The Santa Express 2013

One of our avid and most anticipated Christmas traditions has to be the Santa Express. It is an event we have been taking Leo along too since he was 5 months old. This year was our third visit, and with each year we have gone along, Leo has become that little bit more animated and excited. 

This year I booked it in for Christmas Eve, I had been looking forward to it since the begining of November when I decided to get the tickets sorted. I couldn't think of a better way to kick start Christmas than taking a real trip on the Polar Express! I knew that the highlight of Leo's day would simply be chugging along on a steam train kitted out in tinsel, but for me I was excited for whole experience.

At 2 and a half years old Leo is now at an age where you can discuss where you are going and what you will be doing, so Leo was very excited on our trip to the train station when he realised that we would all be hopping on a 'choo!'. 

The car journey over to the station was full of chitter chatter about our impending train ride, and when we finally pulled up, Leo was skipping along holding my hand. He didn't even seem excited at the prospect of seeing Santa on this occasion, he was all abut the train. 

With one very excited toddler we boarded the Santa Express and found some seats where Leo could sit and stare contently out of the window while he clutched his magical train ticket. Everywhere I looked all I could spy were excited children who were off to see Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. The train conductor was walking up and down the carriage and telling everyone about the magical trip we were about to embark on. 

The funny thing about the North Pole is that each and every time we have visited over the last 3 years, there has been no snow. The conductor explained that due to global warming the North Pole has seen quite a dramatic reduction in the amount of snow that they actually see when they visit. Shocking.. But true. 

You would probably be suprised at just how quickly you reach the North Pole these days, but we go through one very long, very dark magical tunnel... and then you are there! An influx of passengers disembark the train and form an orderly line outside Santa's grotto, ready to see the main man himself. Leo was getting rather sleepy by this point, but we spurred him on and even managed to get a photo of the magical moment.  

We love our visits to the North Pole, they always serve up the tastiest of Mince Pies and with every visit it truly helps us slip into the Christmas Spirit. Leo even being one of the fussiest eaters I know will happily consume the North Pole Mince Pies...

Being on our magical adventure, one we have taken each year since Leo's very first Christmas always puts me in a reflective mood. I cannot help but look back and see just how far he has come, how much he has learnt and just simply marvel at all that he is. This whole adventure that really set out as one just to please me, is now something that Leo absolutely loves. It is something that all 3 of us can enjoy together, and it is set to stay that way for many Christmas's to come. 

You really can see a difference over the years we have been visiting, just look at how grown up Leo now looks in comparison to his first visit.

Excitement for Christmas 2013

Christmas is on it’s way and everywhere I look I can see signs that it is growing ever closer. The adverts are now on the television spreading word of the magic to come, and I have even seen my very first Coca Cola advert of the season.

The Christmas lights have been hung in the town and this weekend they will hold the grand switch on where I will hear my first Christmas songs of this year. We will catch a glimpse of Santa passing with his Reindeer and Leo will be there to revel in everything that is going on. I don’t think Leo will get to close to the man in Red this year, but I know he is going to love watching him from a far and he is certainly going to rejoice when he see’s real life Reindeer.

I have always loved Christmas but the last 3 years have been extra special to me, they have all involved Leo. Each year Leo has appreciated this special day that little bit more, and this year marks the year that he is going to start to see all of the wonders and magic that gets filled into this magical time of year.

Leo knows that Santa fly’s in the sky with his sleigh and Reindeer, and he knows that he brings presents for all the girls and boys. He understands that we have Christmas trees covered in twinkly fairy lights and beautiful decorations as whenever he sees them he starts to skip, and excitedly declares ‘Mismas!’. 

He is at an age where we can read The Night Before Christmas and watch The Polar Express, and he is at an age where he can mentally hold those memories and remember them, as he is always remembering things that have happened weeks/months ago and telling me about them as though they happened just yesterday.

It is only November and Leo knows that something exciting is going to happen, and as the magic of Christmas spreads it’s self all around I know he is going to get so much enjoyment out of it. We have already taken a few strolls around our local garden centre so that he can see all of the decorations, and he absolutely loves it. We took Daddy up to see it last weekend so he could see how excited Leo got, and as usual Leo took to skipping with excitement and pointing out ‘Mismas’ everywhere he saw it.

