails have been signed off with  ‘stay safe’ and started with ‘I hope you are keeping well in these unprecedented times’ I don’t want to live in unprecedented times any more. I want to live in precedented times. What does precedented even mean? Whatever, I want to be back in times where I am moaning about the person from the office that always leaves wee on the toilet seat, the smelly sandwiches left in the fridge and that one colleague who always talks WAY TO LOUD on the phone! I miss office politics, drama and gossip. I miss NORMALITY.

6. Bubbles

Ahhh everyone loves bubbles right? I have memories of the girls running around the garden hysterically laughing trying to catch them before they pop. Bubble machines, giant bubbles, bubble wands and biggest bubble competitions. Nope. Not in 2020. In 2020 the prospect of a bubble bursting is every parents living nightmare. Whether it’s a childcare bubble, a family bubble, a Christmas Bubble or a single parent bubble, I don’t want to see ANY of these bubbles ever again. Bring back with open arms the pot of washing up liquid that gets spilled within approximately 10 seconds of giving it to your child instead.

7. Rule of Six 

Pre 2020 a rule of six could easily have been describing the number of beers in a pack, the number of abs on your ideal date, the number of strings on your guitar or hell, six geese a laying. Not anymore. It also appears that even with the most simple of sums people haven’t quite managed to add up correctly.

8. Self-Isolating 

The very term sounds weird when you look at it doesn’t it. Isolate from ones self? With your self? In theory as a parent, the prospect of self isolating with a bar of chocolate and no kids to share them with sounds like self care heaven. Not in 2020. 14 days *or more recently 10* of hell, where the entire family has to stay inside at all times. NOT FUN.

9. Working from Home

2019 was the year that we all longed to work from home. The luxury of working in your own comfortable surroundings, wearing your slippers under the desk, having a DECENT cup of coffee and a quiet calm home. HA. No one mentioned that in 2020 you’d certainly get that wish, but sadly you’d be doing it with 2 children at home too. Now working from home almost definitely requires the inverted commas that had previously been used as an insult, because in 2020, working from home also includes bum wiping (in addition to your own), snack sourcing and referring arguments about the iPad. Joy.

10. Remote Learning 

*Shudder*. How lovely remote learning sounds – hybrid learning, a flexible education, balancing both home and classroom based learning. If we were talking about studying for your adult qualification around childcare, or getting the masters you’d always aimed for then this would have sounded great. Sadly in 2020, remote learning means your little cherubs are learning at home and 9 times out of 10, YOU were their new teacher.

So there you have it – 10 phrases from 2020 I NEVER want to hear again. What else would make your cut?

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Make the most of the space UNDER your cot, which is otherwise wasted. You can buy under cot drawers which are great for storing folded blankets, cot sheets and spare linen, as well as towels and thicker clothing that would otherwise take up valuable drawer space.

Space saving furniture

If your room really is tiny (our daughter was in a box room), you may find it hard to find traditional cots and cot beds with the dimensions to fit such a small space. Some companies specifically sell cots, beds and children’s furniture for smaller bedrooms, and these are a great place to start. They tend to have custom dimensions that are slightly narrower or shorter than a standard cot bed – the only downside being that they often need a custom sized mattress too.

Hanging Storage

Make the most of otherwise waisted space such as the back of the bedroom door, or the side of the cot with a hanging storage set – these hanging storage options usually include a number of pockets in which you can pop some nappies, nappy bags, creams, lotions, spare socks and such the like, so they are not only quickly and easily accessible but dont take up valuable draw space either. They have some adorable designs to choose from all of which can be coordinated with your nursery’s theme or colour scheme.

Shelving

When you have limited floor space in a room, don’t forget to make the most of the walls by taking advantage of the height of the room too. Using shelves to store baby books, keepsakes or even to pop on the baby monitor without cluttering up the floor are really helpful. Some shelves can even include storage boxes or integrated hanging pockets for storing folded baby grows or clothes.

Over cot baby changer 

If you have limited floor space, bending down huddled over to change your babies nappy, particularly during the middle of the night can be really uncomfortable. Over cot baby changers take up far less space and are also much more ergonomically friendly; meaning your far less likely to cause yourself back or neck pain in the process.

Think about furniture that coverts e.g. cot beds

Don’t just think about the short term – chances are once your baby moves into their own room they may be in there for some time. Think about opting for nursery furniture that converts as your baby grows up – cot beds that convert from a cot to a toddler bed means you are likely to get much more longevity for your money.

