For almost a year I kept a secret from the kiddies, and as December approached I was bursting with excitement. I knew how I would have felt if my parents had told me we were going to the North Pole to meet the ‘real’ Father Christmas when I was younger. The day arrived and Ice Sprite (our Elf On The Shelf) brought their invitations from Father Christmas. I must admit it was a bit of an anti-climax. Of course they were happy, but I thought maybe they would feel the euphoria I was feeling. My two sons carried on fighting over the advent calendars and my daughter realised she was going to miss film club and brownies! As it sank in over the next few days they couldn’t stop talking about it. We had a countdown on our christmas cubes, and they kept shrilling with delight every so often. We showed them a little video clip of what they were going to see. I wanted them to enjoy the anticipation, give them time to build the excitement.
So the night before arrived, and the two eldest children couldn’t sleep. The youngest wasn’t really old enough to understand what was going to happen, but I knew he would absolutely love sharing it with his siblings when we got to the North Pole. My daughter said she was trying to sleep but her body felt too excited and she couldn’t sleep. My son went to bed at 7pm and got out at 7.30pm asking if it was morning and if we had to go to the airport. It was really lovely seeing them so excited.
I couldn’t sleep. I felt like I did the night before my wedding. I was also slightly worried I would sleep through my 4.30am alarm. Well, I didn’t need my alarm, I was awake at 4am. I remembered when I was little and we used to fly to Italy and we were woken when it was dark. I felt like that child again. The children were so excited and kept shrieking at different times. The taxi arrived and we were off.
When we boarded the plane they had christmas carols playing, there were games and quizzes all the way and the air stewards donned elf and santa hats. From take off to landing they were amazing. We flew from Manchester to Ivalo in Finland, and the flight time was only 2 hours, 45 minutes. The view was amazing as we landed. The elves were at the airport to meet us and they had a reindeer outside. We were only 30 minutes from the airport, which is perfect when you are travelling with little ones.
With most trips to Lapland you are given good thermal outer suits and boots for the duration of your stay. They also provide gloves and woollen socks for you, which you receive as soon as you get to your accommodation. We stayed in Saariselka, Santa’s Hotel Tunturi. The hotel there is lovely and modern. The chalets are roomy and have saunas (be warned, these take 4 hours to warm up!) and a heated storage cupboard to pop in your wet clothes (hats, gloves, inners for your snow boots). We had a half board package for 3 days and 2 nights, and you only need to buy a lunch when you get there as food is provided the day you go on the ‘Search for Santa.’ We flew on the Thursday morning, and had the afternoon with the toboggans. We had actually already paid for dinner in with the package but the children were exhausted so we got a take out and went to bed early, ready for our big day at the Arctic Circle Centre.
The big day came and the coach arrived at the Arctic Circle Centre for 10am. I did wrap us all up extra warm as we were informed it can be up to -10 degrees less heading to the Arctic Centre. The children had their thermal tops and thermal leggings under their jogging bottoms, a long sleeve top, a thin jumper and a fleece (and it was my best friend’s idea to take balaclavas). I was not risking anybody being cold. We all kept toasty warm all day. I did take a couple of extra pairs of gloves and hats as I know what young ones are like. Especially when they are taking them off and rolling around in the snow. I also bought us a pair of woollen socks each, best purchase ever. They did recommend two pairs of woollen socks being ideal and as they provided a pair too it was fab. I can’t believe I have never experienced the comfort of woollen socks…where have they been all my life?
Before we left for Lapland we were told to write our letters to Santa, and pretend to post them. We had to take them with us to pass over to the elves (in secret) so that Santa could have them ready to read through with the children. When we arrived at the Arctic Centre, I felt my heart racing faster and my eyes welling up. It was so authentic and magical. The kids could play ice hockey, ice fishing and go on the toboggans whilst waiting for our ‘Search for Santa.’ There were teepees where you could have warm berry juice and pancakes around a fire…divine!
