Robyn, Author at Kidspot

Easy Christmas entertaining

Posted on 11/10/201719/10/2018 by Robyn

When it comes to entertaining, Christmas is open season. But organizing a party that’s inviting to the whole family presents a unique challenge: how do you allow parents to relax and mingle without risking an outbreak of kid chaos or “When are we leaving?” boredom for the littlies? The Kidspot Christmas Party Plan is the easy way.

Is a Christmas party right for you

Not all of us want to entertain a raft of people, especially at Christmas time. It’s certainly not compulsory, but a Christmas party is a great way to catch up with all the friends you’d like to see in one easy timeslot before the holidays get out of hand. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than simply asking friends over at a designated “open house” time so people can drop in and drop out as their own calendar dictates.

Try different Christmas party ideas

A party can be as elaborate as a catered affair in a hired marquee in a backyard or as simple as a fresh morning tea in the lounge room. How you entertain is entirely up to you. To enhance grown-up merrymaking with children around, it helps to offer a range of party foods and activities that appeal to both kids and adults.

A house-to-house party

This idea only works for neighbours or school families who live close by. Maximize the fun of entertaining and minimize the cleaning up by planning a house-to-house celebration. Each family pitches in, providing food or drinks, and the group travels from one home to the next feasting on treats, admiring decorations, and enjoying one another’s company.

A cocktail party

This one is best for adults only and means any friends with kids will have to organise babysitters (as may you if you think the kids will be rowdy!)

A Christmas picnic

For those who prefer to create more of a family affair, Christmas picnics are great in places where daylight savings offers light, balmy summer’s evenings. A picnic is also a perfect low-cost way for lots of friends to get together on a weekend and bring their own food and drink to share. Throw in a sausage sizzle, a few swing ball, french cricket or touch games for children and get one of the picnic attendees to don a Santa suit and hand out lollies, and it’s one of the easiest Christmas get togethers

Homemade bath bombs

Posted on 09/10/201702/11/2018 by Robyn

Handmade gifts are so much better than bought ones – just the same as your kids’ handwritten cards (the ones that are full of adorable spelling mistakes) beat bought ones any day! Make your own bath bombs as gifts for friends with this too-easy recipe.

You’ll need:

1 1/2 cups bicarbonate of soda
1/2 cup citric acid powder (use fine grade, available from chemists or pool supply shops)
Sieve
Potpourri or herbal teabags such as chamomile, lemon, rosehip or peppermint
An essential oil such as peppermint, lavender, geranium
Sweet almond oil (from chemists)
Food colouring
Rubber gloves
Moulds from craft shops

Step 1

To make the base mix: sieve the bicarb soda and citric acid powder into a large dry mixing bowl. This will make enough for four bath bombs.

Step 2

To make one bath bomb, transfer 1/2 cup of the base mix into a medium bowl and stir in the contents of a herbal teabag or other dry ingredient such as potpourri. Set aside.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine 6 drops of essential oil of your choice, 1/2 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and 8 to 12 drops of food colouring – or until your desired colour is reached.

Pour this mixture into the bowl containing the 1/2 cup of base mix and stir quickly with a teaspoon so things don’t start fizzing!

Step 4

Wearing rubber gloves, continue to combine the ingredients with your fingertips until it starts to clump together when compressed in your hand. It’s essential you do this with your fingertips, not a spoon, so the liquid is distributed evenly. The mix is now ready to go into a mould.

Step 5

Wipe a little sweet almond oil inside the mould.

Fill the mould with the mixture, packing it in firmly.

Make the other bath bombs with the remaining mixture, working with 1/2 cup at a time.

Leave the bath bombs in their moulds to set for at least 24 hours (36 hours is even better).