We have so much to look forward to over the next month or so, and part of that for me is being able to take Leo to all of the local events that will make Christmas that little bit more magical for him. We are heading off on a Santacade (Santa escapade…) this year, and visiting everything that is on our doorstep. It gives us something fun and festive to do with Leo and adds to the excitement that I am already feeling for Christmas 2013.

I have already booked us on our annual Santa Express train ride, something we have been doing with Leo since he was a baby in arms. This year is the year he is really going to get so much out of it. Trains are such a big hit with Leo that I know he is going to be in awe of this adventure! The fact I have even been able to book it in on Christmas Eve it’s self makes this even more like The Polar Express!

So it may only be mid November… And I may already be counting down the sleeps until Santa comes, but it is only because I am so excited to see Leo’s reaction to the magic.

So when you see that I have spent Saturday November 30^th getting busy with the decorations, it is only because I want this magic to last as long as possible, and who can object to lot’s of pretty lights twinkling and putting a big smile on that beautiful boy of mine?

Do you have any plans similar to our Santacade on the run up to Christmas?

Christmas Traditions

Last Christmas Leo was just about to turn 6 months old, and in contrast to this year he is completely different child. At 6 months old he was just beginning to start rolling around the room to get to certain toys that he had set his sights on, now…he runs everywhere and has no problem in getting exactly what he wants.

I have wanted to make an effort at Christmas from the very start, implement traditions that we will carry through the years throughout Leo’s childhood and beyond. Last year we took Leo on the Santa Express train, and it was such a lovely experience even for a baby in arms. I dressed Leo in his festive Santa’s outfit and we set foot onto the express train heading to the North Pole. Even Luke got into the festive spirit and agreed that this would be something we do with Leo year after year, and those photos from the Leo’s very first Christmas will act as a reminder for always.

This year Leo will get so much more out of this magical train ride to visit Santa Clause, and I know in turn I will too. The train ride with all of the decorations will actually mean something to him this year and who knows what he will make of the man in red himself?

For the first time ever we are going to be in our own home, with our own tree. A tree that will need decorating with fairy lights and pretty decorations to let the Christmas magic shine in. Leo’s very own decorations will be getting hung on the tree, decorations that we bought in anticipation of his very first Christmas back in 2011. This will be our very first family Christmas tree and I am looking forward to decorating it and putting these very special decorations on pride of place.

I imagine next year Leo will be at an age where he can help me decorate the tree, rather than pull it down. Next year the magic will be even more apparent and mystifying. When Leo’s belief in Santa Clause and all of his elves is more alive than ever. I can’t help wanting to nurture Leo’s belief in the magic of Christmas for as long as I possibly can, I am already dreaming up the ways that Santa will manifest himself into Leo’s life, confirming his existence at this very special time of the year.

We will be spending the big day at my family’s house, where Leo and I will have Christmas lunch before heading off to visit Luke’s family. It get’s harder to spread ourselves around as on these special occasions everyone wants to see Leo opening his presents.

I have always spent Christmas at home with my family, and that is what I wish to continue. I am open to compromise around Christmas evening where we will visit the rest of the family, so that they all get a chance to see Leo.

Christmas Eve is the most magical night of the year to me, I think it even tops Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is when all of the anticipation is at the highest point, I could never sleep on Christmas Eve when I was a child, and last year I was just as excited as I was way back then. As Leo slept soundly in the next room, my stomach was doing somersaults in excitement for the next day!

This year I will be reading Leo ‘The Night Before Christmas’ just as I was as a child. I have asked Santa if he will drop off 1 present early for Leo, his Christmas Pyjamas, with his slippers and a dressing gown. All ready for the next morning when we head down to see whether Santa has been or not.

I feel more excited by the thought of Christmas than ever, I guess it gives me a second shot at reliving all of the magic that comes with it, even if I am living it through Leo. I have to admit that I often sneak a peak at where Santa is via Norad Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve, just to see what he is up to and what part of the world he is flying through…It will be great to show Leo this when he is older…At least then I wont be watching on my own!

