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Top 5 Family Movies for a Cosy Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is a time for family, warmth, and of course, movies that fill the room with holiday spirit. Whether you’re snuggled up under a blanket with hot cocoa or gathered around the TV in your festive pajamas, a good Christmas movie can be the cherry on top of your holiday celebrations. Here are our top 5 family movie picks for a cosy Christmas Eve.

1. Home Alone (1990)

A classic that never gets old, “Home Alone” tells the story of Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family jets off to Paris for the holidays. Kevin’s adventures in protecting his home from burglars are both hilarious and heartwarming.

2. The Polar Express (2004)

This animated adventure based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg is a visual treat. It follows a young boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Full of wonder and excitement, “The Polar Express” is a journey of self-discovery and the spirit of Christmas.

3. Elf (2003)

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, who ventures to New York City to find his biological father. This movie is a laughter-filled journey and a reminder of the joys of Christmas.

4. The Grinch (2000 or 2018)

Whether you prefer the Jim Carrey version or the newer animated adaptation, “The Grinch” is a delightful story that explores the transformation of a grumpy creature who attempts to ruin Christmas for the cheerful residents of Whoville.

5. Frozen (2013)

Although not a traditional Christmas movie, “Frozen” has become a holiday season staple. The story of Elsa and Anna is a beautiful tale of sisterhood, bravery, and love, set in a magical winter wonderland.

These movies are more than just entertainment; they are a way to bond, laugh, and create lasting memories. So grab your blankets, prepare some popcorn, and settle in for a cosy Christmas Eve movie night.

Fun and Safe Indoor Activities for a Cold Winter’s Day

When the winter chill sets in, keeping children entertained and active indoors becomes a priority for parents and nannies alike. Cold days don’t have to mean less fun. There are plenty of indoor activities that are not only enjoyable but also safe and engaging for kids. Here are some ideas to turn a cold day into an opportunity for indoor adventures.

1. DIY Craft Projects:

Crafting can be a wonderful way to engage children’s creativity. From making homemade snow globes using old jars to creating colorful paper snowflakes, the possibilities are endless. Crafting also helps in developing fine motor skills and encourages artistic expression.

2. Indoor Treasure Hunt:

Create a treasure hunt inside the house with clues leading to hidden “treasures.” This activity is not only fun but also stimulates problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

3. Baking Together:

Baking is a great way to teach children basic cooking skills and measurements. Whip up some simple recipes like cookies or cupcakes. The warmth of the oven and the joy of tasting their creations can make a cold day much cozier.

4. Build a Fort:

Using blankets, pillows, and furniture, let children build their own fort or indoor tent. It’s a fantastic way for them to use their imagination and have a little adventure in the safety of your living room.

5. Storytelling Sessions:

Gather around with some hot cocoa and have a storytelling session. You can read from a book or create a story together. This activity not only entertains but also improves listening and language skills.

6. Indoor Obstacle Course:

Set up a simple obstacle course using cushions, chairs, and soft toys. This can be an excellent way for kids to stay active and burn energy indoors.

7. Science Experiments:

Engage in some safe and simple science experiments like making a homemade volcano or a baking soda and vinegar reaction. It’s a fun way to learn scientific concepts.

8. Yoga and Exercise:

A little indoor yoga or a simple exercise routine can be a great way to keep kids active. There are many child-friendly yoga videos online that can guide you through a fun and relaxing session.

Remember, the key to a successful indoor day is variety and balance. Switching activities and including both active and calm periods will keep the kids engaged and happy all day long.

Embracing the Magic, Easing the Chaos: A Guide to a Stress-Free Christmas

The holiday season, often dubbed as ‘the most wonderful time of the year,’ brings its share of festive cheer and, let’s admit, a considerable amount of stress. Between finding the perfect gifts, preparing for family gatherings, and managing excited children, the essence of Christmas can sometimes be lost in the chaos. Here’s a guide to help families and nannies navigate this joyful yet overwhelming season, ensuring it remains a magical time for everyone, especially the little ones

1. Presents with Presence: Rethinking Gift-Giving

Christmas is synonymous with giving, but it doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Handmade gifts, setting spending limits, or organizing a Secret Santa are thoughtful ways to exchange presents without the stress of overspending. Remember, the best gifts often come from the heart, not the wallet.

2. Keeping Celebrations Realistic: Quality Over Quantity

The magic of Christmas isn’t found in how packed your schedule is, but in the quality of time spent. Avoid overfilling your holiday itinerary. Young children, in particular, can find too many activities overwhelming alongside the excitement and routine changes that Christmas brings.