After they have set, turn each mould over and bang it firmly once on a flat surface, then gently ease out the bath bombs

Tips

According to aromatherapy, different essential oils have different effects – lavender brings a sense of calm and comfort; peppermint re-energises the body and clears the mind; and geranium uplifts both mind and spirit.
To make sure your bath bombs are easy to remove, stick to simple moulds such as ball, heart and star shapes.
To give your bombs a pretty, textured look, sprinkle extra herbal tea or potpourri into the moulds before you press in the mix.
Wrap individual bath bombs in clear cellophane and tie with a pretty ribbon to give as gifts. Craft supply shops also sell various vessels such as wooden boxes that you can place the bath bombs in cushioned with raffia. You can also buy decorative noodle boxes from $2 shops that make a cute gift wrapping idea.
Remember, hot water activates the fizz in the bombs – cold water doesn’t work.

Christmas paper bauble garland

Posted on 09/10/201727/11/2018 by Robyn

An updated version of the paper chain, this 3D bauble-like garland can be made from wrapping paper leftovers, newspaper, music paper, recycled Christmas cards; anything!

You’ll need:

Paper
String
Glue
A circle punch, from Spotlight or you local craft shop (you could cut the circles yourself but this allows precise circles every time for a neater bauble)

1. Materials needed 2. Cut circles of paper 3. Fold with pattern on the inside 4. Glue the back of circle halves 5. Stick circles together 6. Continue until four circles are glued together.

Step one

Punch a whole bunch of circles from the paper.

Step two

Fold each piece in half with the pattern on the inside.

Step three

Glue the outside of the folded piece (the “wrong” side), leaving a couple of millimeters from the fold bare of glue.

Step four

Stick to the wrong side of another folded circle to create a “T” shape when open. Repeat with the other sides until you’ve used four pieces and formed a bauble. Try two different patterns in the one bauble, or a single pattern for each bauble and alternate when threading together.

Step five

Use a thick mattress needle to thread the string through the centre of each bauble (there should be a gap right in the middle that wasn’t glued). We mixed our baubles up with small beads.

Step six

Hang and admire!

Christmas paper decorations

Posted on 09/10/201710/10/2017 by Robyn

There is no rule that states you can’t create a temporary art gallery at Christmas time. A few tree ornaments, plywood letters and paper decorations Blu-Taked to the wall makes a striking feature. We created a delicate doily snowflake and circular star from wrapping paper by following these simple steps.

You’ll need:

3 paper doilies
Sticky tape or double-sided tape
Patterned wrapping paper

Step one

Fold the doily into a concertina (like a paper fan). Fold in half.

Step two

Stick the two ends together with tape.

Step three

Repeat with other two doilies so all three are connected and are fanned out slightly. Then stick on the wall with Blu-Tak

Tip! For the wrapping paper star, cut the paper into rectangular pieces around 15cm by 20cm.

Christmas lanterns

Posted on 09/10/201701/11/2018 by Robyn

Why not try a hanging centerpiece this Christmas to free up space for all that important food and conversation flow? This one is made with cardboard tubes! Dressed up with paint and glitter, you have to look hard to realise what they really are. Makes a good conversation starter!

Paint
Cardboard tubes – you can use old kitchen paper tubes cut in half, or create your own tubes by gluing pieces of card into a tube shape
Paintbrushes
A scalpel
Glitter
Also required: pegs, fishing wire and masking tape

1. Materials needed 2. Peg the roll and paint the inside 3. Roll in glitter 4. Cut in spirals

Step one

Clip a peg to the cardboard tube for ease of painting and paint the tube inside and out like we did, contrasting solid colours on the inside and outside. You’ll need to move the peg slightly to paint the part it covers.

Step two

Still holding the peg and with the paint still wet, roll in glitter. Move the peg again to cover the entire tube. Leave to dry.

Step three

Use your scalpel to cut the cardboard tube roll along a spiral (if you are reusing a tube there may be a natural spiral seam for you to follow). Start about a centimetre from the top and finish a centimetre from the bottom. Repeat the entire way around the roll with the cuts one to two centimetres apart. Use both hands to manouevre the roll slightly so the cut pieces bend a little, forming a lantern.

Step four

Cut or punch a hole in the top of the roll on opposite sides and thread a piece of fishing wire through and tie.

