Emma Pinch suggests ways of ensuring a fun-packed Christmas holiday

Dec 22 2007 by Emma Pinch, Liverpool Daily Post

IF THE festive spirit is wearing thin at home, don’t panic because there’s a blizzard of family activities taking place across the region to put the sparkle back into Christmas.

The fact is, while we keep our fingers crossed for generous falls of powdery snow to make inside cosy and outside a winter wonderland, Christmas weather tends towards the perverse.

Grey, cold, rainy climes drive children indoors and parents scratching their heads for things that will entertain the whole family.

The good news is, there’s plenty to do and cost needn’t be an issue.

For children with a nose for history, there are regular interactive shows at Liverpool’s Maritime Museum on subjects that will capture their imagination, such as smuggling and The Titanic, brought to life with costumed actors. All Liverpool Museum activities are free of charge, and there’s something on during most days.

The more active can let off steam in the tropical waves of Birkenhead’s Europa Pool – free for kids until January 30.

There are plenty of places to rediscover the more traditional side to Christmas with carol singing at churches, stately homes and shopping centres.

Splash out on tickets for the magical Carols by Candlelight, at the Philharmonic, or tune up your voice for free at Liverpool Cathedral.

If you’ve still shopping to do, make it a day out for the kids at Cheshire Oaks where there’s ice-skating and a funfair, or pop down to Slater Street to its bustling craft stalls for a gift with a handmade touch.

When the wrapping paper’s chucked into the recycling box and you’re going cross-eyed from the relentless ads and reruns on the telly, button up and drive out to one of the region’s wildlife sanctuaries. Martin Mere is a fascinating place to visit at Christmas with thousands of migratory geese roosting there; or visit the red squirrels at Formby via a bracing walk on Crosby beach, where you can take in Antony Gormley’s Another Place statues, festooned in Santa hats and scarves.

Even if you didn’t get your hands on a Nintendo Wii this year, there are plenty of opportunities to make this Christmas memorable with some cracking family days out.

Don’t give up on snow just yet, though.

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