If you looked at this heading and thought, oh yes, family time, I know how you feel. It is so difficult to plan Christmas if you have a family who want to get together.

I have two sisters and a brother, my husband has 3 brothers, plus grandparents. Where and how do you all get together - You Don't! is the answer

I have found that when you get your own children, sharing Christmas morning gets very difficult. How do you explain to a 3 year old that Santa will find you at Nanny and Grandad's.

I don't have a solution to everyone's problem of getting together to celebrate and exchange gifts, but I have got some ideas of things you can do as a family, but please feel free to let me know if you have any other ideas, I would personally love to know and I will share them with everyone else.

Planning visits - don't feel guilty about not seeing everyone. You and your family must come first.

Games - this is a good one! I know from my own experience not everyone wants to play, especially if you have different age groups. Getting those teenagers to join in is an impossible task. Don't feel that you have to entertain everyone.

Watching TV - Try and plan your TV viewing, get control of your remote control!

Messy play for under fives - please make sure you see the useful information page on Stickybobs.

Tracking Santa - on the lead up to Christmas this site is great for little ones - Tracking Santa, Tracking Santa. Have a look on Christmas Eve with them before they go to bed, I found mine loved knowing that he was on his way before being tucked up in bed. Got them to bed early as well!

If you have any ideas that you think we've missed or if you would like to recommend a toy, product or company please email the site at: contributions@forparentsbyparents.co.uk

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