Winter Evening Ideas

From outside I can hear my husband calling the children in from play. We’ve managed to sneak a dry hour in this afternoon to run round the fields before the early evening happens. Dark at 5pm! We’re big advocates of being outside but what on earth can you do with them when it starts to get dark so early on the evening?

1, Obviously reading the title of my blog I would venture to say…Have a reading evening! Hunt out some new books you haven’t read or have been meaning too. My favourite and perfect with kids is Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Cuddle up with some proper hot chocolate (you need the extra calories for warmth, honest!) make some mulled apple juice and some gingerbread men. Read aloud together!

2, Take in a film! Perfect for the past two days when quite frankly being home starts to bring in Cabin fever! Did you know that the 02 not only have fabulous events on but they have  O2 cinema - Cineworld there now? The biggest 3D cinema screen in Europe? And with 11 screens theres bound to be something you all want to watch!

3, Host a winter party! Or a fireworks party. Perfect for this time of year. Have some hot soup in mugs while you watch a back garden display then huddle inside for a dark chocolate and raspberry fondue. Make it healthy by dipping in strawberry’s or apples or just go full throttle with marshmallows and fudge!

4, Home Spa. Ok fair enough this might not work with boys but if you have girls why not turn your lounge in to a spa, from facials (homemade with oats and honey if you like) to manicures and even mini massages!

5, Pebble Painting, Now this can take all day if you want. The beaches at this time of the year are fairly empty so head down and run off some energy then as it gets dark hunt our your acrylic paints and get painting. From Nativity scenes to the Ark, to the very hungry caterpillar, you can create some fabulous designs or gifts.