London Mums Blog

Freeeeeeeeedoooommmmmm! Party season is over

I have dragged myself, battered, bruised and aching to the party of what seems like almost every child within a five mile radius over the last two months, and I can report the following:

1. Gambado's parties suck. I have run out of paracetomol, and patience (see previous party posting). Never again - until the next time.

2. Parties in a restaurant basement are never, repeat NEVER a good idea. Something about the lack of natural light turns children into extras from some low-budget horror movie.

3. Children's entertainers are great if you are a four-year-old. If you are an adult they are just too plain creepy.

Glad Tidings

My loves, I bring you glad tidings - there is a Father Christmas! Yes, as unlikely as it seems, the Jolly Red-cheeked Rotund One is alive, kicking and bringing in, I do hope, a decent wage - at Southwark Council! I know this because I have just been let off a parking fine and there is no other rational explanation.

The story started way, way back in the summer - remember, those times long ago when hedge funds were something only impoverished gardeners talked about and you could pop into Woolworths any day of the week for pick 'n' mix, without being coshed over the head by rabid grannies desperate to get their mitts on the last Best of Val Doonican CD in civilisation.

Tracking Santa on Christmas Eve

Finally, Christmas Eve arrives and to encourage children to go to bed there is a website that tracks Santa's journey.  Noradsanta.org tracks Santa's journey with video clips featuring Mount Fuji, Sydney Australia and Egyption pyramids. 

 

There is an official time and very official sounding newsclips with some NASA styled commentary with beeps that give weight to its credibility.  Perfect for the doubters.  Apparently, the tracking of Santa has gone on for over 50 years and started by accident.  

 

It's very fun to prove that Santa is on his way.

On a less official website, emailsanta.com there is a naughty and nice list.  Answering a few questions helps the elves to determine what list you may be on for Christmas.  Lighthearted fun but the kiddies have taken to it and are quite concerned where they are listed.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

This post written by Charlene, a London Mums Blog founding contributor.

Best of the British Mummy Bloggers Carnival -- Christmas Edition

Twas the day before Christmas, and although in good moods, the mummies were frantic, entertaining their broods.

The packages were hidden all through the houses, but no one could find them, not even the mouses.

And what do these mummies do in the run up to Christmas? Why, write a blog post of course, so no one would miss us!

The Christmas edition of the Best of the British Parent Blogger Carnival (we have a dad this time!) is up on Thames Valley Mums.

There are some real crackers -- so grab a mince pie, sit back and enjoy!

All Aboard! Try the IMAX with Children

We took the Boys to the Imax on Southbank yesterday, to see the wonderful movie, 'The Polar Express'. 
 
This is not a review of the film, however; it's been out for long enough (five years) that there's a pretty good chance you'll already have seen it, and if you haven't, I suggest you rush down to Sainsbury's where the dvd is usually on special offer at Christmas for around £5.  Then settle down for an afternoon of escapism with your children - I defy you not to be swept up in the story...

Specsavers Christmas colouring competition for charity

ARTISTIC youngsters are invited to take part in a Christmas colouring competition with the chance of winning a spectacular digital compact camera.

The Oxford Journal, in association with Specsavers at Westgate shopping centre and Ox & Cross Publishing, is offering young Picassos and Rembrandts aged 6-13 a chance to show off their impressive skills by colouring in a festive picture.

The lucky winner will take home an extra special present to help capture their favourite festive moments – the Pentax Optio S12 digital compact camera worth almost £200.

How to annoy a modern mother

It is only now that I am sitting down with a giant Kath Kidson mug of fresh ground Lavazza coffee with lots of steaming milk can I write about this. I can feel the stress levels lower with each sip.

Big picture, think picture.

About ten minutes ago I could have torn apart anything that was in my path, including my poor husband, who was going about his own business quietly.

It was a particularly hectic morning, the girls were still suffering from PNPS (Post Nativity Play Syndrome) -- similar to PMS, but for kids, and only during Christmas.

How long is a Piece of String?

I had an 'interesting' morning today.  The Boys and I went along to the Unicorn Theatre in Tooley Street to see one of the latest Oily Cart productions; 'How Long is a Piece of String?'
 
Here's what the website blurb said: "An interactive, multi-sensory production with astonishing visuals and original, live music, exploring and celebrating the wonders of string.  Follow a trail of string into the theatre where performers lead you around a woven wonderland of different chambers full of strings, ropes and pulleys."

London theatre for a preschooler? Oh yes! Go see William's Monster

Poor William.  He's misunderstood as being a little monster, when in fact all he wants to do is have some fun and use his imagination.  And to cap it all, his parents plan a weekend away without him, and he has to go and stay with his scary grandfather, who makes him sleep in the attic where there are all sorts of funny noises and goings on...
 
I took Boy #2 to the theatre this week.  He's not even three yet, but theatre is a treat he and his brother have been getting since they were tiny; I think the youngest that I took either of them was when they were about nine months.  I know, I know.  I can here you saying from here.  A preschooler?  To the theatre?  What kind of a mug are you?

An introduction to head lice

Oh no. A sign on the door.

I dreaded these notices more than staying at Scottish grandma's in the winter, where once it was so cold I could actually see my breath escape from my mouth. Scottish grandma has a miniature wooden Swiss chalet on her fireplace mantle, a memento we had brought back from a skiing holiday, and it kindly reminded me of the temperature. Forty-two friggin' degrees. Fahrenheit. Inside the house.

We have had several cases of headlice recently – please check your child’s hair diligently.

Try ice skating with the kids, it's fun, really...

The Ice Rink and the Christmas Fair at the Natural History Museum are billed as 'London's most spectacular winter attraction'.
 
Well, what could be better for a cold November afternoon when the nights are drawing in and the park is out of the question?  We took our two boys (five and three years old) and a couple of visiting family members to see if it lived up to the hype.
 
To a certain extent, it does.  It's in a fabulous location right in front of the beautiful Victorian façade of the museum, and is prettily lit by twinkling white lights in the surrounding trees, so it certainly looked festive enough.

Boarding call

“So,” said a well-meaning, upper class Italian friend of the Doctor’s family to me recently, “You’ll be sending them to boarding school, then?”

I laughed back gently. “Oh no,” I said. “That is one decision we will never have to deliberate over.”

Because, even if they succumb to the ‘Harry Potter’ effect and beg to go, even if we could ever afford it, even if we lived on the moon, I will never, ever send my Littleboys to boarding school.

Reluctant Memsahib, out in the bush, has been reflecting beautifully on how empty her house feels now that her children have gone back to school.

Dear Santer ...

Dear Santer (my six-year-old's creative spelling interpretation), Santa, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or whatever you want to call yourself,

This year is going to be different. Just you wait.

I will keep accurate lists of what I've bought for whom and where that stash may be hiding in my house. I will not forget relatives and God children. Not even the ones that live far away. Or are babies. And especially babies that live far away. I will cross reference lists with other relatives and God children's parents just to make sure there is no repetition. As God as my witness...

A Better World

Unfortunately child cruelty is a reality, as we were recently reminded by Baby P.

American born pop singer Laura Comfort wanted to do something to help children living in poverty in the UK. So she wrote and recorded "A Better World", a song for children which was released just in time for Christmas. All proceeds from downloads go directly to the NSPCC.

Please help get the word out. It's a catchy tune -- play it for your kids and help make this a better world!

This post was written by Susanna, A London Mums Blog founding contributor. You can read more at her blog, A Modern Mother.