3. Understanding and Empathy: Managing Meltdowns

With the excitement of the holidays, sugar rushes, and disrupted routines, children’s meltdowns can be inevitable. When they happen, it’s essential to approach them with empathy. Recognize their feelings, offer comfort, and understand that it’s just as overwhelming for them as it can be for you.

4. Relaxation is Key: Finding Time to Unwind

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s crucial to find time to relax. Whether it’s enjoying a hot cup of cocoa, reading a book, or simply putting your feet up, taking time for yourself will help maintain your wellbeing, allowing you to enjoy the festivities more fully.

5. Focus on What’s Important: Love, Family, and Togetherness

Ultimately, Christmas is about love, family, and togetherness. Let go of the little things and cherish the time you have with your loved ones. Create memories, savor the moments of joy, and capture the magic in the eyes of children as they experience the wonders of the season.

This Christmas, let’s strive to make the holiday less

The festive season is a wonderful time to curl up on the sofa with a good book. Here are 5 of the best Christmas books for bedtime stories that will delight young readers and adults alike.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore

This classic tale of Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve is a must-read for any child. The rhyming prose and beautiful illustrations are sure to spark imaginations and create lasting memories.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

This captivating story follows a young boy named Billy to the North Pole on board a magical train. With its stunning visuals and captivating plot, The Polar Express is a timeless classic that will transport readers to a world of wonder and excitement.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

This hilarious tale about the grumpy Grinch who tries to steal Christmas is a favorite among children of all ages. The rhyming text and Dr. Seuss’s signature illustrations make for a truly entertaining read.

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz

This heartwarming story follows Charlie Brown’s journey to find the true meaning of Christmas. With its memorable characters and timeless message, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a classic that will resonate with readers of all ages.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann

This enchanting tale follows Clara on a magical adventure through a realm of talking toys and dancing mice. With its rich setting and captivating plot, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a delightful bedtime story that will transport readers to a world of magic and wonder.

In addition to these five, here are a few other great Christmas books for bedtime stories:

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
The Christmas Story by Charles Dickens
The Gingerbread Man by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Polar Bear Express by Robert Munsch
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

These books are sure to create lasting memories for your little ones as they grow up and cherish the magic of Christmas.

Happy reading!

5 Educational Christmas Games for Young Children

The festive season is not just about gifts and decorations; it’s a perfect time to engage young minds in educational activities disguised as fun Christmas games! As a nanny, parent, or educator, you can utilize these games to enhance children’s learning experiences during this joyful season. Here are five educational Christmas games that are sure to be a hit with young children.

1. Christmas Memory Match:

Create a memory match game using Christmas-themed cards. Include pictures of Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees, and more. This game helps improve memory and recognition skills in a festive and fun way.

2. Holiday Word Scramble:

Prepare a list of scrambled Christmas-related words for the children to unscramble. This activity is great for developing spelling and vocabulary skills. For younger children, use simple words like ‘toy’, ‘elf’, or ‘snow’.

3. Counting Christmas Lights:

Set up a string of Christmas lights and ask the children to count them. You can make this more challenging by grouping the lights and practicing basic addition or subtraction. This game is excellent for teaching counting and basic math skills.

4. Christmas Bingo with a Twist:

Create bingo cards with Christmas images or words. As you call out the items, children can mark their cards. To add an educational twist, include simple math problems that need to be solved to find the correct image or word.

5. Festive Treasure Hunt:

Organize a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the house or classroom. Each clue should lead to the next, with a small gift or treat at the end. The clues can be riddles, puzzles, or questions related to Christmas, promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

These games not only keep children entertained but also support their cognitive development in a playful and festive way. Enjoy these educational Christmas games and watch the children light up with joy and curiosity!

Where to take the kids in London Christmas 2023

It’s that time of year again when there’s excitement in the air and our little ones get to experience the magic of Christmas! London is bustling with festivity this year and there’s plenty for you to do with the kids to make this Christmas one to remember…

Christmas Pantomimes

Step into the world of fairy tales with performances of Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and more! London theatres are hosting a variety of magical shows this year – so why not book your tickets and enjoy the whimsical world of storytelling and laughter!

Ice skating

Whether it’s the ice rink at Winter Wonderland, Somerset house, the Natural History, or Battersea Power Station, ice skating is a timeless activity that promises a good time for the whole family. Bundle up and hit the rink for some frosty fun!

Santa’s Grottos

From the iconic Winter Wonderland’s Santaland to the charming set-ups at John Lewis, the London Transport Museum, and the Museum of London Docklands, there are plenty of opportunities for your little ones to share their wishes with Santa!

Christmas Markets

Explore the charming Christmas markets scattered throughout London this year – from Winter by the River at London Bridge to Trafalgar Square, the historic Greenwich Market, Leicester Square, and the Southbank Centre Winter Market, you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to tasty treats. Let the kids take-in the festivities & enjoy the Chrismtasy delights!

