So Christmas is essentially one big tradition, but all the traditions within it can sometimes get a bit lost in the chaos of consumerism. We know Christmas is a magical time for our children, whether they still believe in Santa or not, and we thought it’d be nice to recap the top 5 traditions  that make Christmas Christmas (and we’re not just talking presents).

Number one: the decorating of the house, there seems to be some kind of friendly rivalry between houses over Christmas, we never really see them going up but suddenly facades are covered in a shower of fairy lights and gardens are adorned with tacky reindeer and santa clauses. tacky or not, our kids love it!

Second up: Nativity plays, pantomimes and carols nights. Whether your kids are in them, watching them or directing them, the lead up to Christmas just wouldn’t be as exciting without them.

Third: the all important tree. Plastic or real your tree becomes the centre point of the home and a fun decorating activity for the whole family. including all the essentials; tinsel, baubles, ornaments, stars and angels, there are many ideas on when the tree should ‘traditionally go up’. Some say the 24th, some say the 23rd others say as early as the 1st. We say the earlier the better, everyone loves a good Christmas tree!

Next up, Four: Cards, crackers, stockings and…presents! The bit all our kids love the most. Just for a bit of trivia, these elements of Christmas tradition were introduced in Victorian times.

Last but certainly not least: food. When we think Christmas traditions we think piles of steaming veg, fluffy yorkshire puds, cuts of meat, crispy roast potatoes and all the delicious gravy and jelly like condiments to accompany. Perhaps the biggest Christmas tradition of all time, the family lunch and the semi comatose TV viewing session that follows. Don’t forget though, Santa and his reindeer are also a bit peckish too so leave out some cookies, carrots, milk and whisky on Christmas eve – a favourite tradition from when we were little tackers.

So our kids would like to think the end of the year is all about glittery lights, tinsel and tonnes of presents, but don’t forget the little traditions that really make Christmas, without them it would just be a season long shopping spree.

It’s a hard surface world out there and chances are your baby or toddler is a hard surface magnet – they all are.

sustaining some bumps and bruises while exploring is all part of the journey,  but it’s the heart-stopping thuds we all dread right? Most houses these days have beautiful hard wood flooring or tiles as the soft comfort of the carpet begins to retreat into just the bedrooms. Imagine for a moment that you were your toddlers height, have a look about and see how many unforgivingly solid items there are within falling distance, scary.

There are plenty of baby-proofing products out there, many extremely un-attractive, but we’ve been lucky enough to come across a series of such products that are both effective and really rather funky. We’re talking about ‘Thudguard’. Featured on  BBC’s The Apprentice, their leading item is the Thudguard infant safety hat. In a choice of either blue or lilac, the cute little foam hat design will protect your little one’s precious cranium as they try out their new pins.

Other items in their baby-proofing range include table edge bumpers and door stoppers for protecting little fingers from the slam. If you’re after a way of teaching your baby to use those feet and not just finding ways of keeping them safe when they do, then a Juppy walking harness may be right up your alley. Not only does it have a cute design in a number of colours and comes in a special Juppy drawstring bag, It’s adjustable strap means parents of all heights will be spared back ache after a walking session.

We think Thudguard is pretty unique on the baby market and so, of course, we hunted out a fabulous deal for you to get your hands on some of this baby-proofing genius this Christmas. To check out the deal and find out more about these funky products click here.