Snug as a bug with these ladybird durable, child friendly suede boots £80 by Emu Australia

North EastBeamish ChristmasNovember 30–February 2Meet Santa in his fireside grotto at Beamish Museum and see the town and pit village arrayed in decorations from the 1900s.Time: 10am–4pm (Tues–Thurs). Cost: £16 (adults), £10 (children

This is my mother’s excellent Christmas pudding that’s based upon the British royal family’s sumptuous recipe. Like all Christmas puddings, it’s best made a month or so before the big day, as the taste improves as it matures. Makes 2, each serving 8

guruMake sure your children eat lunch and take naps at their usual times. This will stop your children whinging through the day as they wait for a late lunch and then messing with food that’s too fancy for them.Give gifts at intervals from Christmas Eve

A bear with heart, perfect for a last-minute Christmas present... Luxury American label, Brooks Brothers, are launching these two gorgeous limited edition Teddy Bears which cost £25, in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation; we guarantee

children are fractious children. Give them a run in the park and let them throw stones in the river. You'll have the whole place to yourself, as all the other families will be busy killingone another indoors.• Keep diversions handy. Christmas crackers

We were very excited this morning to recieve an email with some beautiful Caramel Baby & Child sketches. The drawings feature Caramel's stylish vision for Christmas, which is based on romantic ballets of the 19th century, such as the sweet Swan Lake

Rock ’N’ Rolla Bee £39.99 from Mothercare

Wooden Crocodile Piggy Bank £22 by Pearhead from John Lewis

single for the festive season. Written by college parent Tessa Cox and performed by the children, Christmas In My Heart is about a boy who wishes his father would come home from the war, with proceeds going to charity Help for Heroes. The track