So, the moment had finally arrived, it was our turn to jump in the sleigh to go to ‘Santa’s Lodge’. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it is. Knowing the children think they are going to meet the ‘real’ Father Christmas, the wind on your skin as the snowmobile sped through the forest, the silence through the snow-driven woodland….and feeling like at 36 years old you are going to meet the ‘real’ Father Christmas, there is nothing like it. As we drew closer to ‘Santa’s Lodge’ we could see all the elves jumping around being mischievous outside, waving and shouting out “Helleeeeeewwww!” “Oh my God,” I thought, I couldn’t quite believe we were lucky enough to be there. We all dismounted the sleigh and my daughter held one of the elves’ hand to walk around to the door. The kids knocked on the door, and we were in. It was really authentic, I loved the log stools and the view of snow through the window. I did have a giggle to myself at Santa’s Finnish accent, struggling to read the hand-writing from the kiddies’ letters (I had actually written two of them, which is why I was smirking). You can’t put a price on the magic of meeting the ‘real’ Santa. They each received a little reindeer teddy too, which was cute.
We headed back to have a ride on the reindeer sleigh, which was amazing. My 5 year old stopped me from trying to guess the reindeers’ names that were guiding our sleigh. He was worried if we said the names correctly they would take off into the sky *heartmelt.* It was a much slower, peaceful journey with the reindeer and very relaxing. We just took it all in. The reindeers take you around to the Ice Bar for a hot chocolate and some elf entertainment. Apparently alcohol was being served too, but I thought I would refrain and save myself for the Gala dinner that evening. The huge igloos and ice sculptures are magnificent, and you could feed the reindeer too.
You don’t get very many hours of daylight and there was something lovely about racing through the snow-filled forest as the sky was turning dark. The parents had a lesson on how to guide the huskies, whilst the children were kept busy by Lapland children entertainers. The huskies were raring to go, the barking noise was immense. Once they were off it was amazing, totally exhilarating darting through the snow. We definitely had the friendliest pack. The children loved it, and it was the one thing my 2 year old kept talking about before we got there. Think he enjoyed it more than meeting Santa.
We had totally worked up an appetite so went to the restaurant chalet to eat lunch (which was included in the package), and I must say I was really impressed. Being half-Italian I have eaten more spaghetti bolognese than you can imagine, and this was good stuff! We had a bit longer playing in the snow but then by 4pm we wanted to head back to get ready for our Gala dinner. I ensured the two boys had a little nap as I knew how the evening would end up if they didn’t, the pure hell we all know and love.
It was a lovely night with games and disco for the kids. The food was out of this world. I couldn’t believe it for a buffet and for catering for so many people. I wish I had tried the salmon, people said it was the best they had ever tasted! As they closed the restaurant we all moved downstairs to bust some moves to the live band. The kids were in good spirits until 11pm and danced their little woollen socks off.
It was a magical trip. It was something I never imagined I would do as I always presumed it was too pricey. Looking into it though, it only worked out the same price we would probably pay for a family of 5 for a week in the summer holidays, but yes you only have 3 days, not 7. The magic is so worth it though. I would love to go back when they are older and go on the Ski-Doo snowmobiles and do a bit of skiing too. Our travel agent, Travel Counsellors were absolutely amazing from start to finish. I dealt with Emma Parry-Thorpe (emma.parry-thorpe@travelcounsellors.com). Her customer service is second to none. I can’t believe how accommodating and efficient she was. Emma was in contact throughout the whole 10 months prior to going. She kept me organised with what info was needed and even emailed me PDF’s of invites for the children from Santa requesting their company in the North Pole! Now that is great service! Emma has also sorted our summer holiday next year too. Emma has been organising Lapland trips for years and has only had amazing feedback.
So, what are you waiting for? Get organising your trip for next year. My daughter said to me, “Mummy, when we got here I had to pinch myself to believe we were really in Lapland, and we are!” Priceless! There is nothing like Christmas when you have children in your lives, and this is a dream come true. Amazing memories I will cherish forever. And I believe in Father Christmas all over again.
mammarazziblog 
