It was the trip of a lifetime and I needed to plan it very carefully. Everything had to be just perfect! It hadn't been my intention to wait until Ruben was 14 years old to organise this beautiful trip; it just hadn't been viable before then. Luckily we're both loyal, avid fans of the big guy in the red suit, so Ruben's age was irrelevant!
So we set off on our journey to Lapland in early December, brimming with excitement and anticipation and bundled up with warm clothes and good cheer.
As soon as we stepped through the aircraft door, we knew we were in for a treat. There was Christmas music playing over the tannoy and the air stewardesses were wearing Santa hats! We looked at each other with big smiles on our faces, amazed at this unique experience.
We were told to wrap up or they wouldn't allow us off the plane – and they weren't kidding! Temperatures of -10 degrees centigrade hit us as we walked down the stairs and stepped onto the thick snow; but our hearts immediately warmed up when we saw this big round sign, as soon as we entered Arrivals, which quoted “Rovaniemi The Official Airport of Santa Claus”. Christmas was here!
We then embarked on the final leg of our journey, which was rather peculiar as it was already dark even though it was only mid afternoon!
Ruben and I darted to our room, quickly changed into our snow gear and went straight out again to explore the surroundings. We had never experienced anything like it before. Kids were toboganning down the little hill that led to the frozen lake and just 50 metres away was the snowmobile hire!
When we were back in the hotel, I made sure I booked us on as many excursions as possible. We had a sample of a reindeer ride. These guys were depicted to perfection in The Santa Clause, let me tell you! Even down to the grunting they make. So cute! The following day we were taken by bus to Santa Village. The path up to the Village was magical – bright coloured lights at intervals on the snowy hill. It was still dark at 10 am so the effect was enchanting. We had quite some fun inside – we had tea and snacks whilst we watched a show put on by the elves, we visited Santa's post office and Ruben even sat behind the big guy's desk! But the highlight of the day, of the entire trip, was yet to come.
The next day we undertook the most adventurous event of our holiday – snowmobile ride through the forest.... at night! Unfortunately, there are no photos as the excursion proved not uneventful and needed all my concentration. I'd never driven a snowmobile so I was a bit careful at first. However, due to the stupidity of the guide in the middle of the line of snowmobiles, who revved up and left us behind, we managed to get lost in the forest! Thankfully, there was a guide holding up the rear of the convoy so she took over. Needless to say, we spent over an hour, completely lost and my snowmobile even plunged into a snowdrift – now that was scary!
On our last evening, the hotel arranged a special Christmas dinner for all their guests. They dressed up their expansive Dining Room with Christmas decorations, the tables laden with Christmas crackers and all the trimmings. We were sat a a large table with a charming couple from the UK and their two boys. It was a magnificent dinner where we exchanged pleasantries and general chit chat and ate a sumptuous meal worthy of any Festive dinner!
After Santa gave out presents to all the children in the hotel, he sat down in the lobby for photographs. We stood back to allow the children to sit with him, but one of the elves approached us and said “Would you like to take a picture with Santa?”. We jumped at the chance like two little kids! Cheese all round please and thank you!
I've been on many holidays to different parts of the world, but never has one felt so special. This trip was full of magic, goodwill, adventure and dreams coming true! As I looked back at the hotel when it was time to go, I was tearful but my heart swelled with joy as I waved goodbye to this beautiful place. Well, not goodbye but “Au revoir”!
 xmas.png)