Christmas wouldn't be Christmas these days without a quick turn on the ice so we headed to the biggest rink in the south west.

Winter Wonderland at Bristol's Cribbs Causeway is a kid's (and that of most adults to be honest!) festive dream come true. As well as a huge bit of the slippery stuff, there's a massive fairytale castle plus a German-style market selling sugary treats and the compulsory cups of mulled wine.

Before hitting the ice we paid a visit to the man in red. After a personal tour of the quirky characters living in the castle courtesy of the head fairy, we met Santa himself. Our little one was on top form as she informed Mr C that she has indeed been a very good girl all year and thoroughly deserves the big box of Hama Beads that she has requested. Santa agreed and said he'd deliver. Guess that'll be in her stocking later this week then!  

I actually ran an ice skating society while studying at university. I don't tell many people because if I did they'd assume I'm able to give Torvill and Dean a run for their money. Unfortunately that's actually far from the truth! I spent a lot of the time skating very close to the barrier while Virginia and our little one whizzed around the ice. I did get into the swing of things though and only managed to fall over twice. Or perhaps it was three times…

We had great fun at Winter Wonderland and if you're in the area, it's well worth a visit. It's open until 11 January 2015.

Merry Christmas!

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