As this is a site looking at green issues (and this is something I'm glad to say we are doing at 'messy play' with my son next week), why not try reusing some of those cardboard items and have fun with your kids/grandchildren at the same time.
How about taking some old egg boxes, glitter, glue and tinsel to hang and make tree decorations? Or toilet roll tubes and cotton wool to make snowmen? There is no limit to what you can do and not only will you be reusing, you will also have some hand made memories to keep and bring out every Christmas.
My mum (God rest) kept all the things we made in play school and faithfully trotted them out each year - much to the embarrassment of my brother. However, when we were all in our twenties) she decided to give them a rest one year, but my big, strapping, police officer brother demanded to know where his snow man and three wise men had gone! Needless to say the next year they came out, tattered and a little worse for wear, but pride of place in the window again.
Have some fun, use your imagination and get the kids involved. The weather is ideal for indoor pursuits too!!
