Christmas is the one time where I fall back on tradition big-time and the children seem to revel in the repetition of our family rituals. I have acquired rituals from foreign friends such as the Dutch tradition of putting their shoes outside their doors for St Nicholas to leave a present or sweets in them (unfortunately, when I first did it I didn’t let my husband in on the plan and as he sleepily made his way to bed along the landing he chucked the kids’ shoes into their bedrooms, scattering sweets across the floor!) Of course, in this country we focus on enticing FC down the chimney – and then stay up late drinking his brandy, nibbling the mince pies and eating the reindeers’ carrots to convince our tots he’s visited! Occasionally I wonder if this deception is a good idea. Why am I going to so much trouble to lie to my little ones whom I’m trying to teach not to lie?! How far do you go to perpetuate the Santa myth – find out what the experts and other parents think. Personally, I think FC is a magical guy!
Happy Christmas from all of us at babyworld.
Stephanie Neuman
babyworld, Editorial Director
News from the babyworld shop team
We've been busy little elves down in the babyworld grotto making sure everything is in place to make Xmas shopping with us as easy as possible. If you're buying for little people we've loads of new products in Toys or you might find it easier to search for inspiration under Gifts by Age or Gifts by Value. If you're buying for someone expecting a baby, our favourite travel system the High Trek is in stock as are those other 2005 bestsellers, the Svan Highchair and the Nature's Nest swinging hammock. Or there are another 900 or so products to choose from! For those who like to leave it till the last moment, you can order right up to 3.00pm on Thursday 22nd December and we'll still guarantee delivery before the big day! Such is the volume of online transactions this Christmas that some credit card processing companies are experiencing problems so if your babyworld order won't go through call us on 01491 821877 (9.00am - 5.00pm) or email Brenda@babyworld.co.uk and she'll take care of it all for you. Finally, all of us at babyworld shop wish you and your families a Happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy 2006.
The festive food plan for mums-to-be
There's a tiny new baby developing inside you. Here's the good news - the chances are that he will be born healthy. Here's even better news. You have the chance to make those odds better still just by eating well. So, although the festivities may pose some diet-challenges nutritionist, Sian Porter, is here to help you with your festive food plan! Click here>>
The Santa scenario
Father Christmas is a legendary figure requiring explanation to children and usually surrounded by family rituals to entice him down the chimney. We take a look at how to handle the myth surrounding Santa and whether it's basically OK to lie to your kids! Click here>>
Gift guide for the under fives
Lots of inspiration for toys, clothes and personalised gifts.Click here>>
Mind your Xmas Ps and Qs
A toddler with impeccable manners sounds like a tall order but over the Christmas period, your child's behaviour will be under expert scrutiny by relatives. We look at ways to introduce manners and introduce the idea that eating together is not always just about getting something nourishing into them! Click here>>
16 great party looks for mums-to-be
Festive fashion for bumps that'll help you enjoy your new-found curves. Click here>>
No stress Noel
Just because you're pregnant, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the Christmas fun. Follow our top 10 tips to help you relax and enjoy the festive season - you deserve it! Click here>>
The weirdest Christmas presents ever
We've all had odd Xmas presents but some of the ones these babyworld members have received take the biscuit! Read and enjoy… and be warned in case you are contemplating buying someone Tweed cologne Click here>>
Eating for breastfeeding
Enjoy this special time with your baby this Christmas and take care of yourself and your diet whilst breastfeeding.Click here>>
I would love...
The festive season is an indulgent time of year but that doesn't mean you have to overdose on presents for your little ones. There are some fabulous ways to enjoy Christmas without the plastic toys and games, and they'll help teach your child about the value of Christmas too.Click here>>
HOT THREADS
There's a whole lot going on in our forums. Why not join in?
WHAT'S THAT YOU SAID?
Here are some things you have been saying on babyworld.
'I'm addicted to babyworld'
Read a funny verse all about the babyworld discussion forums, written by Vicky 34 from Wiltshire, mum of six children and married to Pete. Click here>>
'Why I love the club'
From Polly 29, member of babyworld's antenatal clubs, who lives in Hertford with husband Trevor, and two boys Toby, 4.5yrs and Oliver, 7 weeks. Click here>>
TESTING, TESTING 123
There's a whole lot of testing going on each and every month, too many to mention here so do take a look at our extensive testing area.Click here>>
Activity mats and gyms
Activity mats and gyms are all the rage as play items. But with so many to choose from where do you start? We've done the hard work and tested 8 of the best! Read more
Top nosh - babyfoods on test
From freshly frozen meals to ready-to eat jars, dried foods and purees our testing toddlers have been munching their way through some great meals to find a Christmas dinner to delight! Read more
Digital photography services
In the same way that digital cameras have revolutionised photography, online digital services have created some innovative, fun and exciting ways to play with your most precious snaps. To give you a good idea of what’s on offer, we’ve put our snap-happy panel of parents to work by testing 5 different online digital photography services. Read more
Always learning Feeding range
I was pleasantly surprised at how good these products are… Read more
My Brest friend feeding pillow
It has definitely prolonged my breastfeeding and was worth the money… Read more
Medela mini electric breastpump
Handy and effective..but can be noisy!....Read more
The Totseat
Incredibly well used and a godsend… Read more
Santa's Gallery
Madison, just 12 weeks old, is the first winner of this year's Santa's gallery and she is on our homepage this week. Have you got a super snap of your little angel enjoying the holiday season? Send your best shot - and check out our gallery for more merry memories!
Christmas survival - say no to pester power
With all the adverts on TV and sparkly shop displays, your child will be hyped up to the hilt with ideas for Christmas presents. So much so that, as parenting charity Parentline Plus recognises, it can be hard to say no to their pester power. Here are their tips for surviving. Click here>>
Picture books for babies
Picture books stimulate the imagination and with that in mind we have chosen some of the best around to buy this Christmas.Click here>>
COMPETITIONS
Win! A travel system worth £349
Tell us about your birth and you could win A Hauck travel system, a Mookie Smart Trike or Nature Boy & Girl nappies. Enter here>>
Win! £500 Mamas and Papas vouchers
To celebrate their new arrival at Brent Cross, Mamas & Papas is offering babyworld readers the chance to win £500 to spend in store! Enter here>>