Christmas Fare

[Vickimumsnet]

I am organising (with a group of other parents) a Christmas Fare for children in Greenwich with disabilities and SEN. The reason the group have decided to organise a Christmas spectacular for their kids is that they have found that accessing christmas things is a total nightmare. Going to see Santa is just not that easy! So we're going to put on a fare that is just for them. A bouncy castle where just one child can bounce at a time. A santa story session where you don't have to wait and you get your present even if you don't want to talk to Santa.Reindeer! We're looking for good ideas, contacts - help! Carrie thought you might all have some ideas for me and I would really appreciate any help you can give :)
Has anyone done one of these before? Any top tips? We're in touch with the usual sources (toy library, LA etc) but we want this to be rather lovely so we need extra ideas. Please!

Ohh lovely, ds2 loves the pretend snow globe thing that you go inside (they ahve it at hyde park xmas thingy) Ds can roll around play pretend snow balls all without getting wet, which he HATES.

Hmmmm.... signing the story maybe? Am not local but have done some signed story telling in the past and inlaws live in kingston/richmond, (my geog pretty crappy) but not too far down?up? the river, so we might be around...

You may of course have someone, or might want a 'pro' I am strcitly an amateur..

Not local at all but will have a think about it. It sounds like such a lovely idea, so I wanted to say thank you for thinking of this.

Hi

Signandsay that sounds brilliant! can't say Greenwich is all tha close to Richmond if I'm super honest but if you were up for a day out I think the kids would love a signed story. haven't seen the snow globe thingy but am going to find out who runs the Hyde park xmas thing and see if we can track it down - thanks anonandlikeit.

Glad you like the idea SparkleRainbow! I couldn't believe that no-one did it but guess I should know better!

For ds heoves lights and the whole magic of Xmas grottos etc but he finds to much of weekend ge likes to be able to look not pushing past because the line has moved

to be honest he does not care a jot about Santa himself though would does enjoy the present

And yes I ti think it's fantastic idea

Not sure if it helps, but at a local MS school, they give timed sessions to see Father Christmas. That way, you can time what you do before/ after seeing him and there is no waiting, no pushing.

Some really good suggestions, like the timed sessions and count downs to finish especially. May also be worth printing signs for places and activities with symbols too..

Hi vickimumsnet do you know what date yet?
If you give me a shout when you know I can see if we can 'arrange' to be around.. If you have email I can contact you direct with my contact details, (not very IT literate, so can't do the CAT thingy)we can talk about what you would like...

Hi

the timed slot thing is a really good idea....lots of the parents have raised the 'waiting in line' issue!

We're hoping to include a bit of magic roundthebend4 ... infact we've found a magician who does lots of sensory tricks which we're hoping will go down well.

The date is the 4th Dec (we hope - confirmed venue booking permitting). My email is [email protected]

I will be posting more details as we get them confirmed so please keep watching!

We have got a venue booked and feel as though we're finally making headway. December 4th 1pm- 4pm at Charlton Football Club. They have been really helpful so all we need now are Santa's, Elves, craft stalls, sensory play equipment etc etc etc!