OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW...

Although I guess many of our readers are busy with family and friends and quite possibly nowhere near Leiden right now, there's still plenty going on at HomeinLeiden.

But first a word about New Year in Holland - just in case it's your first time here.

THEY LIKE FIREWORKS

A lot. Like really, really a lot; not big municipal displays, this is every man for himself, sparklers, rockets, you name it, the louder the better. If you aren't a fan of loud noises, flashes, bangs and clouds of smoke from mid-afternoon on the 31 st to well into the night on the 1 st ,, there's still time to get out of the country . and keep your eyes open when you're out with small children on the 31 st for locals cheerily setting off enormous numbers of firecrackers in the middle of the pavement.

And now for something totally unrelated; because life goes on even at this time of year!

TO ALL EXPECTANT PARENTS OUT THERE

Stephanie and Marie have been running Hypnobirthing classes for a while now - see elsewhere on the site for details. They have now developed a new independent course called Mindful Birth (www.mindfulbirth.nl). The course is very relevant for international families in Leiden, as it's the only English course available and it specifically prepares couples for local birthing scenarios in The Netherlands. However, it goes further than information-based courses, by teaching special techniques in mindfulness which are relevant for labour and birth as well as life beyond.

Read more about what Stephanie and Marie have to offer here.

Have a lovely New Year and keep reading in January. There's lots more coming up, about classes at the Vrouw Kind centrum, a new home business running children's parties, a new mums and toddlers group in Leiden, and that's just the start .!

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM ALL AT HOMEINLEIDEN

SEE YOU IN JANUARY!