Stick to the essentials

Avoid clutter, particularly when you are limited on space. Stick to the absolute essentials you need to keep in your baby’s nursery and leave the rest in another room out of reach.

Fold clothes rather than hang them

When your baby is tiny, there is no real need to invest in a wardrobe which takes up lots of space for minimum reward. Babygrows, vests and onesies can easily be rolled or folded to take up far less space.

Choose the colour scheme wisely

Opt for lighter colours where possible, avoiding darker shades that can make the walls feel closer and smaller. Gender neutral shades such as light greys, off whites and lemons work really well.

Introduce as much light as possible

Try and get as much natural light into the room as possible to make the room feel more light and airy. If you do use blinds, keep them up during the day, ensuring that cords are kept safely stowed away out of reach.

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Go for a walk / run on your lunch break

If you are working from home all day, you may find that the only real walking you do is to and from the fridge. Why not set the alarm and make a conscious effort to go for a walk / jog or short run your lunch break – even if just for half an hour. Walking for 30 minutes at a reasonably fast pace will not only increase the number of steps you take but also raise your heart rate and boost your melatonin which will help you relax and sleep more easily when you finally switch off for the day. Plan a route around your local park, discover some hidden treasures around your local area or simply do a fast paced tootle around the block – it all helps work towards your 10000 steps a day! If you can complete the odd errand like posting a letter or scooping up some milk on the way around, even better!

Arrange walking meetings

In 2020 more than ever – meeting colleagues or friends outside in the fresh air to catch up rather than on video conferencing or face time can not only be good for your fitness levels and step count but also your mood and wellbeing too. When deep in conversation with someone else you can very quickly forget about how far you’ve walked and clock up a few kilometres before you even realise!

Walk to the school run

Obviously we don’t all have the luxury of having lots of time in the mornings, but if you are working from home and are able to do so, walking to and from the school drop off and pick up is not only sometimes a far less stressful option, it’s also often just as quick and more eco-friendly too. If your child is happy walking, the 20 minutes there and back to and from the school twice a day is a sure fire way to boost your step count closer to 10000 with minimal effort!

Pace whilst on the phone

How many phone conversations do you have a day at work? Do you generally sit down for them? Why not stand up and pace the floor instead? As crazy as this may sound, standing up actually helps project your voice too, making you sound more confident in what you are saying. Slowly walking around your living room whilst you talk is an easy and effortless way to increase your step count, stretch your leg and avoid eye strain / poor posture by getting up and away from your desk.

Dance before bed

At the end of the day, myself and the kids love a bit of a dance party in the living room. A mini disco if you will! We stick our favourite songs on the Alexa, and have a good old boogie to some classics, whether its Christmas songs, 80s power ballads or electro punk; we find any soundtrack with a good beat and we dance our little hearts out.

Find a walking buddy / join a virtual walking group

During lockdown virtual walking groups have become a real lifeline for many people, with participants signing up to try and reach a set target of 10000 steps a day or a certain distance by the end of the month. Not only is this great motivation and encouragement to get you moving, but it can prove to be a great way to connect with other like minded people who can soon become friends and a support network too. Most come with facebook or social media groups so people can share photos, stories and details of their daily walks. If you’re looking for something like this the Virtual Walking Groups from This Girl Runs are a great place to start.

Enter a challenge 

Why not create a challenge with a group of work mates and ask your employers if they’d be willing to donate a prize for the team member who walks the most steps in a month? If you are of a competitive nature,  colleagues competing against each other, even if for glory alone, can really motivate you to get out there and increase your steps before bed. Just when you’ve packed your trainers away and think you’ve got a steady lead on your team members, Maureen igoes for a quick dog walk after dinner and knocks you off the top spot. Don’t be complacent and do a few laps of the garden before bed!

Embrace the science using a fit bit or sports watch

Again for those who like to be competitive, treat yourself to a fit bit or smart watch where you can track not only your step count but your calories burnt and distance covered. You can link up with friends to share data, create challenges and get visual medals and rewards for achieving your goals. If its Garmins or fit bits specifically you are after, you can usually pick up some great bargains on these in the Black Friday, boxing day and VIP Next sales too, so keep an eye out for these.

