Christmas is a time for laughing, having fun and spending quality time with the family. When your child is coming home from a boarding school in the UK for the Christmas holidays, the celebratory period becomes all the more special.

You have the chance to reconnect and cherish each other’s company. If you are thinking about boarding as an option for your child, visit Alexanders School for more information. This article discusses what it means for families when their children come home for Christmas.

Getting everyone back together

Often, Christmas is the only time in the year when everyone can simultaneously switch off from their busy schedules to spend quality time together. Family comes first at Christmas and if your children are coming back for a while from boarding school you want to make sure you have as much free time as possible.  

Take time off work, cancel your other plans and show your children how much you’ve missed them.

Enjoy festive traditions

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Get everyone involved and excited in the lead up to Christmas. Pick out a tree together and spend an afternoon decorating it while the Christmas tunes blast out in the background. Take a walk or a drive around your local neighbourhood and the spot houses with the most Christmas lights.

Pick up some freshly made mince pies from a market and listen to carol singers. The magical glow that comes from twinkling Christmas lights, home-made festive treats and the smell of falling pine leaves is priceless.

 


Having fun together

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Christmas is the season to be jolly! Don’t nag your children about schoolwork or exams. Instead do things as a family which everyone enjoys. Head out together to see a special festive show. Or partake in some good old fashioned family fun by digging out the board-games. 

Bring blankets and pillows into the family room and stay up all night watching Christmas films. It you are feeling the lack of snow here in the UK then take your loved ones ice skating to get in the frosty festive spirit!

Creating warm memories

When your children spend a lot of time away from home it is important to create warm memories at Christmas time which they will cherish when they go back to school. As well as having fun and playing games, spend time reminiscing.

Dig out your old home movies and laugh at the crazy things your kids said and did when they were little. Watching happy memories on camera will bring you closer – as well as getting everyone in stitches as you show embarrassing childhood clips!

Sharing perfect gifts

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Giving the perfect gift isn’t about spending loads of money. As well as getting your children what they asked for, be sure to include a special extra present which has sentimental value. Your child will appreciate it this when he or she goes back to boarding school and is missing home.

Create a collage of fun family photos, paint them a picture or gift them an old family keepsake that has a special meaning behind it.

Christmas is a time for family and it is all the more special when you can welcome your kids home from boarding school. Take as much time off as you can and create a memorable celebration for your loved ones with fun games, festive traditions and perfect presents. 


Useful links

The Guardian
The Guardian has a range of articles offering tips, ideas and information on Christmas.

iVillage.co.uk
iVillage.co.uk has suggestions for creating your own family Christmas traditions.

Time Out London
Time Out offers reviews of festive family shows in London.
 
_ Planning a fun, memorable and exciting Christmas holiday with the family can be a challenge. Making the most of your time with family over the holidays requires some preparation.  Here are some ideas for family activities at Christmas.




Creating Christmas decorations

Children love to make Christmas decorations. The simple process of creating festive decor gives the children focus and allows them to contribute to the home. Crafts are a great way to spend time with children, teach new skills and let them express their creativity.

Christmas tree

Involve children with decorating the Christmas tree, from buying the Christmas tree to putting the star, fairy or bow on the top. Head to your local craft store and pick up some Christmas craft kits. These include all the materials and instructions needed for easy and successful Christmas tree decorations.

Christmas gifts

Gather your Christmas spirit and allow the children to wrap Christmas presents (obviously if they don’t believe in Santa Claus). Help children create their own Christmas cards and gift tags - whether it’s on the computer or with card, glue and anything that sticks!


_ Family activities at Christmas

The festive season will have lots of activities for families to enjoy together. Grab your coat, hats, mitts and scarves and brave the cold.

Ice skating

Head to the local ice rink for some exhilarating fun on ice! The little kids enjoy the thrill, while they laugh at the big kids attempting to stay up-right!

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Christmas shopping

Giving children a budget to purchase gifts is a great way to get children involved. Many shopping centres and Christmas markets will hold Santa’s Grottos and events to enjoy.

Christmas movie or production

Catch the latest Christmas movie at the cinema or go to the theatres to watch a Christmas production – gather friends and family together for a Christmas outing.

Christmas day

Christmas day is incredibly exciting for children of any age. Ensure the children are attended to, even when the extended family arrive. Christmas dinner is an important tradition of Christmas; however, it is important not to focus too much on the details that you forget to enjoy the day.

Make the children feel important on Christmas day with simple tasks:

•Helping with Christmas dinner

•Arranging the table

•Greeting guests

Time to relax

The Christmas holiday is a time where people reflect on their good fortune, health and family connections. Many of us are so busy with our professional lives, running to and from various activities, that we cannot spend quality time with the family.

Taking an extended Christmas break allows you to relax with the family, especially if children are home from a boarding school England based or elsewhere. The school holidays are important times for children to feel comfortable, at home and connected to the family. Preparation for boarding school includes ensuring the holidays are special, homely and memorable.


_ Resource Box:

Service Parents’ Guide to Boarding Schools

Useful information about starting boarding school, fees and choosing the right boarding school

Boarding Schools Association

Information for parents, students and teachers of boarding schools

Ofsted

Independent and impartial Office for Standards in Education