Step five

Hang from the ceiling with white-coloured masking tape (to blend in with the paint) or tie to a light fitting.

Browse Kidspot Christmas crafts

Christmas button wreath

Posted on 09/10/201719/11/2017 by Robyn

Christmas wreaths don’t have to scream Christmas! Get creative and make something to suit your theme or colourway. Depending on the style you choose, you might even get away with using them on special occasions like weddings and christenings.

You’ll need

A foam wreath from Spotlight/Lincraft or discount craft store
A hot glue gun
An assortment of buttons in a colourway of your choice
Ribbons

glue gun, ribbon, buttons and foam wreath

Step one

Randomly glue the buttons onto the foam wreath going inside it slightly as well as on the outside to cover it entirely. You’ll need to work quickly as the glue dries fast – it’s best to space out the large sizes and the most decorative and fill the rest with a mix of small and medium-sized buttons, placing them close together so there are minimal gaps.

Step two

Once done, tie ribbons around the top and loop them several times, gluing the loops in place until you have a flower. Tie one more piece of ribbon around the top of the wreath behind the ribbon flower and use that to hang.

Also try

Shells for a beachy theme
Sequins for a glam style
Natural pods, seeds or dried flowers and leaves for an earthy theme.

Button and flower magnets

Posted on 09/10/2017 by Robyn

Quick and simple, these button and flower magnets will pretty up fridges and bulletin boards in an instant. And added bonus: paintings, invites and pics can be styled up without those pesky adverts for the local tradies. They take no time – and minimal cash – to make, and are ideal for friends, neighbours or your children’s teachers.

For button magnets you’ll need:

An assortment of buttons – various sizes, styles and shapes in a similar colourway will work best. Or try the same style button in different colours.
Plain round magnets from craft shops or bargain stores.
Superglue or hot glue gun

Squeeze a little glue on the backs of the buttons and stick the magnets in the centre. Leave until dry.

For flower magnets you’ll need:

A bunch of fake flowers from a haberdashery store or bargain store.
A pair of kitchen scissors (the plastic can be stiff)
Superglue or hot glue gun
Plain round magnets from craft stores or bargain stores.

1. Remove stem from flower 2. Trim plastic mounting 3. Make base flush for easy gluing

Step one
Pull the flower tops off the wire stems.

Step two
Push the fabric together and hold tightly at the base and cut through the small plastic stem as close to the fabric as possible. You want the stem to sit flush with the fabric holes.

Step three
Holding the flower layers carefully in place, squeeze glue onto the stems and fabric holes then place the magnet in the centre. Hold for a couple of minutes until dry enough to let go and place magnet-side down on a flat surface. Let dry and if need be, squeeze a little more glue in-between the fabric flower layers close to the stem if it looks as though the top layers might come off.

Other things you can try as magnets

Old keys
Foreign coins
Shells

Advent pinata

Posted on 09/10/201706/11/2017 by Robyn

Pinatas have become a birthday party essential, but did you know they’re actually a Mexican Christmas tradition? And in Germany, advent calendars are paired with advent candles which begin four Sundays outside of Christmas. You light the candle for each meal and add an another lit candle each Sunday out from Christmas until all four are lit.

With this in mind, we jumbled the cultures a little to bring you a new idea for Christmas celebrations: advent pinatas. Fill with lollies, confetti or tiny toy treats and let the kids have a whack each Sunday afternoon before Christmas for four weeks. It might be best as outdoor fun, so store away for the rest of the week by hanging undercover until you’re ready to release the contents.

You’ll need:

Paper mache paste (see recipe below)
Plastic gloves
Confetti or glitter to decorate
Newspaper strips around 15cm by 2cm
Balloons
String
Lollies, small toys or extra confetti to fill; paint; a bowl to lean the balloon on while paper maching.

Step one
Blow up your balloon to desired size and tie off.

Step two
Place the balloon in a bowl or cup as a stand with the tied end facing up. Soak strip of newspaper in paste then smooth onto balloon vertically starting about two and a half centimetres down from the balloon’s knot.

