Getting into the spirit of Christmas is what makes it such a special time of year. But as well as enjoying familiar rituals and traditions as a family, it's a time when we think of those less fortunate than ourselves.

In between all the giving and receiving of presents, it's important to help children focus on other aspects of the season. Here are some ideas, both new and old, that may help make Christmas special for everyone:

1. Have a green Christmas. Avoid the temptation to overbuy on food that may go to waste and decorate the house with natural items you can all forage together during a long country walk, or from the garden - holly, pine cones, and ivy draped along a mantelpiece can look stunning.
   
   
2. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give something back. If you have a young family it may be difficult to get away to serve meals at the local homeless centre, but perhaps you could offer to bake them some mince pies and get your children to help too, or spend some time manning one of the stalls at a church Christmas fair.
   
   
3. Go carol singing, either as a family, or suggest to a group of your girlfriends that you get together to try and raise some money for a breast cancer charity.
   
   
4. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Fairy is proud to be supporting Make-A-Wish for the 4th consecutive year. If you want to thank someone for their help and kindness this Christmas, why not nominate them for the Fairy Helpful Hands Campaign, with the chance to win one of 12 Magical Fairy wishes + £2000! To find out more visit www.fairy-dish.com.
   
   
5. Help your children to make their own cards, homemade snowflakes to decorate the windows and some of those coloured paper chains like the ones you made yourself when you were young.
   
   
6. Keep the mystery of Santa Claus alive by leaving a mince pie and carrot out on Christmas Eve. Sprinkle icing sugar on the hearth and make a distinctive footprint with one of dad's walking boots to really make it look authentic!
   
   
7. Start a giant jigsaw that you can all do over the holiday period.
   
   
8. Leave one small present under the tree until after lunch. Something to look forward to for early risers who may be all wrapped out before breakfast has begun!