7 Enjoyable Things to Do During the Holidays

Everybody loves the holidays especially when you get to spend it with the whole family. The thought of being away from work and finally having the opportunity to take time out with friends and family to just relax and have fun. Here are some fun bonding activities that you might want to try to do with your loved ones to spend the holidays with the best people in your life:

1. DVD Marathon - Turn your the living room into your very own home theater and rent a number of DVD's to while the night away. All you need is some popcorn, beers or sodas, and the company of your loved ones. You can either choose to rent some DVDs or buy those that already come in bulk. Either way, this would surely be a fun and very affordable way of enjoying the long holidays.

2. Have a baking session - Are you thinking of a fun way wherein you can bond with the kids? Well, you might want to try baking with them. Baking is definitely an exciting thing to do with them since you can let them work on the mixtures and they can also learn how cookies, muffins, and cake, among others are being made. You might even get to discover that your kids have a knack for baking and cooking. They might also discover a grea hobby in the process.

3. Go on a trip - This is perhaps one of the first things that would come to mind when a long holiday is coming. Just make sure you plan ahead of time so that all you have to worry a day before are the things you need to bring with you. You also need to make sure that the place where you will be spending your holidays in is safe if you are bringing the kids with you.

4. Redecorate the home - Even redecorating a room is already enough. Take the holidays as an opportunity to finally pay attention to your home. You might think that it's more of a task but it isn't. Since it's your home or your room, this activity is definitely one great way to get your creativity all fired up for something that you really like. In the end it will turn out to be a great accomplishment for you.

5. Host a barbecue party - Have your friends come over during the long holidays and have some lunch for them. Do it barbecue style especially if you have a backyard. You can even tell them to bring their kids over and then consider setting up some mini pools where the kids could swim as you and the other adults chat away.

6. Go camping - Ever tried roughing it up in the wild? Parks these days are made safer than ever and this can also be a fun bonding activity with the kids as you let them experience first hand what it's like to go on a camping.

7. Visit your friends and family from another state - Go on a road trip and make the holidays an opportunity to catch up with distant relatives.

The holidays don't come very often, so make sure you spend them the best way you can.

Harrison Fray is a long time gift consultant. He has years of experience with helping other fulfill their gift giving wishes. Harrison can assist you in deciding what type of personalized gifts to get your loved one. He can help you pick out the perfect groomsmen gifts for your upcoming wedding. Stop by http://www.mygiftsboutique.com/ to see what Harrison recommends.

Athens Greece - Top 5 Unusual Things to Do

The long history, the ancient sites, the rich culture... Yes, these are facts that we all know about Athens Greece and we appreciate. However, wouldn't you want to do some unusual things when you come to Athens? Visiting the Acropolis and the temple of Poseidon at Sounio are definitely must things to do, but wouldn't you like to discover some treasure activities that you will not find in your travel guide? Activities that will give a thrill of fun and excitement to your holidays in the Greek capital? Follow the list below and get to know modern Athens better.

1. Visit the Tactual Museum
The Tactual Museum of Athens is one of the 5 museums of this kind in the world. This museum is specially designed for the blind and for all people with visual problems. The unique thing is that, even if you see perfectly, you can wear a mask and actually touch the exhibits, which are excellent copies of famous works, including the Aphrodite of Milos, Hermes of Praxiteles, a maquette of the Acropolis and many other works of the ancient times, the Byzantine times and the Olympic Games. The Tactual Museum is found at Doiranis st, 198, Kallithea. To go, you take the Metro Green Line, station Kallithea and then take bus 911 to get off at the bus stop Faros Tiflon (lighthouse of blind people). The museum is open on weekdays morning.

2. Enjoy Marathon Lake
Situated about 40 km from Athens centre, the lake of Marathon is one of the three main water sources of the Greek capital. You will need to rent a car to go there. It is actually a big, artificial lake filled with water and surrounded by greenery. On the one side, there is a dam. Above it, a cafeteria offers great views to the lake and the nature around. Close by, you can explore beautiful and quiet villages, away from the busy atmosphere of the capital.

3. Go mountain biking at Mount Parnitha
Mount Parnitha is one of the few mountains that surround the Greek capital. Although it has suffered a lot from forest fires, there is a great effort to replant the mountainsides and recover its rich ecosystem. On top of it, there is a casino and some hotels to spend the night. Many travel agencies offer daily mountain biking and hiking tours on this beautiful and precious mountain. You will bike through lush greenery, see lakes and gorges and enjoy a day in pure nature.

4. Visit the Museum of Shadow Theatre
This museum actually depicts the story of Karagiozis, a famous shadow theatre hero, as drawn by the shadow player Eugenios Spatharis. Spatharis was actually the man who introduced Karagiozis in the recent generations and his work has contributed a lot in the education of many children. In the museum, you will see famous figures of Greek shadow theatre, how these figures were made and scenes from performances. It is probably difficult to understand the importance of this museum if you are not Greek, though it offers a great insight to Greek culture. To go to the museum, take the Green Metro Line to Maroussi station and then walk 10 minutes down to Kastalias square. Entrance is free.