Step three
Continue with more strips of paper until it’s entirely covered. Flip the balloon upside down in the cup and cover the bottom of it with the paste-covered newspaper. Return to upright position and do another layer, this time going horizontally. Tie a piece of string on the knot of the balloon and hang in the sun to dry for several hours.

Step four
Once dry and if the shell feels sturdy enough (if not, complete another layer of paste and leave again to dry), pop the balloon and fill the pinata with goodies.

Step five
Cut a length of string and fold in half. Place the looped end into the hole of the pinata and paper mache over the hole and between the two pieces of string exiting the hole so they are a couple of centimeters apart. Leave to dry in its ‘stand’ in the sun.

Step six
Once completely dry, paint and roll in confetti or glitter while the paint is still wet. Leave to dry then bring out when the day calls for it to be smashed!

Paper mache paste recipe

1 cup plain flour
5 cups of water
Boil four cups of water.

Mix one cup of flour with one cup of warm water. This will avoid clumps.

Once water has boiled, pour into bowl with flour and water mixture, stirring well constantly. If paste is too thick, add more water; if too runny, add more flour.
Leave to cool.

Homemade food gifts

Posted on 09/10/201716/05/2026 by Robyn

If Christmas isn’t about food, then what is? Making food for others is one of the joys of Christmas, and food gifts please almost everybody, are inexpensive and fun to make.

From your boss to your children’s teacher, who couldn’t love a batch of homemade biscuits?

Recipe Box

Gather up treasured family recipes and copy them into a beautiful journal or album. Or, print them on pretty recipe cards fitted into a categorized recipe box.

Chocolate Candy Canes

Buy Christmas candy canes and dip them in melted chocolate before allowing them to harden, Wrap in cellophane with bows and then tucked into a coffee mug or tea pot. Let the recipient know they can be eaten as is, or used as coffee or hot chocolate stirrers.

Plant and Recipe

Buy small herb plants and nestle them together in a basket with a favourite recipe card which uses each herb.

Homemade meal

A bottle of wine with a homemade card promising a home-cooked meal makes a terrific gift for busy people who live on their own.

Baking Gift

For families with children, fill a large biscuit jar with baking accessories like bottles of food colouring, sprinkles, and biscuit cutters. Then write out your favourite biscuit recipes on a card. Try Brownies in a Jar.

Recipes to transform into gifts

Recipes you can make with the kids are the most enjoyable to create as food gifts. Kids not only love helping in the kitchen, but they love handing over their food gifts for other people to enjoy.

Here are our favourites:

Christmas Carols: The Twelve Days of Christmas

Posted on 09/10/201706/11/2017 by Robyn

On the first day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

Favourite Christmas songs for kids

Posted on 05/10/201716/05/2026 by Robyn

Celebrate Christmas with some fun tunes! Pop on our playlist of favourite Christmas songs while wrapping presents, writing cards, or just hanging out with the whānau on Christmas Day.

Please note that lyrics may vary with different renditions.

1. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
2. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
3. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
4. All I Want for Christmas
5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
6. Frosty the Snowman
7. Jingle Bells
8. White Christmas

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
had a very shiny nose,
and if you ever saw it,
you would even say it glowed.

All of the other reindeer,
used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph,
join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve,
Santa came to say:
“Rudolph with your nose so bright,
won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

Then all the reindeer loved him,
as they shouted out with glee:
“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
you’ll go down in history!”

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer.
We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some, so bring some right here.

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don’t want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don’t think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won’t have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door, that’s the easy thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too

Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian

There’s lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I’d feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage
I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!

All I Want for Christmas

Everybody stops and stares at me
These two teeth are gone as you can see
I don’t know just who to blame for this catastrophe!
But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as it can be!

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth!
Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you, “Merry Christmas.”

It seems so long since I could say,
“Sister Susie sitting on a thistle!”
Gosh oh gee, how happy I’d be, if I could only whistle

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth.
Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you, “Merry Christmas.”