Christmas Lights

Journey through the sparkling streets of London and see the festive lights & Christmas decorations illuminating Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, and all around London which are sure to leave your little ones wide-eyed and in awe!

Embrace the magic, share in the joy, and create lasting memories with your little ones this Christmas!

This blog was written by Nannytax, the award-winning and UK leading nanny payroll experts with 30 years of experience.

Discover more about Nannytax here.

Healthy and Delicious Christmas Snack Ideas for Children

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with some healthy and delicious Christmas snacks for children. Whether you’re a nanny, parent, or caregiver, these festive snack ideas are sure to delight the little ones and provide a nutritious twist to the holiday treats.

1. Fruit Christmas Trees:

Create a fun and festive snack using slices of kiwi stacked to form a Christmas tree. Add raspberries or strawberries as ornaments and a piece of star fruit at the top.

2. Santa Claus Strawberries:

Dip strawberries in Greek yogurt to create a ‘Santa hat’, and use chia seeds or mini chocolate chips for the eyes. It’s a simple and sweet treat that’s also good for them.

3. Snowman Cheese Sticks:

Wrap cheese sticks in clear plastic and draw a snowman face with a permanent marker. It’s an easy and fun way to add a festive touch to a simple snack.

4. Reindeer Rice Cakes:

Spread almond or peanut butter on rice cakes and use pretzels for antlers, raisins for eyes, and a red grape or cherry tomato for the nose.

5. Veggie Wreath:

Arrange broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and yellow bell peppers on a plate to form a Christmas wreath. Serve with a bowl of hummus for dipping.

6. Gingerbread Smoothies:

Blend bananas, Greek yogurt, a dash of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to create a smoothie that tastes like gingerbread but is packed with health benefits.

7. Apple Slices with Festive Dips:

Serve apple slices with red and green colored dips made from yogurt or blended berries for a healthy and festive snack.

8. Popcorn Snowballs:

Make small popcorn balls using air-popped popcorn and bind them with a bit of honey. Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

9. Christmas Tree Pita Pizzas:

Cut pita bread into Christmas tree shapes and top with green pesto, chopped veggies, and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted.

10. Cucumber and Carrot Reindeers:

Use slices of cucumber and carrot sticks to create reindeer faces. Hummus or cream cheese can be used to stick on raisin eyes and a cherry tomato nose.

These snack ideas are not only healthy but also incredibly fun to make and eat. They are sure to bring some extra joy and nutrition to your little ones’ holiday season!

10 Creative DIY Christmas Decorations for Nannies and Children

The festive season is a wonderful time to engage in creative activities with children. As a nanny, you have the unique opportunity to make this Christmas memorable by crafting homemade decorations with your mindees. Here are 10 easy and fun DIY Christmas decoration ideas that are perfect for kids of all ages.

1. Handprint Christmas Tree:

Materials: Green paint, paper, and decorations (glitter, stickers). Method: Paint the child’s hand with green paint and press it onto a sheet of paper to create a tree shape. Once dry, decorate with glitter and stickers.

2. Paper Snowflakes:

Materials: White paper, scissors. Method: Fold the paper into a triangle and cut small shapes along the edges. Unfold to reveal a unique snowflake pattern.

3. Pine Cone Christmas Trees:

Materials: Pine cones, green paint, small pom-poms, or sequins. Method: Paint the pine cones green and, once dry, decorate them with pom-poms or sequins as ornaments.

4. Sock Snowmen:

Materials: White socks, rice, rubber bands, buttons, and fabric scraps. Method: Fill the sock with rice and tie rubber bands to form the snowman’s body and head. Add buttons for eyes and fabric scraps for a scarf.

5. Cardboard Tube Santa:

Materials: Toilet paper rolls, red and white paint, cotton wool, googly eyes. Method: Paint the tube red, add a white rim and cotton wool for the beard. Stick on googly eyes to complete Santa’s face.

6. Christmas Wreath:

Materials: Paper plate, green tissue paper, red ribbon, glue. Method: Cut the center out of the paper plate and glue green tissue paper around the ring. Add a red ribbon for a festive touch.

7. Salt Dough Ornaments:

Materials: Salt dough (salt, flour, water), cookie cutters, paint. Method: Make salt dough, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to create shapes. Once baked and cooled, paint and decorate.

8. Button Christmas Cards:

Materials: Card stock, buttons, glue, markers. Method: Glue buttons onto the card stock in the shape of a Christmas tree, snowman, or wreath. Use markers to add details.

