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.

The Polar Express

One of the Christmas traditions we implemented with Leo very early on was a visit to Santa's grotto, but not just any trip. We wanted to make this trip into a magical journey for him, so that is exactly what we did. 

On the 21st December 2012, the day the world was predicted to end we jumped on the Santa Express and set off to the North Pole. 

Setting foot onto the train you could feel the Christmas cheer roaring around the many excited children,  there were decorations and people singing Christmas songs. The atmosphere really did make the journey even more magical. Leo could not sit still and from the start of our journey to the very end, he had ants in his pants!

With our journey underway and the countryside rolling past us as we made our way to visit Father Christmas, we all prepared our belongings as it would not be long until we arrived in the North Pole, not on this magical train. The train conductor wondered through the carriage as we grew closer to our destination, he told us to keep our eyes pealed for Reindeer upon coming through the magical tunnel. He told us that the snow was yet to fall at the North Pole this Christmas which would make our journey a lot easier!

We were lead into the grotto where Leo came face to face with Santa for the second time and I had my reservations as to how he may react. My instincts were right, as Leo didn't want to sit on Santa's lap this year. As soon as Leo was in Santa's grasp his little lip quivered and he began to cry. So Daddy sat next with him while they discussed presents.

The Santa Express is a fantastic experience for families and I love that it brings the whole experience to life. It is not everyday you set off into the countryside on a magical steam train to see the wonders of the North Pole!

As we all climbed back into the warm confine of the train, all of the Elves and Father Christmas himself came out to wave the train off. Leo stood on the table waving to everyone out of the window. He waved and waved until the train pulled away from the station and then sat back down to enjoy the journey back home.

How does your little one react to the big man in red? Did you visit Santa this year?

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 and The Santa Express - Cheltenham Santa Special Train

Dear my lovely Leo,

On Saturday 17th December 2011, your Daddy and I took you on a very special journey. A journey to visit Father Christmas for the very first time! You were coming up to 6 months old and not quite sitting up by yourself, but you seemed to enjoy the magical experience all the same, Even your Daddy seemed to succumb and enjoy every moment.

We started our journey to Santa's Grotto, at Cheltenham Race Course and amongst all the other families off to visit Santa, we all climbed on to the very distinguished steam train and went to find ourselves some seats. We managed to secure ourselves a private booth on the train for just us 3! Many other families on the Santa Express did not get this luxury, and for us it really did make the whole experience even more spectacular.

Our private booth was kitted out with tinsel, and our window seats let us look out into the cold station, where we could see all the people hustling about and the conductors pointing everyone in the right direction. There was steam coming up from under the train like a thick fog which really did put a magic spin on a our imminent departure.

Leo you were so well behaved and I like to think that you knew that the whole day was about you, and introducing you to the magic of Christmas.

The train slowly started tugging along, and before long we had picked up speed and were jetting across country to go and meet Father Christmas. The whole train was alive with Christmas Cheer and we could hear families with young children singing carols and talking about how excited they all were.

We passed so many different scenes of winter wonderland, and by train was really the very best way to see it all. You could tell how cold it was outside but we were lucky enough to be inside a warm carriage, looking out of the frosted windows into picturesque settings fit for the North Pole.

It seemed to take us forever to reach Santa's Grotto, but we made it and after a very festive train journey, we were one of the first carriages to be invited off the train and go into meet Santa Clause.

We gathered up all our belongings and made our way off the train, we only had a little wait before we were called forward and onto another train. This new train was decked out in Christmas decorations, from it's roof down to it's wheels, and it was apparent to me....that this was where Santa was hiding.

We walked into a carriage and round a corner, then... there he was....Santa was sat at the other end waiting... waiting just for you Leo.

Your Daddy was the one to place you down on Santa's knee, he talked to you about Christmas fun and festivities, he explained that on Christmas Eve after himself and the Elves complete a years long job of making presents for children across the world, he gathers his 9 Reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid,  Donner, Blitzen and of course Rudolph, to travel all around the world in 1 night. He explained how he stops at every boy and every girl's house bringing them presents...if they have behaved well throughout the year. Santa told us all how he parks on the roof and slides down the chimney with a sack of presents for each family. If the family have been kind enough to leave out a snack he will take 5 minutes out....sit down and enjoy the goodies, before making his way back up the chimney and off into the night to finish his rounds, before everyone starts waking up and seeing that Santa has indeed been in the night.

Santa then presented you with a present, you were none the wiser but it was a special moment for all of us. It was then that I vowed I would take you on the Santa Express train each year as part of our Christmas Time Traditions.

Our time with Santa was magical but had to be cut short to allow the other boys and girls to come in and meet the man himself. We left Santa to continue his work and made our way off of the train and along to get a hot drink and mince pie from the canteen that was provided, next year Leo you can too indulge in your own mince pie.

Then Leo, it was time to make our way back onto the steam train, and leave Santa and his many helpers behind, it was time to go home as there was so much more work that Santa and his elves needed to get done for the big night, which was now a week away!

You proceeded to fall asleep in my arms for the duration of the journey home, but you seemed to have enjoyed your afternoon, with all magic and wonder that came with it. Your Daddy and I really loved taking you and even though you don't remember your first visit. We do. We will always remind you and show you the photos. We will tell you the story of your first visit with the man in red for many years to come and we hope you enjoy it as much then as we did when we took you.

We love you Leo, Merry First Christmas and may it be filled with magic and happiness, now and for many, many years to come.

Lots of Love,

Mummy & Daddy xxx

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!