Stair Climbs

If all else fails and you don’t live in a bungalow – embrace the stair climbs! Set your alarm for 15 minutes and climb up and down the stairs as many times as you can. Whilst this option isn’t the most efficient way to boost your step count number, its also great for your leg muscles, toning and booots your heart rate.

Make the most of the great outdoors

We are members of English Heritage and National Trust here; and packing up the family for a nice walk in the great outdoors, particularly when there are lots of beautiful gardens, landmarks and rural views to explore, is a great way to increase the step count, have a socially distanced catch up with friends or blow the cobwebs away.

There you have it – 10 ways to increase your steps to 10000 a day. How have you increased your step count in 2020? Do you walk 10000 steps a day? 

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If you are looking for virtual ways to celebrate Christmas with your family over Zoom, Microsoft Teams or other online video conferencing tools, here are ten ways to help you celebrate Christmas remotely when you can’t physically be together.

1. A virtual pub quiz – Gather your friends and family together on Zoom for a festive pub quiz. There are lots of great resources online to download ready made quizzes, or you could even create your own – tailoring your questions to the age of your audience or sticking to a 2020 theme,
2. Virtual Bingo – whether its picture bingo, traditional number bingo, or whether you want to get down the bingo ball roller from the loft and practice your legs eleven and two fat ladies calls, bingo is something that the whole family, young and old can enjoy together and takes very little mental load (compared to the quiz which will be slightly more taxing)
3. Virtual Santas – With many physical events being cancelled this year, the kids may be desperate to see Father Christmas. With many of the traditional grottos cancelled, more and more companies are offering Virtual Santa experiences where you can have a short slot chatting to Father Christmas online from the comfort of your own sofa. The children will still get to experience the magic of telling Father Christmas what they would like to discover under the tree on Christmas morning, and you get the joy of seeing their little faces light up too.
4. He’s behind you!! The theatres and concert halls may be closed this Christmas, but you can still enjoy all the fun of a pantomime, with many local theatres streaming their pantos online. Grab a big pack of popcorn and pop an ice cream tub in the freezer ready for the interval – the laughs and slapstick comedy of the panto is something that we could all do with to cheer us up this year, whilst also supporting the arts who need our help now more than ever.
5. Christmas Virtual Scavenger Hunt – This one can be a right laugh – create a list of items that can be found around the home, and one person play host. The item is announced and participants have 60 seconds to find the item and return to their screen or they are out. The winner is the person who manages to collect all items within the time frame. You can go easy or challenging here -from Christmas decorations and DVDs to ugly paintings and the worlds worst mug. Sure to raise some laughs (and it’s a great way to get a bit active and increase your daily step count too, just watch the stairs after a few beers!)
6. Christmas Light Trails – this year, many more people have dressed their homes with lights, decorations and inflatables to bring a bit of festive cheer, with many local schools creating maps for children to follow. If you prefer your Chrismas to be a bit more active, this is a lovely way to spread a bit of Christmas cheer without spending a penny. It also gets everyone up out and away from the screens for a while too.
7. Talking of Christmas spirit, this year we are taking part in the Christmas Eve Jingle on Christmas Eve. What started as a local Harrogate campaign has now spread nationally, with families being encouraged to stand outside on their drives and chime jingle bells to share Christmas spirit and build a sense of community. I know that this Christmas will be incredibly emotional for many, and this is such a lovely reminder that no one is truly alone this Christmas, even when we can’t physically be together.
8. Christmas Virtual Family Fortunes – I absolutely loved the Family Fortunes game show as a child, and this works really well over Zoom or Microsoft teams, putting family members into two teams to battle it out. Lucy from Real Mum Reviews has created a fab downloadable Family Fortunes game which is a great place to start.
9. Virtual Christmas Dinner – Whilst you might not be able to physically share the food (unless you fancy doing a drop and go service), getting the laptops out on the dinner table and eating ‘together’ can still have a huge amount of positives for those who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone. Conversation, laughter and seeing the kids excited faces on Christmas day can really help lift your relatives spirits.
10. Virtual Present Opening – For those that really love seeing people open their presents and gauging their reactions, why not open presents over video call? People can take it in turns to open a gift and if you are doing a secret santa share, you can even try and guess the recipient too!

Whatever your plans are for Christmas – please stay safe. Lets hope that we can all have an alternative Oz style Christmas bbq in the Summer instead. We will be together again – for now we just need to ride it out and keep doing what we can to show our loved ones that we care.

A Merry Christmas from me to you.

xxx

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