Anyone spent Christmas in Lapland?

[cowssheephens]

What was it like? Any must do traditions?

We are hoping to go to a church service but apart from that no other local traditions. Am I right in saying that they celebrate on the 24th and open gifts on the 24th?

[cowssheephens]

Anyone...just looking for ideas on what to do on Christmas Day. Although I'm sure the DCs will be happy to play in the snow.

[attheendoftheday]

I haven't but we're going just before Christmas this year (and I'm very excited!).

I lived in Finland for a bit as a student an what I recall of the Christmas traditions was that they had a Christmas stud goat who would visit with presents tied to it's horns.

[cowssheephens]

Where are you going to?

We are going to Yllas. I'm am beyond excited.

Have you booked activities or are they included?

[attheendoftheday]

We're going to Luosto. Activities are included, we're doing dog sledding, reindeer sledding and lots of playing in the snow with elves. What about yourself?

[cowssheephens]

Dog farm & sledding, reindeer farm & sledding, ice hotel, Santa in woods booked. Hoping to ski for 2 days and I would like to try ice swimming...although it looks like I will be doing it on my own! Church service on Christmas Day would be lovely too.

How old are your DCs?

This is our first 'big' holiday and the DCs are very excited.

[attheendoftheday]

Ours will be 5.5 and nearly 4. Your trips sound fab!

I lived in Finland for a bit and I can recommend ice swimming. We had a local sauna with ice swimming, it actually felt amazing but was not recommended for kids.

I haven't told the kids yet, still considering how far in advance to tell them.

[cowssheephens]

Oh your DC are going to be so excited when you tell them. How and when are you going to do it? 😆

We will have to take smaller and most wanted gifts over and keep the rest for opening at home I think.

Swimming sounds lovely, just hope I will be brave enough on the day.

Did you live out there over winter?

[sleepisforthetired]

Sorry to jump on with questions. Can anyone who has been on the day trip confirm if its worth dressing the children in ski clothing, or just the layers and wear what is provided?

[cowssheephens]

Are they providing the all in ones for you?

If so, layers are needed and nothing cotton next to the skin. That's what I've read online. Where are you going?

Hopefully someone else with Lapland experience can give you an accurate answer.

[jdubb]

We were lucky enough to win a trip to Lapland a couple of years ago. I found out in the February, but we didn't tell the kids until Santa left an invitation for them in the 'Magic Advent tin' on December 1st!! They were beyond excited, and it gave them an adequate time to enjoy the build up, without it seeming SO far away!
It's truly magical - enjoy EVERY second!!

[sleepisforthetired]

We are going in December Cows, to the Santa Park (indoors and then sledging etc outdoors)

[sleepisforthetired]

We are going in December Cows, to the Santa Park (indoors and then sledging etc outdoors)

[sleepisforthetired]

Sorry - posted too soon!

[sleepisforthetired]

Shoot me now - how hard is it to write a paragraph!

Anyway - we are doing the Thomson "Secret Grotto" day trip. I appreciate its sheer madness, but its been a horrible year and the older one deserves a something special, so we are doing it

There are so many trips to chose from, but this one suited us as a family best

[flapjackfairy]

Sorry a bit l8t to this but we have been to yllas twice but flown just after boxing day. I am beyond jealous . It was amazing ! The best thing we did was husky sledding. Truly amazing . Also snowmobiling was great. . You need to have driving licence and it helps to have it with you. The activities are not cheap but well worth it and even younger kids can take part. Reindeer safari was a waste of money though we felt. Try and have Reindeer steaks if you can (yes I know but they don't keep them as pets you know ! ). There is a great restaurant in the santas workshop which is amazing in itself and does wonderful decorations. Oh you have taken me back to frozen forests and lakes and the smell of woodsmoke in the air ! Have a wonderful time. You will make memories that will last a lifetime.

[flapjackfairy]

Hi sleeping . If they say clothing provided they do give you gloves boots hats and huge all in ones (it is impossible not to think Michelin man ). We took thermals and own skiwear for longer trip and wore all of that with the huge all in one provided over top for husky sledding as minus 27 at times. I would travel in thermals and tracksuits and put stuff provided over top. Make sure to take waterproof gloves and those things you can use to heat up inside gloves are good for children. It was very well organised and getting clothing sorted was no problem. Hope that helps. Enjoy.

[Mumtogremlins]

We went to Luosto last year. It was just the best, most magical place and I wish we could go back. Luosto is a lovely little place in the middle of nowhere which was perfect for the northern lights. I feel so lucky to have gone

[Mumtogremlins]

Are you going with Canterbury Travel? If so, they were fab, and those elves were amazing!

[Humidseptember]

og farm & sledding, reindeer farm & sledding, ice hotel, Santa in woods booked. Hoping to ski for 2 days and I would like to try ice swimming...


** sounds amazing!!!!

[cowssheephens]

We are taking our own ski wear. Do you think they will be warm enough? But will have the Michelin man suits on while on certain excursions.

Need to buy some hand warmers, didn't think to buy them.

We can't wait, our DD has had a tough year health-wise so this treat and excitement is certainly needed for her.

[lokijet]

hi
I have booked on the spur of the moment for DS (6) and I to go for 4 nights with Thompson (pallas - wilderness lodge)

Has anyone done this trip or similar just wondering what to pack etc and interested in feedback/ top tips

[Natsku]

Hey I live in Finland and have spent many winters in lapland. You'll need thermal underwear, trackie bottoms, long sleeved shirts and jumper and then ski clothes or the provided all in ones over the top. Wear thin gloves under the bigger waterproof ones. Balaclavas under a wooly hat are best. Wooly socks and snow boots. Christmas time isn't always that cold but best to be prepared.

Christmas traditions are opening presents on the 24th after dinner. Sauna and ice swimming/naked roll in the snow are fun and invigorating. Its traditional to visit graves and light candles at Christmas so if you want to see something very pretty then visit a graveyard.

[attheendoftheday]

Mumtogremlins yes we're going with Canterbury Travel, I'm please to hear it was worth going. I am beyond excited!

Thank you for the info Natsku .

lokijet how are you going to tell your kids? I'm trying get to come up with a good idea for mine.

[cowssheephens]

Thank you Natsku

We shall be doing the same then and opening gifts on the 24th. Is there normally church service on the 24th?