I like doing crafts, cooking and activities with the children I look after, Christmas is no exception; you can get the children involved in so many different things, such as decorations, cards, sweets etc. But once in a while you need a fresh selection of ideas and that's where this book is helpful.

The Ultimate Christmas Book
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Whilst browsing 'The Book People' website (www.thebookpeople.co.uk) I spotted this book. With a bright red front page and a product description saying "This step-by-step guide to making fun and easy crafts for a sparkling Christmas will help get the whole family in a festive frame of mind! Create snowstorms in jam jars, baubles and pompoms, festive food and flurries of snow-flakes, sparkling Christmas cards and original gifts for all your friends and relations!" I ordered it, when it arrived less than a week later I was really excited about what new activities I could do.

The cover is very strong cardboard, when you open it, all the pages are thick paper, (but not card) these are held together using a plastic spiral spine. I was surprised to find it held together like this, but found it useful as this ensures the pages stay open where you need them. There's nothing worse than trying to copy something or follow directions and not have enough hands to hold the book open too.

There are so many activities I'd love to try, but haven't got time to do them all, with over 50 things to do you'd never run out of things to keep the children occupied on as wet/cold evening or weekend.

What is inside?
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The first 4 pages list 'The Contents,' itemising exactly what activity you will find on which page. All the activities have been divided into 3 sections;
Section 1 - Decorations (the largest section)
Section 2 - Cards and Gifts
Section 3 - Eats and Treats (my favourite section)

Each activity is well laid out, with clear descriptions and easy to follow steps. Each part of the activity is supported by clear bright pictures. Most of the text is in standard font, but occasionally there are captions and directions in swirly festive font too.

Activities include snowflakes, snowmen, baubles, tree decorations, stained glass windows and costumes, using a variety of different materials, also biscuits, sweets and chocolates, which can be hung on the tree or given as presents.

I particularly like the 3D pop up cards, they are so simple to make, So long as you cut and fold the card I the right place, then add your own greetings, glitter and stars, you can make a great snowman/tree/present card, I always find friends and relatives appreciate the work that goes into a homemade card.

This book is designed especially for Christmas, but you could adapt some of the ideas for other times of the year, i.e. Birthdays, Halloween etc. I must add though, the advent calendar looks very involved, so you may wish to start this particular activity in September or even earlier, depending on what time you get.

My opinion
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I've only had this book a couple of weeks, but I have done a few activities, including the card baubles, wrapping paper and stained glass windows. Each activity had easy to follow directions, and the finished products, looked just as they did on the page. You can't really go wrong; children can follow the pictures easily and feel proud with what they have done.

There is no age range suggested on this book, a couple of the activities could be done with young children from 18months up. Several activities look ideal for the pre-school children aged 3-4 years, but all can be done by children aged 5-6 years and upwards. I feel that this book doesn't just appeal to children, but any age person. Even the elderly could make decorations or cards, and be just as creative.

Making your own decorations can even help to save you a few pennies, and also help the environment; recycling things, such as kitchen rolls, old cards, newspaper, sweet wrappers etc. Children love showing people what they have done, especially when parents come home from work or come to collect them at the end of the day, the children are really excited and can't wait to talk about their work, It makes me feel happy and proud that the children have enjoyed what you have given them to do. I also find that making your own stuff gives you a sense of satisfaction and confidence boost.

Product Details
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If you wish to purchase this step by step guide to fun and easy crafts for a sparkling Christmas, you can buy it online at www.thebookpeople.co.uk for £4.99.

RRP £14.99

ISBN: 9781405328395

This edition was published especially for The Book People Ltd
Hallwood Avenue
Haydock
St Helens
WA11 9UL

Published by Dorling Kindersley Ltd
80 Strand
London
WC2R 0RL
www.dk.com


I hope you enjoyed my review, I hope you all have a great Christmas.

Nicola x 18/12/07