Page 59 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014

31 things to do this Christmas Mischa Allen
Reindeer at last year’s Dickens of a Christmas
15th
If you’re not feeling festive yet, then you know exactly what you need to do. Pay your loft a visit and bring down the Christmas decorations. (Just check the lights work before you wrap them round the tree.)
16th
From today until Sunday (21st), farmyard animals have to lend a hand in The Little Red Hen at The Stables. Performed by the Stuff & Nonsense Theatre Company, it’s designed for children 2+.
17th
Try Northampton Museum and Art Gallery’s very own board game and explore winter- themed art today, as well as the biggest collection of shoes in the world.
18th
Christmas is the perfect time to put your baking hat on, and show those Bake Off fans what you’re made of. Why not try a chocolate log? It’s festive and relatively simple and cheap to make, with a range of recipes online.
19th
The kids have finished school, and are more excited than ever about Christmas. Take a trip to the Northampton Royal & Derngate to see Peter and the lost boys go on an adventure – that’s if they can sit in the seat long enough!
20th
Celebrating the dark days of December, Campbell Park is hosting Festive Road’s Paraffinalia, a mid-winter fire festival today. The free event includes fire spectacles, processional lanterns and live performances.
21st
From carols in the parlour to crafts in the barn, the Milton Keynes Museum’s Victorian Christmas gives families the chance to soak up the festive atmosphere before the big day. You may catch a glimpse of Queen Victoria.
22nd
It’s the shortest day of the year today, so make the most of the darkness and go for a walk together. Have a vote on who has the best Christmas lights in your village or town.
23rd
No snow? No problem. It may not be the cheapest day out, but Milton Keynes has got tonnes of real snow – at Xscape. Book a snowboarding or skiing lesson.
24th
Twas the night before Christmas... so snuggle up on the sofa, grab a book or watch the festive specials. The presents are all ready to go, but don’t forget Santa’s mince pie and a carrot for dear old Rudolf.
25th
Merry Christmas!! Get the dinner on, unwrap the presents Santa has left under the tree and argue over the board games. What else could you need?
26th
Having been going for decades, the Arm Farm in Blisworth (South Northants) will play host to the Wild and Woolly Boxing Day scramble today. Watch motorbike enthusiasts race in the annual event, which raises money for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
27th
Now is the perfect time to play with all your new gifts, and have a clear-out ready for 2015. Anything you haven’t worn or used in years? Give it to charity.
The enchanted forest at Gulliver’s Land
28th
Walk off the Christmas dinner extravaganza with a trip to Emberton Country Park, 200 acres of countryside to roam. And the little ones can clamber across the play park.
29th
Help wake up the Princess today with Sleeping Beauty at the Bedford Corn Exchange (2pm). There’s a live band and every child is invited on stage to sing-along with the cast.
30th
It’s a festive special at the Bedford Comedy Club this evening. Or, if you want something more child friendly, get the kids to put on a show for the family at home.
31st
2014 has come to an end, how was your year? May 2015 bring you everything you desire and, whether you’re heading to a party or staying in to see in the celebrations, Happy New Year!
The ice rink at Winter Wonderland
Phonebox Magazine 59