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

He’s making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
Oh! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
and two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they say
He was made of snow but the children
know how he came to life one day
There must have been some magic in that
old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
he began to dance around
Oh, Frosty the snowman
was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh
and play just the same as you and me

[Chorus]
“Thumpety thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpety thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman
knew the sun was hot that day
So he said, “Let’s run and we’ll have some fun
now before I melt away”
Down to the village
with a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all around the square
saying, “Catch me if you can!”
He led them down the streets of town
right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
he heard him holler “Stop!”
For Frosty the snowman
had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye saying
“Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day”

[Chorus]

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
Through the fields we go
Laughing all the way.
Bells on bob-tail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight.

Chorus: Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, O
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago
I thought I’d take a ride
And soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot,
We ran into a drifted bank
And there we got upsot.

A day or two ago
The story I must tell
I went out on the snow
And on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by
In a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed at me as
I there sprawling laid
But quickly drove away.

Now the ground is white,
Go it while you’re young,
Take the girls along
And sing this sleighing song.
Just bet a bob-tailed bay,
Two-forty as his speed,
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! You’ll take the lead.

White Christmas

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.

Traditional Christmas carols

Posted on 05/10/201716/05/2026 by Robyn

Christmas is all about fun, togetherness, and of course, singing. These traditional carols are ready for a family sing-along with a playlist included!

Please note that lyrics may vary with different renditions.

1. The Little Drummer Boy
2. Silent Night
3. Away in a Manger
4. O Come, All Ye Faithful
5. We Three Kings
6. Deck the Halls
7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
8. The First Noel
9. Joy to the World
10. Ding Dong Merrily on High

The Little Drummer Boy

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in Heavenly peace!
sleep in Heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from Heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, Love’s pure light
radiant beams from Thy Holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head,
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
and take us to heaven, to live with you there.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head,
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
and take us to heaven, to live with you there.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
Oh come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

God of God, light of light,
lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
glory to God in the highest:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

See how the shepards summoned to his cradel,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither hend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder Star.

Chorus:
O, star of wonder, star of might,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a babe on Bethlehem’s plain;
Gold we bring to crown Him again;
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Chorus

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him, God on High.

Chorus

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Seal’d in the stone-cold tomb.

Chorus

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice,
Heaven sings, “Hallelujah!”
“Hallelujah!” Earth replies.

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la la la la la
‘Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol,
Fa la la la la la la la la.

See the blazing yule before us
Fa la la la la la la la la
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fa la la la la la la la la
Follow me in merry measure
Fa la la la la la la la la
While I tell a Yule-tide treasure
Fa la la la la la la la la

Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Sing we joyous all together,
Fa la la la la la la la la
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la la la la la.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in the dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Oh holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us, our lord Emanuel.

The First Noel

The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:
in fields where they lay a-keeping their sheep
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star,
shining in the east, beyond them far:
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from the country far;
to seek for a King was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the north-west;
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those wise men three,
fell reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the kind of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Saviour reigns:
let men their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground:
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found.

He rules the earth with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love.

Ding Dong Merrily on High

Ding Dong! merrily on high
In heav’n the bells are ringing
Ding, dong! verily the sky
Is riv’n with angel singing
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis

E’en so here below, below
Let steeple bells be swungen
And i-o, i-o, i-o
By priest and people be sungen
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis

Pray ye dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers
May ye beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis.

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Creating special Christmas family traditions are a great way to make memories that your children will cherish throughout their life and even pass on to their children.

Traditions can also help create a sense of stability, unity, and belonging, which in these times of change can be reassuring for everyone.

Even if your children are a bit older, it’s never too late to start a tradition. You might find that you already have some traditions that have just sneakily become part of your annual routine while others need to be more formally initiated.

We have collated some fun and meaningful traditions that families tell us they love and that you might like for your family – remembering that the best Christmas traditions are the ones that work for your family.

