Tots To Teens: A Marina Market Christmas - and jumping into the festive spirit on Jumper Day

The charity supports sick children and families who attend Children’s Health Ireland Hospitals and urgent care centres in Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly.

• Participating in its Christmas Jumper Day couldn’t be easier. Register by calling 01 7091700 or visiting www.childrenshealth.ie/christmas-jumper-day. You’ll be sent stickers, posters and other promotional materials.

Comfort and colour 

Banana Berry Design is an Irish childrenswear company with a focus on comfort and fun.

In 2021, mum-of-three Sarah Lynskey set up the small independent fashion label, which sells kids’ t-shirts, sweaters and joggers in a range of bright patterns and colours.

Because Lynskey didn’t want mums and dads to miss out on the fun of wearing her colourful clothing, she also introduced a matching range for adults. 

• All garments across both ranges are made of soft, natural materials designed for comfort. The kids’ prices range from €26, and from €35 for the adults’.

Visit Santa

You’d better watch out. You’d better not cry. You’d better not shout, and we’re here to tell you why. Santa Claus has come to Cork’s Marina Market, and you’re invited to visit him there between now and December 23.

The market has been transformed into an interactive experience full of Christmas magic. When you arrive, you will wander through a snow-covered wonderland.

You’ll ride on the Polar Express train to a Christmas Village. You’ll help Santa’s elves to make toys in the workshop. You’ll join Mrs Claus in her kitchen, and you can also pay a visit to the North Pole Post Office.

You will meet Santa in his grotto, where you can remind him just how good you have been during the year and what you hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning.

If you’ve got special needs, Santa would like you to know that there will be a sensory hour on Sunday morning from 11am until 12noon.

• Tickets cost €12 per adult and €22.50 per child. Find out more or make a booking by visiting www.santasmagical.market

Paediatric support

Life can be difficult. As someone who had a physical disability and a diagnosis of dyslexia as a child, Kevin Prior understands this more than most. He received support when he was growing up and he now tries to pass this on in his job as a senior paediatric occupational therapist and as a father to four children.

He works with Áine Curtin, a paediatric occupational therapy assistant and mother to a daughter who is autistic. Together, they are Everday OT Ireland (everyday_ot_ireland), a neuro-affirmative occupational therapy company that helps families support their children’s development.

On their social media channels, the pair share insights into what it’s like to parent an autistic child and post about topics such as how to help children with emotional regulation, separation anxiety and everyday activities such as dressing, using the bathroom and having their hair washed. Their tips are simple, practical and applicable to all children.

Monopoly makeover

A family favourite has had a festive makeover this Christmas. Christmas-opoly offers a seasonal twist on the classic real estate trading game. 

Instead of bringing us on a tour of the world’s most expensive properties, this version transports us to a winter wonderland of destinations such as Sugar Plum Palace, Gingerbread Junction and Santa’s Workshop. 

Here’s hoping we avoid the Naughty corner.

• Cheatwell’s Christmas-opoly, €28, is available in toyshops and from www.cheatwell.com.