Ideas needed! DN coming to stay

[Mummyboo30]

My niece is 17 and has a lot of family issues, she doesn't really have any contact with either parent and is living with an unofficial foster family. On top of this, she'll be working over christmas, so won't get a proper christmas at home.

She is coming to stay with us (myself, DH and 3yo DD) the following week and has said that she is treating it as her "Christmas".

I need some ideas of how to make her trip special to begin to make up for the rest of her family being messed up. I need ideas for activities, special touches etc that won't break the bank but will help her have a lovely time.

Any ideas?

[Benguinsmummy]

As someone with experience of being in a foster family, the best you can do is just be there for her, family isn't about presents, but I'd suggest the following: christmas movie with snax and hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, plenty of laughs, the odd walk in the fresh air and for after, how about taking pics of all the things you do together over the christmas and put them in a photo album for her, memories are powerful things and I'm sure she would love to remember having that bit of care and 'normality'.

[Mummyboo30]

Thanks Benguinsmummy, I love the photo album idea, she's forever taking selfies, so obviously likes having photo memories!
Hot choc and Xmas movies are always good ideas too. ;)

[Leeds2]

You could do a pamper evening type thing, if she/you are into that.

Cook something special together, for her last meal before she goes back.

Get her to bake Christmas cookies with your 3 year old.

[snowmanshoes]

OOh I bet she'd love a polaroid camera! Range in all sort of prices and a great way to keep instant memories. Second the movie night with hot choc and marshmallows - who doesn't like this!!! Then a lovely roast with crackers and I'd say that would be perfect!

[Picklewickle]

Roast chestnuts, ice skating, make or decorate a gingerbread house.

Tbh I think the 'staying in' part will be quite important to her so board games, big puzzles, not over-scheduling. And if it works well, tell her there will be an open invitation for her next year.

[SixerofthePixies]

buy her a selfie stick, saw loads of teens with them in london this weekend...

I bet she'd like to just do normal things, baking , movies, maybe some little crafts with your 3yr old. Let her be young again as she probably has a lot on her shoulders.

[SixerofthePixies]

and although it's not all about the presents, maybe a little box of treat bits for her. Nail varnish, a starbucks card, a pretty scarf ...

[Mummyboo30]

Thanks for the ideas everyone, she's really good with DD, so getting them to work together on a gingerbread house or something would be lovely.
Might need to stock up on board games though, we don't have many.
Love the ice skating idea, I'll have to lol into that.