Things to do together With so much pressure to spend, spend, spend it's easy to forget that there's a lot of fun free stuff to do. We suggest ways in which you can take advantage of local events and the festive atmosphere in your community, as well as enjoying your own Christmas activities at home.

Festive fun

Christmas baking - children love cutting out and decorating biscuits. They only need basic ingredients and could be given to relatives or friends as an inexpensive but 'handmade' present

Christmas games - get your kids in the Christmas mood with games such as 'pin-the-beard on Father Christmas' or 'pin-the-red-nose on the reindeer'.

Letters and cards - help your kids write letters and cards to family and friends who live far away. Let them post the envelopes into the letterbox. For ideas on making cards see Things to make.

Christmas carols - ask friends with children to join your family for some carols at a 'carols by candlelight' or Christmas service. See your local newspaper or check with your council for details of events in your area. Or sing carols at home with your family and friends.

Christmas lights - take your kids to see the Christmas lights in your community. Go on an evening walk in your neighbourhood and point out all the homes and shops with different decorations.

Decorate your tree together - put on some festive music and decorate the Christmas tree with your kids.

Christmas party - if your calendar isn't already full, why not hold your own Christmas party and invite friends and their children? To avoid the hefty workload, ask each guest to bring a plate of food.

Puppet show - help your kids to put on a Christmas puppet show for the family.

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