Bonfire nights as we knew them when we were a kid are long a thing of the past. Here in Nottinghamshire there were limited public event with massive bonfires. This year however with the current pandemic, it seems that even local firework displays will be cancelled until next year measure of the coronavirus lockdown tier we are currently in which may leave you at a bit of a loose end as to how to celebrate.
Jacob hates how busy events like this get and will only tolerate the loud fireworks for a short time so over recent years we have been having bonfire nights at home.
Here are some ways you can still enjoy Bonfire Night but from the comfort of your own home.
Get Your Kids Crafting
First of all, you are going to want some fun and autumnal Bonfire Night decor. Get the kids to make some paintings or plastic jars with paintings of fireworks or bonfires on and hang them up to really get in the Bonfire Night vibe. You could even get them to pick up some fallen leaves and paint them in the colours of bonfires or fireworks to really get everyone excited.
I am not a massive ideas kinda gal for craft ideas but love this fantastic post from Jen at Mum In The Madhouse who has a fantastic post with over 45 fabulous firework craft ideas!
Get Some Marshmallows And Other Treats
A bonfire may not be quite to your taste at home so why not set a little campfire and all sit around telling stories and holding marshmallows over the flames? Who doesn’t love toasted marshmallows?
Or if an open fire is not available I made a smores dip ahead of the evening so we just used biscuits to scoop the gooeyness!
You could also pick up some other treats that are winners on Bonfire Night such as hotdog sausages or toffee apples!
Consider A Small Home Firework Display
This is obviously not a decision to take lightly and should only be controlled by someone who knows what they are doing. If you do decide to do this, let neighbours know especially if they have pets so they can be prepared and make sure you know how to keep safe using fireworks.
We are immensely lucky where we are and lots of others have displays in the garden so we are cheapskates and enjoy theirs for free!
Pick up some sparklers for everyone too – and make sure they’re all wearing the relevant protective wear such as gloves when handling one! If you have little ones we discovered 2 years ago that caugettes make great sparkler holders. They keep little fingers out the way and are easy enough to push the sparkler into too!
Have Plenty Of Games
If you normally attend a Bonfire Night display, you are probably used to watching the fireworks before heading over to the food stands or on the rides at the accompanying funfair. The kids will probably miss this so keep them fully entertained with plenty of games to do – especially if they have a Bonfire Night theme. Perhaps create some games around the history of Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes and teach them some history whilst you’re there!
We are planning some apple bobbing but will each have our own buckets and apples to reduce cross infection!
Make Your Own Guy
If you do happen to have a bonfire, why not consider getting the kids to help you make a Guy? Stuff some old tights with stuff like newspaper and dress the future in old clothing and pop them onto the fire. This is a tradition that is slowly dying out so it may be fun to do this with the kids as they might not have seen it or done it before.
How will you be celebrating Bonfire Night this year?
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