We are all struggling to cut costs this Christmas, so instead of splashing the cash on the type of expensive festive experiences we may have enjoyed in the past, why not make some magical memories with your children that are free or cost very little and where necessary can be tailored to your child’s abilities.

CHRISTMAS COLOURING

Colouring in is a tried and tested classic that has kept children occupied through the ages – but colouring books can quickly become filled, or difficult to find when you want them. To help Newlife has provided some sheets you can print off to give your children. Just click here. Alternatively visit free sites at https://www.crayola.com/free-coloring-pages/new-coloring-pages/orhttps://www.supercoloring.com/

BAKING FUN

Baking can be a great activity which can include everyone, whether that is pouring in ingredients to a bowl, squishing or mixing, decorating or taste testing as your creation takes shape. You can even give the end results as presents to family and friends – after all who doesn’t love receiving tasty Christmas cookies. If cookies aren’t your thing, you could make chocolate or yoghurt bark, with dried fruit, other chopped up chocolate or sprinkles on top or even create your own Christmas cupcakes with lots of festive touches.
For some easy recipes to follow or inspire look here. 

WINTER WALKING

Winter walks don’t need to cost a thing and can be a great way of getting some fresh air as well as help you add some festive touches to your home, free of charge.  If you can find them, sprigs of holly with their cheery bright red berries make great additions to fireplaces, vases of flowers or stuck to doors, while pine-cones can be painted or sprinkled with glitter and placed into a vases or decorative bowl.
If you live near an accessible park or nature reserve, or even a beach, you can turn your walk into a picnic – just wrap up warm, take flasks of hot chocolate, soup, mince pies, or your must have favourite foods, and settle down to watch the world go by or see what animals you can spot such as squirrels, robins with their distinctive red breasts, or if you live close enough to a forest such as Cannock Chase, you may even spot some roaming deer.
For those who live in more urban areas, take a walk (or even a drive) to tour the best of the lit up houses ready for Christmas or the best decorated Christmas trees you can spot in your neighbourhood.
For wheelchair friendly walks to enjoy click here or take a look at the many National Trust walks across the UK here. 

ADORABLE DECORATIONS

Creating your own decorations can be lots of fun and help you make memories which you can treasure for years to come – and they can be altered to suit your child’s abilities. Ideas include prints of your child hands or feet which can be turned into Santa, reindeer, or Christmas tree paintings. They can also be lasting memories for years to come if you pop it into a photo frame or laminate it.
Salt dough is simple to make and can be decorated to your own taste create your own baubles for your tree, while paper chains can be bought in packets to link together yourself, or you can create your own from scratch from coloured paper or even wrapping paper.
For ideas and inspiration, click here. 

CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM THE HEART

Make your own Christmas cards to give to friends and family by either drawing your own picture which you can take a photo of and send in an email or add the drawing to a piece of card. These can be as basic or elaborate as you want but can prove to be a lot of fun and really give any cards you give that personal touch. If you do decide on something more elaborate you can buy lots of craft supplies to help you – or look around your home – cotton wool makes a very effective beard for Santa, and buttons make colourful baubles while tin foil snow flakes look amazing. Click here to find out more.