Make their day with these kids’ Christmas decorations

With many of the usual seasonal treats off the table this year, from panto to the Nativity, there’s even more pressure on parents to make Christmas magical at home. Luckily, there are plenty of simple, easy ways to make your home and your kids’ rooms feel extra festive – and create that all-important glow of excitement for you and your little ones. From baking to bedding, lighting to decorations, Next Home has all you need to make memories that will last a lifetime.

1 Countdown to Christmas

Start building anticipation from the 1st December – even if children can’t do everything they did last year, they’ll love the chance to spend extra time with family, enjoying Christmas traditions old and new, and of course helping to dress the house with seasonal decorations and baubles. And help them keep track of how many more days till Father Christmas visits with a Christmas Countdown Block (£10).

2 Get cosy

All the excitement can make for some high emotions in the run up to the big day, so be sure to have plenty of comforting elements around to help everyone relax. Thick, wintery textiles like velvets and fleeces feel great to little ones and help them snuggle down and unwind. Beanbags, cushions and throws are simple to update for Christmas – this Faux Fur Beanbag (£99) is perfect for watching cosy Christmas movies together. In their room, they can snuggle up for festive stories under the Knitted Rudolf Throw (£24) with hot chocolate and melty marshmallows served in a Christmas stacking mug (£22 for four).

3 A makeover made easy

Spending much of this year within our homes has made many of us notice the rooms that need a little extra love. Christmas is a great time to update a child’s bedroom, so if your little ones are outgrowing their furniture, invest in some good quality pieces that will grow with them. Look for timeless designs in neutral shades that will will work well as their tastes change like the Parker cabin bed (£449). Accessorise with the Blake House shelf (£99) – great for adding extra storage and perfect for adding a Christmas Elf to. Then get the Christmas bedding out – children of all ages will love the Christmas Conga Bedset (£30-£60), perfect for getting in the festive spirit and making the advent even more special this year.

4 Let there be lights

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without twinkling lights, and while the big switching-on ceremonies may be cancelled, there’s plenty you can do at home, inside and out. Children will love walking around the neighbourhood and spotting the sparkliest festive homes in the build-up to the big day – make sure yours isn’t left in the dark with cheerful outside lights like Barnaby Bear (£40), Penguin (£30-60) and even a Pop Up Santa (£30). Inside, add some festive fun to their rooms with a Musical Light-up Santa Cushion (£14) – and set off the fairy lights with this seasonal fabric gonk (£14-30).

5 Season’s eatings

‘Tis the season for festive feasting, and it’s even more fun when you make the treats yourself. For easy, fuss-free bakes, try this Gingerbread Baking Set (£8), which comes with a pre-made mix and cute cutter for Christmas treats the kids will love decorating, or the Cookie Skillet Baking Set (£8) so you can create your own giant choc chip cookies. Finally, keep your Christmas clothes party-perfect while you make the big meal with a Festive Santa Apron (£10) and Elf Apron (£7) for the helpers.

6 ’Twas the night before Christmas

When it comes to the big day itself, wherever and whoever you’re with, make sure it’s magical with plenty of quality time and festive family rituals. On the 24th, leave out a glass of sherry and a mince pie for Santa, a carrot and “reindeer food” (porridge with glitter) for Rudolph. Hang up the Christmas stockings – children will love a personalised design, like the Alphabet Stocking (£8) or Personalised Reindeer Sack (£21). Is that a knock at the door? 

A personalised Christmas Eve box (£12.50) – whether delivered by elves or relatives – is a great way to start the celebrations. Fill with sweet, thoughtful presents they will love like this gorgeous personalised book (£23) before watching a Christmas movie with a yummy hot drink from these hot chocolate baubles (£10 for three). Then tuck the kids into an extra snuggly bed: for younger children, this cheery Christmas Bed Set (£15-£35); or for older children, try something cosy like this Fleece Bedset (£24-34, single or double) complete with glow in the dark stars. Magic duly sprinkled, tiptoe downstairs to relax – perhaps with one of those giant cookies you made.