What are your Christmas Traditions? And what will you be getting up to this year?

Leo's First Christmas

Dear Leo,

This Christmas was your very first, the tree was ready and your stocking was hung, awaiting the many presents that Santa was bringing in on his sleigh. My excitement must have rubbed off on you, as there was no way you were going to sleep. Despite my greatest efforts you were awake until gone 10pm on Christmas Eve.

I tried explaining how Santa just would not come until you rested your head and closed those brilliant blue eyes of yours, but still....you just would not sleep. I have to admit, you were lovely company and the giggles you provided were a real treat on every ones expectant ears.

When you finally went down, Daddy and I ensured that Santa would have a glass of milk and a well deserved mince pie. After everything was in place we all made our way to bed.

Even I couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve. It was like being a child again and the excitement was alive in all of us...and I swear that in the early hours of the morning....just after you had awoken for a bottle...I heard the sleigh land with a thump on the roof and a clutter of hooves dancing along the roof slats, a few moments later I heard a thud down stairs! I can only imagine that Santa had just clambered down the chimney and was now delivering your many presents!

I settled you back down and again retired to bed, only to be awoken early on Christmas day, 7am in fact and it wasn't long before the rest of the family made their way downstairs to the masses and masses of presents that had appeared under the tree!

Santa had indeed been in the night and it looked as though his work shop had exploded in the front room! There had never been more presents than their had been this year. We all sat and helped you open your stocking.....before you proceeded to fall asleep on Daddy's new gaming bean bag for what felt like forever...

Leo you had woken up so early that you were still too sleepy to even consider staying awake, when you did finally wake up...your Aunt and Uncle had done a Taz Manian Devil type of hurricane around the Christmas tree, and the living room was now covered in wrapping paper. I looked over at the tree and realised that the majority of what was left...was all yours. Santa must have seen what a well behaved baby boy I have, and rewarded accordingly.

We helped you open all your presents....you were a pro at getting into your gifts. Although it has to be said...you would have just been happy with the wrapping paper. Although I expect next year when you are running around...this will all change.

Leo, you were supposed to have your first taste of Turkey and Christmas dinner, but just as dinner was served up, you let me know that you were ready for yet another...nap! So I took you up to bed and tucked you in, there was no fight put up from you and you fell asleep...instantly. Missing the entire lunch festivities.

Christmas dinner was Turkey with all the trimmings...and we all tucked in, while you were busy dreaming little dreams in the land of nod.

With the day drawing to an end, you still had many presents under the tree and when we had finally opened all of them. I had to wonder where we were going to house them!?

• A Winnie the Pooh Walker...
• A Fisher-Price Amazing Animals Choo-Choo Train...
• A big Mickey Mouse...
• A plush Winnie the Pooh..
• A ball pitt..
• A giggling ball..
• A Fisher-Price Kick n Play Piano...

Just to name a few! There were more than we could ever play with in a day alone, well more than you could. I have to be honest and tell you...I played with all of your presents before you ever did. Of course I tried to involve you to the best of my ability...but the child in me called me on.

We popped over to your Grand Pops in the evening, so he too could see you opening your presents and marveling at the wrapping paper. Soon after getting you back home and settled for bed, down you went and off to sleep you went...

Your first Christmas was a lovely day, having you around brought so much excitement into the whole of Christmas. You were just turning 6 months old, but you knew something was going on.

My Christmas present from you was amazing...In the week running up to Christmas day, you were becoming so strong. Your back was getting straighter and whenever we sat you up...you sat for longer and longer! You are still a little shaky...but you are almost there! My little baby can sit up!

I remember last year (Christmas 2010) sitting and thinking what my life would be like next year....Last Christmas I was around 12 weeks pregnant with you and now you are 6 months old. Time has flown by. Not for one minute did I know just how amazing this year would be. I feel like we have both grown so much and I am so proud!

Merry Christmas bubba!

Much Love, Mummy xxx

P.S....

