Whether you’re planning to escape it all or embrace everything festive, this issue has something for everyone. We have the low-down on the best places to go to see the big man himself as no Christmas would be complete without a trip to Santa’s grotto. We also have a terrific gift guide to solve those present-buying nightmares. And no sooner has Christmas arrived than it passes by in a blur of wrapping paper and turkey and we’re hurtling into the new year - we explore the best resolutions you can make, and keep, as a family for 2015.

Now that summer seems like a distant memory, it’s time to embrace all things warm and wintery. And, along with Halloween and Bonfire Night, that means the magic and mayhem of the approach to Christmas. And, regardless of how festive you’re feeling, we have a little something for everyone in our must-have selections for the home, the little ones and the grown ups (see pages 13–19).

In this issue, we look at some winter activities, treats and days out which would help you to create some amazing memories with your family. From make-your-own decorations to travelling the Polar Express to pantos, ice-skating to ice-cream, there’s
something for everyone, close by or further afield.

Winter, with its darker nights and lack of sunshine, can lead to a drop in mood as well as a drop in temperature. Spending less time outside and fewer daytime hours can lead you to feel decidedly down in the dumps, so check out our at-a-glance guide to brightening the whole family’s mood.

Hopefully you can grab some time this issue to settle down with a cuppa and, as always, we’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions for subjects and places we should be covering in future issues.

Until then, we wish you a wonderful winter and, if it’s not too early, a very merry Christmas!

Finally, the long-awaited great British summer time is here. I don’t know about you, but we’re definitely ready for a few weeks of glorious sunshine, cloudless blue skies and warm, balmy evenings, just perfect for impromptu barbecues. 

Lots of you will be heading off to the beach either for a day trip or a break away and it’s all too easy to forget that the sand and sea pose a real danger to children, big and small. With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with the RNLI to ask them for their advice about staying safe beside the seaside and you can read their advice on pages 18–21.

And with the long school holiday stretching ahead, now seems the perfect time to explore the highs and lows of relationships between siblings. One minute they’re the best of friends, the next, they’re at each other’s throats. Turn to page 22–24 for our
suggestions on how to enjoy a calmer, more peaceful summer.

The warm summer months are also the perfect time to try and slow things down a little. The pace of life is fast enough during term time, and trying to take things that little bit easier could make a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of the whole family. Make the most of there being less activities, less demands on our time and encourage the kids to do nothing. Yes, you heard us right. Nothing. Turn to page 26–28 to find out more about why downtime is so essential for us all.

On that note, we’re off to find a hammock… Have a glorious summer!

While it’s a wonderful time of year for us all, summer, with its glorious warmth, sunshine, long days and dusky evenings, is a brilliant time to be little. Whether your children are fans of making dens and daisy chains, riding their bikes, playing endless games of football or just enjoying picnics in the park, exploring the great outdoors is a fantastic way to spend time as a family. In this issue you’ll see our pick of parks and green spaces for fun days in the sun. We also turn our attention to love as relationships can often be a casualty of busy family life. It can be hard to prioritise the two of you when you’re battling a chronic lack of sleep or an activity timetable that leaves no time for date nights or even meaningful conversation, so we offer our thoughts on keeping the flame burning brightly.

In this issue, you can find some great tips and ideas for Mother’s Day. Whether you’re arranging something for your mum, want to spoil your other half or want to suggest a few ideas to the kids (or their dad), then we’ve got the low-down on ways to create the perfect Mother’s Day. And of course, hot on the heels of Mother’s Day is the Easter break. With hot cross buns, chocolate, a two-week school holiday, more chocolate and two bank holidays, what’s not to love about Easter? While two weeks off the school run sounds appealing, it’s easy for the days to drift and before you know it, it’s uniform time again - here you can find our round up of the best days out to keep your little bunnies entertained. And of course, no Easter would be complete without an egg hunt so we’ve searched high and low for the best spots to turn egg detective. Finally, we’ve long been toying with the idea of taking our tent and the kids and heading to a family-friendly UK festival, and this year seems the ideal time to finally give a weekend under canvas a whirl. With a teen to impress with
some great headline acts, as well as little tots to entertain, we’re spoilt for choice, so in this issue we share our research, and our shortlist.

In the first issue of Two Point Four, check out our essential guide to places to go and things to do, come rain or shine. There are great suggestions right on the doorstep and further afield. We also explore the benefits of 'me time' - if you're feeling frazzled by the daily routine and want to restore your inner calm, we have some quick wins. We really hope you enjoy the first issue!

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Two Point Four is a free bimonthly magazine in Leicestershire and Rutland devoted to family life, packed with original features, for parents of pre-school and school-age children. The magazine that parents will want to read, share and keep, Two Point Four is packed full of original features including children's interests, activities, education and health/fitness, as well as lifestyle features just for parents themselves. Two Point Four is available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools (sent home to parents in book bags) and many businesses including supermarkets and leisure facilities. 

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Two Point Four - December 2014/January 2015

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