1. Decorating date

Decorating the tree and the house is the key to getting the Christmas vibe started. Some families put the tree up on a certain date – for many this is 1st December, while others choose the official beginning of advent which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Some don’t put the tree up at all during Advent and save it for Christmas Eve, while some do it 12 days before Christmas and others do it on the day that best suits them.

How the tree and house are decorated can become another tradition. While some parents prefer to do it themselves, others like to enlist the help of the family and make it a tradition. Selecting the tree if it’s a real one, turning on the lights, putting on the tree topper, or laying out a nativity scene can all be made a special moment.

2. The tree

For some families, the tree tradition is as simple as getting it out of storage, but others love to stick to the tradition of getting a real tree. Whether you go to your nearest supplier and tie the tree to the roof of the car, walk home with it in a wheelbarrow, or head out and cut your own, the fun comes in the choosing. And the bonus is the real pine scent.

3. Write to Father Christmas

Writing to Santa is a fun annual tradition many families take part in and it’s even more fun when Santa replies. It’s also wonderfully nostalgic to look back on the replies from years gone by so you may want to keep the growing collection.

4. A special ornament

Start your child’s own ornament collection and add to it each year. They will love looking going back over them each year, and when they leave home, they will have special memories to take with them.

5. Christmas music

Music is a strong memory trigger so create a playlist or get out the old CDs. If carols aren’t your thing, there’s a huge range of other Christmassy music available.

6. Advent calendar

Especially for younger children, an advent calendar is a great way to count down to Christmas as they can see exactly how many days there are to go. Check out an amazing range of ideas for advent calendars here.

7. Christmas lights

Christmas in summer in New Zealand means the Christmas lights don’t look their best till quite late at night but being allowed out late to enjoy them is part of the excitement! Check your local events pages for where the best decorated houses are near you.

8. Share the love

Christmas can be a difficult time for many families so sharing some Christmas love is a great idea. There are many charities who will be asking for donations of gifts or money, your local City Mission or equivalent will be looking for donations or helpers, Ronald McDonald House welcome families to come and cook a meal for their guests, your neighbour might be busy preparing for the big day and would love their lawn mowed – the opportunities are almost endless and it’s a fantastic way for children to learn the joy of giving.

9. An annual photo

Whether you go to and visit Santa at a store or location nearby or take a family photo in front of the tree or on Christmas Day, keeping an annual record of your family is a great tradition and the photos will become a hilarious record of hairstyles and clothing preferences! Consider getting some Christmas accessories and making a photo booth at home and really mix it up.

10. Christmas at Church

It’s the busiest time of the year for Christian Churches because after all, it is the reason for the season. If you are planning to go, consider the carol service on Christmas Eve – it’s a great way to fill in the evening, catch up with friends, and get into the Christmas spirit.

11. Just one!

Dilute the temptation of all those exciting-looking gifts under the tree and let the kids open one each before bed on Christmas Eve.

Is a Christmas party right for you

Try different Christmas party ideas

A house-to-house party

A cocktail party

A Christmas picnic

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Tips

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Other things to try as magnets

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Extra ideas

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Browse Kidspot Christmas crafts

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If Christmas isn’t about food, then what is? Making food for others is one of the joys of Christmas, and food gifts please almost everybody, are inexpensive and fun to make.

Recipe Box

Chocolate Candy Canes

Plant and Recipe

Homemade meal

Baking Gift

Recipes to transform into gifts

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Celebrate Christmas with some fun tunes! Pop on our playlist of favourite Christmas songs while wrapping presents, writing cards, or just hanging out with the whānau on Christmas Day.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

All I Want for Christmas

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Frosty the Snowman

Jingle Bells

White Christmas

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Christmas is all about fun, togetherness, and of course, singing. These traditional carols are ready for a family sing-along with a playlist included!

The Little Drummer Boy

Silent Night

Away in a Manger

O Come, All Ye Faithful

We Three Kings

Deck the Halls

O Little Town of Bethlehem

The First Noel

Joy to the World

Ding Dong Merrily on High

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