5. Try paintball
Paintball is a relatively new sport and was introduced in Greece only a few years ago. Today, some paintball fields have been established on the suburbs of Athens, mostly close to the international airport, that host successful events and games. All equipment is offered there.

More information about Athens Greece and Athens Hotels

Five Things You Didn't Know About London's the Lion King

Since its debut 10 years ago, The Lion King musical has charmed countless London theatregoers and made an indelible mark on the theatre scene. Whether you've had the pleasure of enjoying it or not, there's no escaping its enduring popularity. Featuring a compelling story, delightful musical numbers, attractive costumes and a sprawling cast, it should be at the top of the list of anyone visiting London. Below, we highlight five little-known -- but fascinating -- facts about the production.

• Twenty-five different species of animals are represented in The Lion King. In addition to animals, this number includes fish, insects and birds. 232 different puppets are used to fill out this amazing array of creatures; full sized puppets, rod puppets and shadow puppets are all employed to breathe life into these characters, making the set teem with wildlife and lending it an unforgettable aura. You'll feel as if you've been transported to the African wild.


• The puppets and masks used in the musical are incredibly intricate and represent thousands of hours of hard work. In fact, more than 37,000 hours in total were needed to craft these delightful costumes and creatures. The evidence supporting this detailed work is clear as soon as the curtain rises - there's no mistaking that a lot of work went into those puppets and masks.


• It's little wonder that Lion King tickets have been such hot sellers since 1999, especially when you consider the intriguing statistics behind many of the animals portrayed in production. Snap up some last minute theatre tickets to take in the impossibly tall -- 20ft! -- giraffes featured during "I Just Can't Wait To Be King." Order your Lion King tickets early to make sure you witness the four-and-a-half metre long elephant; this incredible beast is also three metres wide, but collapses down to just 86 centimeters when it needs to pass down the narrow aisle at the Lyceum Theatre.


• When booking last minute theatre tickets to enjoy The Lion King, keep a few of these interesting statistics in mind: 340 kilograms of rubber were used to create the many masks used during the show; 27 kilograms of grass were used to craft the Grasslands headdresses; and 106 ants are featured during the number "Ant Hill Lady." Buying Lion King tickets means enjoying all of this -- and much more!


• Many people contribute to making The Lion King such a success. Over 1,700 people are employed worldwide thanks to the show. When procuring your last minute theatre tickets to the production, remember that 114 people have worked to prepare for the performance you are about to enjoy -- each and every time the show goes on!

Roo Sadegi is a freelance writer based in London's East End and a regular antendee at West End theatres

Things to Do With the Kids

Sometimes during school holidays or on the weekends the kids will be looking for fun and interesting things to do.

Together with other Australian Mums we have compiled a list great activities and things to do with the kids. Have a look today!

1. Meet with friends at a park and play with the kids on the playground. Push them on the swings or catch them on the slides.

2. Go to a local cycle way/bike track and go rollerblading. A great way to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine and exercise.

3. Go ice-skating - rug up in your warm clothes and head to the closest ice-rink.

4. Have a movie afternoon - great for a rainy day. Rent a couple of good kids movies, make some popcorn and snuggle up with blankets and enjoy the movies.

5. Cook some special treats or family favourites like Gingerbread men.

6. Go to an indoor play centre (if the weather's not great outside). Let the kids try out the playground and you can have a coffee with a friend.

7. Try Tenpin Bowling - make sure the bumper bars are up for the littlies.

8. Explore your local wildlife park or the zoo to see all the animals, birds and reptiles.

9. Grab your bike helmets and go for a bike ride.

10. Organise a KidSwap with friends who work. Your kids get to have their friends over for the day to play, and their are lots more participants for games.

11. Browse through your local museum, great to show the kids how things use to be.

12. Try Horse-riding lots of riding centers provide lessons or short rides for younger children.

13. Visit a farm and see all the farm animals, you maybe be able to feed and pat some of the tamer ones.

14. Take a Day trips to a historic towns or a local attractions. Sometimes we never visit the attractions in our local area.

15. Spend the Day at the beach go for a walk and play some games, take the frisbee.

16. Camp Out in the back yard - kids of all ages will love this experience.

17. Have a Picnic or BBQ lunch at the local park - let the kids help pack their favourite lunch and snacks.

18. Do some Gardening with the kids - make a herb garden pot, they are fantastic and useful too!

19. Smile! Get the camera out and let the kids take some photos - download them on the computer and create a slide show.

20. Play dough - buy some or make your own - this will provide hours of fun for you and the kids.

21. Have a Story writing competitions, of help younger children write and illustrate a story.

22. Create a Treasure hunt in the backyard - write out a list of things to find, and let them start hunting.

23. Bury a heap of old dinosaur toys and 'artifacts' in a sectioned off part of the garden and give all the kids little shovels.

