Nativity survival kit for parents

If you have young children, you may already know the trials and tribulations that come along with school productions – not just for them, but for us parents, too!

If this Christmas is to be your first nativity experience, you will no doubt be more concerned about your child and their costume than what’s in your own handbag, but it’s a good idea to also be prepared yourself, so here’s our Nativity survival kit for parents to help us all along:

* Tissues – a no-brainer, of course! And take extra for your child or the parent next to you who was not so well prepared!

* Baby wipes – for cleaning faces and costumes, especially if the show is happening after lunch!

* Emergency make-up – for toning down the red eyes and nose before having post-show coffee and mince pies with all the other parents and teachers.

* Camera/camcorder – an essential for the Nativity survival kit for parents, but check whether you are permitted to use it, as some schools and churches don’t allow photographs to be taken.

* Contribution to refreshments if required – don’t feel like you have to make them; there’s no shame in taking a nice box of pies or Christmas biscuits if baking isn’t your thing. Sprinkle with a little icing sugar or decorate with a ribbon to show you’ve still made an effort, or take some truffles or other luxury item as an alternative to mince pies.

* If you really want to be the star of the show, pack a sewing kit/sticky tape/stapler to fix all those last minute wardrobe malfunctions!

And remember to arrive nice and early, as there will be a stampede for the front row…