How were all of your Christmas's? Did you all get everything you dreamed of? Were your little rays of sunshine spoilt? I would love to hear all about it!

I was spoilt rotten, Luke presented me with the most amazing camera...so I guess it is just more of an excuse to take even more photos!

Merry Christmas all!!

P.P.S....I just wanted to share some more of my favourite photos from this Christmas.....

Christmas Time Traditions

With Christmas almost knocking on the door, it has got me thinking about long running family traditions that complete your annual festivities.

For me it is important to spend Christmas at home with my parents, brothers and sister. Obviously this year...Leo is going to be joining in the festive fun, and I want to carry on my own family traditions and also bring some new ones into the equation.

Normally Luke and I have Christmas at our own parents home, and then meet up after we have had our Christmas lunch and exchange gifts. This year we have had to debate....who gets Leo? Obviously we both want to be with our baby boy and share his first Christmas with him, and watch him play with his wrapping paper, marveling at the joy in his eyes!

Luckily we have reached a compromise and we will all be spending Christmas at home with my family, and opening the house up in the evening for Luke's family to come and visit Leo and share the festive cheer. It is so hard to please everyone, but for me Christmas is only Christmas at home.

The last thing I want is to intrude on Luke's traditions with his family, but how do we meet each other half way without gallivanting all over the country?

Leo's presents have all been hand crafted in Santa's workshop and are safely wrapped, ready to be delivered to Leo on Christmas day in his very own personalised Santa's sack. His named stocking is ready to hang on the fireplace, and there is even talk of the glass of sherry and mince pie that will be left out for Santa to have a sit down and rest bite on his night time cruise.

We all have our own tree decoration in our house, one that dates back to our very first Christmas. To carry on this tradition I have purchased Leo some of his very own decorations. He has one with his name and also one specifically aimed for baby's first Christmas and allows me to put in a picture of him enjoying his big day! When Leo is of the age of being able to decorate the tree, we will do this together as a family. This is something that should be fun for everyone involved, and I will love sharing this task with Leo, I will lift him up high to put the angel pride of place on top of the tree for everyone to see.

When I was younger we always used to read 'The Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve, this always used to fill me with excitement, and I hope that this will instill in Leo also.

I grew up with all the belief in Santa, and I want Leo too as well. I want him to get excited about the man in red flying his sleigh through the night with Rudolph lighting his way to bring presents to all the girls and boys. I want him to believe in the magic of this time of year, for as long as possible. I am so excited about Christmas this year, and this is all down to Leo, It is a day truly all about children and having a baby, for me makes it so much more special.

Leo will be leaving out a carrot for Rudolph on the lawn, right next to his 'Santa Please Stop Here' sign, who knows maybe in the morning there will be hoof prints and a half eaten carrot...curtousy of Luke :-)

I have already told Luke that I want us to take Leo on the Santa Express train local to us, he seemed amazed that I wanted to do it this year...when Leo wont even remember it. This may be the case, but pictures tell a thousand words, and I shall be taking so many photos! Leo will have such a detailed childhood told through pictures and words, so he will be very aware of it, even if it isn't a crystal clear memory in his mind. I will tell the story to him.

I really want to get a picture of Leo with Santa this Christmas, I only hope this is still possible...with all the regulations these days, I have been told that children can no longer sit on Santa's lap! If this is what the world is coming to then how sad is that? If the innocence of having a picture taken of your child and Father Christmas is gone....then I am utterly lost for words! Unfortunatly I am determined to obtain this image and if I cannot do this on our exciting train journey, then I shall be on the hunt for a grandparent or two to play dress up!

I am currently planning some exciting activities for Leo and I to do over the 12 Days of Christmas and the run up to the 25th December 2011, consisting of baking, days out and other crafts! We are going to be in for a busy but enjoyable time.

So I have to ask, what are your family traditions? Do you carry on traditions your parents past down? Have you implemented your own traditions in order to add your own magic to Christmas?

I look forward to reading all about your traditions and may even take some of your ideas on board to add more festive fun to my list!

For more Christmas Time Traditions head over to Romanian Mum in London and read all about her festive traditions!

Now we just have to wish for snow!