A true white Christmas may be rare - but our gallery features lots of fun in the snow, including some on and around the big day.

Ipswich Star: Boys having fun in the snow at Chelmondiston in December 1968.Boys having fun in the snow at Chelmondiston in December 1968. (Image: Archant)

Looking back over the years, there are many memories of ice and snow in December, during the school Christmas holidays.

Ipswich Star: Children sledging in Christchurch park at Christmas in 2005Children sledging in Christchurch park at Christmas in 2005 (Image: Archant)

Have you taken part in sledging, snowballs and other wintry fun in years gone by?

Ipswich Star: Children sledging in Christchurch Park, Ipswich at Christmas 2005Children sledging in Christchurch Park, Ipswich at Christmas 2005 (Image: Archant)

If so, you might just spot yourself, or friends and family members, in our gallery of snow photos from around the area.

Ipswich Star: Youngsters having fun in the snow at Kelsale in December 1981Youngsters having fun in the snow at Kelsale in December 1981 (Image: Archant)

Christchurch Park in Ipswich is one of the most popular locations for sledging featured in our gallery, along with Castle Park in Colchester.

Ipswich Star: Schoolchildren sledging in Castle Park in Colchester in December 2010Schoolchildren sledging in Castle Park in Colchester in December 2010 (Image: Archant)

If these photos of past big freezes bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk or write to Judy Rimmer, Newsroom, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1RS.

To order photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Ipswich Star: Using sledges for a quick getaway during snowball fights at Christchurch Park in 1970Using sledges for a quick getaway during snowball fights at Christchurch Park in 1970 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Children playing in snow at Leiston in December 1980Children playing in snow at Leiston in December 1980 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: People enjoying the snow near Newmarket Road in Bury St Edmunds just before Christmas 2009People enjoying the snow near Newmarket Road in Bury St Edmunds just before Christmas 2009 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Fitting as many as possible onto a sledge as kids take on the hills at Christchurch Park after having a white Christmas in 1970Fitting as many as possible onto a sledge as kids take on the hills at Christchurch Park after having a white Christmas in 1970 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Making a snowman on The Green at Great Bentley, Colchester, in 2010Making a snowman on The Green at Great Bentley, Colchester, in 2010 (Image: Archant)