24. Blow bubbles, try different shape bubble blowers for lots of fun..

25. Buy some cheap timber photo frames and get the kids to paint and decorate them for their rooms.

26. Paper mache...messy but always fun - create a bowl or a piggy bank.

27. Make masks from paper plates, with stick on ears and eyeholes.

28. Create a masterpiece - let the children express their creativity with Painting.

29. Play lets pretend - play shopkeeper or mum/baby or anything you like.

30. Teach the kids to sew or thread with lacing cards.

31. Have a theme days - make it blue day so everyone wears blue, you eat blue food, use blue paints/materials for craft work, sing blue songs, etc.

32. Have a lazy day where everyone gets to stay in their PJ's and relax.

33. Write and create a play see who is great at drama and acting.

34. Conduct some simple Science experiments.

35. Try your hand at scrap booking, with some coloured paper, kids photos and embellishments.

36. Grocery shopping - take the kids to the Supermarket and let them help you shop, cross of the items on your shopping list. Buy something easy to make for lunch.

37. Board games - Monopoly, Scrabble, Hungry Hippos, and more if there are a few kids have a tournament.

38. Card games - from the simple Snap to Go Fish to Canasta for the older ones. Have lollies or chocolates for prizes.

39. Do a Jigsaw, set up a special area and let everyone help - the harder the better.

40. Make a Kite then take it outside on a windy day to fly it.

41. Go fishing or crabbing and try to catch dinner.

42. Catch local transport - take a ferry, train or bus ride around the City.

43. National Parks and Wildlife run some great holiday programs - have a look here - Australia National Parks Links for your closest park.

44. Lots of Local Libraries hold story-telling workshops during school holidays, and then the kids can borrow some new stories to read.

45. Go Swimming head to the local indoor pool or to the beach or river.

46. See the latest Movie at the Cinema, lots of Cinema's offer Special Adult prices during School Holidays.

47. See what's on at the Theatre or a live show - the kids will love you for this.

48. Make some music, play some music instruments or sing along to their favourite tunes.

49. Dress Ups - a family favourite find some outfits and play dress ups.

50. Make Plaster Models and then paint them in your favourite colours.

51. Make a collage - go to the park or beach and collect bark, seaweed etc and make a collage.

52. Bush Walk - head of the beaten path and go for a bush or nature walk.

53. Make a Movie - grab the video camera, write a plot, dress up and film your family as the stars of your very own movie.

54. Feed the Birds or the Ducks - get some stale bread and feed these feathered friends.

55. Make Paper Dolls - make a chain of paperdolls and color them all in different colours.

56. Create a puppet show, use soft toys or make small puppets from socks or wooden spoons and put on your own show.

57. Beading - make some jewellery by threading beads, macaroni or small pieces of cut up straws on to string.

58. Build a giant sandcastle or sand sculpture - lots of fun for the beach or a challenge in the Sandpit.

59. Throw hoops - for small children try and throw a ball into a bucket and move it further away, or for older kids use a netball or basket ball ring.

60. Make juice - choose your favourite fruits and squeeze to make lovely fresh juice.

61. Have a skip-a-thon get the skipping rope out and practise your skipping - who can skip the fastest, the longest, try running in together.

62. Go bird watching at the local park or wetlands make a list of birds you see.

63. Do some leaf rubbings, collect an assortment of leaves and place them under paper then use a crayon/pencil to rub over the top.

64. Color experiments - add flowers or celery to jars of different coloured food dyes. Wait and see what colours they go. Works best with white flowers.

65. Play detectives - get some magnifying glasses and a notebook and go exploring write down what you see.

66. Face Painting is lots of fun and you can practice your skills on their trusting little faces.

67. Have a special morning/afternoon tea in the garden. With milkshakes or hot chocolate for the kids and lots of yummy treats. You could even invite Grandma.

68. Play rock, paper, scissors - have a prize for the best out of 10 games.

69. Do some colouring in - there are some great print outs in our Fun & Games Section.

70. Visit the children's grandparents or another special friend, take a picture or something the children have made.

71. Play computer games with the Kids, find out which ones are their favourites, and which ones you can beat them.

72. Have a game of hide and seek - lots of fun for the little ones.

73. Inside Treasure Hunt - make maps and have the kids follow the maps around the house to locate the prize.

74. Kick the soccer ball, set up some goals and try your luck.

75. Jump in Puddles, great wet weather fun, forget about getting wet and remember the fun of being a kid again.

76. Practise hitting the tennis ball to each other or hit it up in the air and see who can catch it.

77. Play Twister with the Kids - get the game out and start spinning.

78. Put the music on grab the kids and dance around the lounge room.

79. Have a game of t-ball in the backyard or the park.

80. - Laugh, Live, Learn and most of all have Fun!