Going to see Santa!!

[yinyang]

We're all going to Lappland for the day to see Santa at the beginning of next mont ( Haven't told the girls yet, they'll be so excited! ) .
Was hoping somebody else who had been could give me their experiences - what the best stuff to wear is, is there anything you wish you'd taken, did you manage to get any photos in the extreme cold; just general tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. x

[Dassie]

Don't let your little girls sit on Santa's lap.

[VillageVicar]

What a lovely trip! The children and I have done it on the Iceland Air trip. Are you doing the overnight trip or the day trip? If it's the day trip...my oh my...are you going to be exhausted!

Your camera will do just fine...what won't do too well is your wallet...it's a bit like entering Harrod's Grotto and leaving by way of the toy department. Sleigh rides are a must...photos with the reindeer...and there will be plenty of opportunities....

The only thing that was slightly challenging for us was the wind...typically it isn't always windy...it was a beautifully clear day and the snow was glistening...(they pump a little extra out overnight!) But I ought to have had a bit more than caps and scarves for us...but we did fine...in fact, we all commented a few weeks later that it was much colder in Copenhagen than it was in Lapland!

You'll have a lovely time...don't forget to take photos of your children on the flight as well!

Bon voyage!

Fr Bill

[netibiza]

Are you going with First Choice as a friend of mine is going there to work as Santa's elf for 6 weeks, (mind you she's chubby and over 40 - so you should notice her!!)

Lucky lucky you, I've always wanted to go there.

[yinyang]

Thank you Fr Bill. Huskey and reindeer sled rides are included in the price but I'm sure you're right - i'll have my purse drained. it is just the day trip but we're going on a saturday so can spend sunday in bed and I'm sure sheer excitement will probably keep the girls going all day.

Neti, we're not going with them so i won't see your friend unfortunately, sounds like she might make a good mrs santa : ). Have to admit I'm really excited too. The girls are the perfect age - 5 - for this kind of thing and I think it's going to be something we'll remember for ever.

[VillageVicar]

Yin: Have a wonderful trip! It's a perfect time to go and at this age, that memory picture will remain forever. I first took my son on a camera safari in Kenya when he was five. Today, he remembers more of it than I do. I took my daughter, when she was five, on a ballet and ice skating trip to New York...again..she remembers the most intricate of things I have forgotten all these years later!

Hava a fantastic trip!

Fr Bill

[yinyang]

You're up and about early this morning Fr Bill.
I know what you mean, my two remember great detail of our trip to Disneyland, paris last year, much more than I do. Mum and Dad were there too, it was dad's last trip before he got ill so I'm glad we got to do it. Apparently, the santa trip was his idea, he was really keen to take us and the girls. Now of course, it will just be us 4 and mum going.x

[VillageVicar]

What a lovely idea! I'm sure you'll have a lifetime of memories, especially as you reflect on your father's thoughts for those he loved.

I'm only just back! Had a 6am Mass for a group of firemen. Now I'm preparing for a funeral later in the day. There should be several hundred attending and I've written participation for the family, where parent and children will gather around the coffin for the committal.

I love celebrations of life when we do them this way. I drive the funeral directors crazy because they never know what to expect. But it always keeps them on their toes!

Have a fantastic day!

Fr Bill

[yinyang]

Hope your day goes well, Fr Bill.
I hear small people moving around now so time to get off here and go look after my little flock : )
Take care and thanks again for all your help .x

[netibiza]

Have to admit that on a recent trip to Helsinki I ate reindeer, now I feel guilty.

[yinyang]

I've eaten it too, neti. I think as long as the reindeeer you ate didn't have any red glowing bits you'll be fine. :0)
It's the Husky ride I'm looking forward to and we've been told there is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights - that would be lovely. oooh, I can't wait! x

[netibiza]

I was waiting to see the sun set at 3am but I always fell asleep.