Are the big chain stores stealing Christmas from us Mums?

When I was a small child a mere 25 years ago, my Mum despaired at having to make me costumes for school plays and fancy dress. I was always dressed in black tights and a leotard with something attached! Stars for Christmas, a swimming cap and paper beak as a blackbird. Tin foil over said swimming cap to turn me into a soldier... you get the picture.

Had she been a Mum to a young child in today’s society she would no doubt have rejoiced at the array of nativity costumes available for under a tenner in the supermarkets. I’m sure there are plenty of busy mums and those who are useless at costume making that would join her in thanking the costume gods, but where does that leave those of us who ‘want’ to make their kids costumes?

I’ve always been crafty and for years have been looking forward to the day I could pop a tea-towel on my sons head and turn him into a shepherd, or stuff some brown tights to make a donkey tail and ears.

“Who’s stopping you”? you might ask, well the supermarkets are.

It all comes down to peer pressure. I can’t embarrass my poor son now. Imagine him, the only little mite in leggings and a leotard standing amongst a whole host of ornate shop bought costumes. He’d look totally out of place and Mummy would look like she didn’t earn enough money to pay for a costume.

So supermarket bosses, I appreciate you need to do what you can to make money, but please don’t cash in on those parents who are either too busy, cant be bothered or are not particularly crafty. You’re ruining an age old tradition and a dream that many of us have been looking forward to for years!



By Claire Mackaness (Sadly unable to create mummy)

Kids r Us, South Ockendon

This soft play centre is brand new and has only been open since the 16th July. With three separate areas, one for over 5s with a twisty slide and 4 lane bumpy slide, a smaller under 5s area with a nice ball pool, slide and airblower and a baby section with large soft shapes and a roll around area.

Spotlessly clean throughout, the centre has lots for children to do and I think my little boy would happily have played all day. There is lots of seating and you can sit close to all of the structures so you can see your child from all angles no matter where they are.

Food and drink is reasonably priced with a full range of hot and cold food including things like lasagne, curry, jackets and spaghetti bolognaise as a change from the burgers and nuggets (which you can also buy if you’d like). The usual cakes, sweets and even slush puppies are also available. It would have been nice to see a salad on the menu, but that is such a tiny thing in comparison to what is otherwise a great venue.

The toilets are super clean with really nice baby change areas in both. Nice touches such as IKEA fish lighting and clean fluffy towels also makes a nice change from harsh strip lighting and blowers.

The staff seem very friendly and helpful and are well presented and constantly cleaning and tidying up after you!

Whilst we were there, there was a party taking place in one of the two party rooms and it looked like the kids were having fun. Kids r Us offers a full range of parties from Hannah Montana to Cars from £7.95 per child.

I would rate Kids r Us 10/10 and will defiantly be returning.

I only hope that they can keep the place as impeccably clean and tidy into the future.

Kids r Us, Arinsale Drive
South Ockendon
Opposite Bonnygate School

by Claire Mackaness,
www.clairemackaness.com