9. Yarn Wrapped Ornaments:

Materials: Balloons, yarn, glue. Method: Blow up the balloons to a small size. Dip yarn in glue, wrap it around the balloon, and let it dry. Pop the balloon to reveal a yarn ornament.

10. Reindeer Handprint Art:

Materials: Brown paint, paper, red pom-poms, googly eyes. Method: Paint the child’s hand brown and press it onto paper. Add a red pom-pom for the nose and googly eyes to create a reindeer.

These DIY decorations not only add a personal touch to your festive decor but also provide a great opportunity to bond with your mindees and develop their creative skills. Have fun crafting and merry Christmas!

How to Keep Kids Active in Winter: Fun and Frosty Ideas!

Winter can be a magical time for children, with its frosty mornings and cozy evenings. But as the temperature drops, it becomes more challenging to keep kids active and entertained. Keeping little ones moving is crucial for their physical and mental well-being, even in the colder months. Here are some fun and frosty ideas to keep kids active during winter!

Indoor Fun:

DIY Indoor Obstacle Course: Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create an exciting obstacle course. It’s a great way to burn energy and encourage creative play.
Dance Parties: Put on some music and have a dance-off! Dancing is a perfect way to stay warm and active indoors.
Yoga for Kids: Introduce simple yoga poses to help them stay flexible and relaxed. There are many child-friendly yoga videos online to get you started.

Outdoor Adventures:

Winter Walks and Hikes: Bundle up and explore nature. Walking or hiking in winter offers a different perspective on the natural world.
Snow Sports: If you have access to snow, activities like sledding, skiing, and building snowmen are not only fun but great exercise.
Treasure Hunt: Organize a treasure hunt in your garden or a local park. It encourages children to run, think, and explore.

Educational Activities:

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of winter items for kids to find outdoors. This activity combines exercise with learning about nature.
Winter-themed Crafts: After some outdoor fun, settle down with some winter-themed crafts which encourage fine motor skills.

Safety First:

Remember to dress children warmly for outdoor activities and stay mindful of weather conditions. It’s also important to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

Conclusion:

With a little creativity, winter can be a season full of activity and adventure for kids. By mixing indoor and outdoor activities, you can keep them active, engaged, and happy all winter long!

Navigating Pregnancy as a Nanny in the UK: A 2023 Guide

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings a host of questions, especially for nannies working in the UK. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to a smooth journey. Let’s explore what you need to know about pregnancy as a nanny in 2023.

When to Inform Your Employers?

Legally, you must notify your employers of your pregnancy by the 25th week. You’ll receive a MATB1 form from your midwife around 20 weeks for this purpose. However, many nannies choose to inform their employers earlier, often post the 12-week scan. Early disclosure can facilitate risk assessments for your role and ensure you receive paid time off for antenatal care.

What Does a Risk Assessment Entail?

Given the varied nature of a nanny’s job, risk assessments can differ. For pregnant nannies, considerations might include the physical strain of lifting children or exposure to infectious diseases.

Continuing Work During Pregnancy

Nannies can certainly continue working throughout their pregnancy. Your employer is required to make reasonable adjustments to your role to accommodate your pregnancy.

Maternity Leave Regulations

You can initiate your maternity leave any time post the 29th week of pregnancy. The commencement of maternity leave may also be triggered by the birth of your baby, a stillbirth post the 24th week, or pregnancy-related sickness after the 36th week.

Maternity Pay for Nannies

If you meet the criteria (having worked for the family for at least 26 weeks by the 25th week of your pregnancy), you are entitled to 6 weeks at 90% of full pay, followed by 33 weeks at the statutory rate or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Employers can generally reclaim these costs due to their status as small employers.

If you don’t qualify for SMP, you can claim Maternity Allowance, and your employer should provide form SMP1. If you have multiple jobs, you may be eligible for SMP from each employer.

Duration of Maternity Leave

You are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, split into 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave. While you can choose to take less, a minimum of 2 weeks post-birth is mandatory.

Holiday Accrual and KIT Days

Your holiday accrual continues during maternity leave. You may also participate in up to 10 Keeping In Touch (KIT) days without affecting your SMP.

Job Security Post-Maternity Leave

Post Ordinary Maternity Leave, you have the right to return to your job under the same conditions. If you take Additional Maternity Leave, your employer must offer a similar role if your original job is unavailable.

Redundancy and Bringing Your Child to Work

You cannot be made redundant for being pregnant; that would be discriminatory. However, redundancy may occur if there’s a significant change in childcare needs during your leave. Additionally, nannies don’t inherently have the right to bring their child to work, but this can be negotiated with your employer.

In a nanny share situation, bringing your child to work would require registering as a childminder under the Children’s Act 1989.