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Family Christmas

Real stories

Janet’s Story: how the Toy Appeal helped my family

This Christmas will be the toughest some of us will have ever known. Here parent Janet explains why Family Action’s…
Our services, Real stories

Kayleigh’s story: how the Toy Appeal helped my son

There is no “typical” family that receives assistance from our Toy Appeal and, as this story by Kayleigh shows, there…
News

Why magic is needed this Christmas more than ever

As we launch our annual Make Theirs Magic Christmas campaign, we share our new research and outline how we’re supporting…
Parenting tips

The Santa List as read by Kieran Crowley

Reading with our children is a great way of bonding with them over the holidays and this Christmas, it’s even…
Parenting tips

Christmas stories to read with your children

Winter is here, and as the nights grow longer and colder what could be nicer than cuddling up with our children and reading a good book…
Parenting tips

Family activity ideas to make the most of the Twixmas period 

For children the appeal of Christmas often focuses squarely on the 25th but for many of us parents the true joy of the…
Our services, Parenting tips

Connecting with your family through food during the festive season

Few things evoke the festive season as much as food – whether that’s traditional turkey on Christmas day, the famous “Chestnuts roasting…
Parenting tips

Virtual family Christmas activities to bring all ages together

As many of us are preparing for the Christmas holidays and time off from work it still feels like we live in uncertain times…
Parenting tips, Real stories

Jade’s story: Christmas stress, and how we manage it as a family

Our #MakeTheirsMagic Christmas calendar was designed to help families prioritise spending special moments together, regardless of their budget, the demands on their time or any family tensions they may…
Family Monsters Project, Parenting tips

Save money and get crafty this Christmas  

There’s something truly special about the act of giving and sharing at this time of the year, something we’ve highlighted…
News

Two years on from welcoming HRH Duchess of Cambridge as our Patron

When Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge became our patron two years ago, few of us could have predicted the challenging times ahead.   It almost…
Our services

Coping with grief at Christmas

We want all families to enjoy the festive season and create magical memories they treasure, but we can’t ignore that…
Real stories

Katie’s story: How the Toy Appeal helped me

Generous individuals who donate to our Toy Appeal make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of children and…
Real stories

Creating new Christmas traditions as a care leaver

For most of us the Christmas season is safe, reliable and built on the kind of traditions we celebrate in…
Parenting tips

Why giving back this Christmas is a tradition worth starting

Our new  Make Theirs Magic Christmas calendar contains 31 ideas to kick-start new traditions this Christmas, as well as rekindle or revitalise existing ones. As we covered in an…
Parenting tips

Managing money this Christmas

We know that the pressure to have a “perfect” Christmas can cause many difficulties for families. Money worries are one…
Parenting tips

How to manage expectations of children at Christmas

No family is an island and children are exposed to a range of views about what Christmas should mean to…
Three sisters playing a board game at a table during Christmas
Parenting tips

Why Family Action is focusing on Christmas traditions for families this year

It’s ironic, but this Christmas we’re doing something different by focusing on things that stay the same. We are exploring the comfort Christmas can…
Teenage girl looking at her phone and smiling. There are Christmas lights dimly
Parenting tips

How to connect with teenagers this Christmas

When talking to families about their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming festive season, we spoke to a number of parents who were concerned about engaging their teenage children in…
Our services

Delivering a nativity to remember with our Peterborough Pre-Schools despite a difficult year

Children from Family Action’s seven pre-schools have taken part in a nativity show for the past six years. However, this year the traditional performance would be impossible. Here our…
Parenting tips

Getting ready for Christmas with our Southend Children’s Centre podcast

In this episode we catch up with our South End Children’s Centre, Mum and Baby group, to find out what…
Real stories

Lucy’s story: how the Toy Appeal makes our Christmas magic

Family Action’s Toy Appeal brings joy into the lives of thousands of children across the country each Christmas. Yet, despite the huge number…
Parenting tips

Thrifty tips for using Christmas leftovers and crafting budget-friendly presents

Christmas and delicious food go hand in hand – but often luxurious treats can stretch our budgets as well as…
Real stories, Volunteering

Volunteering at our FOOD clubs this Christmas 

Food On Our Doorstep (FOOD) clubs provide low cost, healthy and sustainable food for families on a budget who are at risk of food insecurity. The valuable work of our FOOD clubs is only…
Parenting tips

Counting the cost – ways to save money during an unusual Christmas

The end of the year is traditionally a time when we sit and reflect on the year that’s been, and…
Parenting tips, Real stories

Dan, The Breaking Dad’s story: making Christmas magic as a single parent

We hear from Dan Betts, creator of the Instagram page @The_Breaking_Dad, as well as thebreakingdad.co.uk, about his experience of Christmas as a single…
Parenting tips

Managing family relationships during a COVID-19 Christmas 

Spending time with family at Christmas is magical but it can also put a strain on family relationships, this year…
Fundraising, Our services, Real stories

Gemma’s story: how the Toy Appeal saved my family’s Christmas

Thanks to our Christmas Toy Appeal, children across the country will receive Christmas gifts they might not have had otherwise, as part of our aim to make this season…
Parenting tips

Making Christmas magic this year

This is the first in a series of blogs where we will be counting down to Christmas with a mix…
Family Monsters Project, Real stories

Emily’s story: when you’re having a Christmas baby…

Christmas is a special time for all families but for Emily the excitement is doubled by the prospect her baby…
Family Monsters Project, Parenting tips

How to survive Christmas as a single parent

Family Affairs and other matters blogger Lucy Campbell shares her thoughts and advice on surviving Christmas as a single parent.…
Family Monsters Project, Parenting tips

Ways to enjoy the outdoors with your family this Christmas 

Family can be a lot to cope with especially during the festive season but a brilliant way to let off…
Real stories, Volunteering

Amy’s story: volunteering as a mentor with Friendship Works at Christmas

Amy began volunteering with Family Action in the run up to last Christmas with our mentoring service Friendship Works. At…
Family Monsters Project, Parenting tips

How to bring Christmas to your kitchen this festive season 

Sweet treats and Christmas go hand in hand. You can make some rewarding recipes with little effort, some willing helpers…
Family Monsters Project, Parenting tips

Sam’s Story: How a box of bright balloons was the best Christmas present ever

There’s a lot of pressure on parents to ensure Christmas is magical for their children, and many of us can…
News

Choosing Christmas trees with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

Following the announcement that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will become our new Royal Patron, The Duchess joined…
Family Monsters Project, News, Parenting tips

What we have lined up for ‘Families at Christmas’

Our Chief Executive David Holmes CBE introduces our festive blog series and talks about what we have in store for…
Parenting tips

Family Christmas Tips

With 10 days to go until Christmas we share with you some top tips each day to try and make…