Bonfire Night is one of our favourite times of year, here at Mumbler! However, magical as it is, all the bangs, cold weather and darkness can be difficult for children to cope with.
So how do you make sure it’s just the fireworks exploding, and not the kids’ tempers?
Here’s our guide to setting Bonfire Night off with a (quiet!) bang!
Looking for a bonfire in Halifax and Calderdale? Check out our handy list.
Eating plenty before you go out will save you money, and stop hangry meltdowns.
Pick something that works well for your kids and still feels like fun. Hot dogs, catherine wheel toad in the hole, chilli with baked potatoes, campfire stew; whatever works for you. The BBC has a great page on Bonfire Night food.
There are several around locally and they often have quieter fireworks displays. They usually start early too, so everyone can get home to bed on time!
If you know someone who lives on a hill and has a great view, try to organise a get-together with them. You can share bringing the food between you and enjoy the fireworks and atmosphere without braving a full-on event. Or, bring your own quieter fireworks. If a few of your band together, you could have a great time quite cheaply and in a quieter environment for the kids.
Popping a pair of ear defenders on very little ones – or bigger ones who hate bangs – takes away the scare/shock factor while leaving the joy of the colours and atmosphere. These are easily available to buy online, for about £10.
We love fleece-lined waterproofs for an extra layer and protection if they slip and fall in the mud. Lined wellies are great – or use welly liners that you can just pop in. Hats and gloves, of course. We also like the little packets that heat up once you unwrap them. They don’t get too hot and are fabulous for sticking in pockets.
Before you leave, put everyone’s pyjamas where you can easily find them so the bedtime turnaround with worn-out littles should be seamless.
You can find a whole pack for £1 then use them to make bracelets and necklaces. Kids love them, it makes them easier to spot if they wander off AND it will save you money on buying them at the event – win!
Everyone loves a warming cup of hot chocolate when the cold sets in. Make sure you let it cool in the air before giving it to little mouths, and sprinkles, marshmallows or squirty cream make it extra special!
A nice blanket to snuggle into and perhaps a favourite cuddly toy or hot water bottle left in the car will warm everyone up on the drive home!
Have a wonderful Bonfire Night and we’d love to hear your tips too. Share on in the Calderdale Mumbler Facebook Group, and follow the News Page for more local info.
