To think going to Lapland is more likely to make kids stop believing?

[growlum]

Sister is in Lapland with niece and nephew.
They are 6 and 7.
I think there is a strong possibility they will come home no longer believing in Father Christmas, because the magic will have gone.
As a child, if somebody told me I was going to Lapland to see father Christmas, I would most definitely have been looking forward to seeing flying reindeer, tiny little elves and an incredible magic workshop like in all the Christmas movies.

There is no way my expectations would be met, and once I had visited lapland to find a distinct lack of observable magic, and rather a lot of gift shops, I think that would be the end of it for me.

AIBU to feel worried and a bit sad that this may be the end of my niece and nephew’s belief in Santa?

We went a few years ago when DS was 5. It was magical. A ride on a bobsleigh thingy from the airport to the village, fairy lights strung up through the trees, then there were reindeers, rides on big sleighs pulled by reindeer, more snow than you could possibly imagine, Santa in a lovely room, he knew DS's name and a bit about him so was able to talk to DS as if he knew him. A present that DS really wanted (still have it to this day).

My only comment is to make sure you book a trip to see a Santa dressed as your kids expect to see him. There are santa villages serving different customs apparently. I didn't know this, but a friend went another year and the Santa was wearing green, which did confuse her kids.

Exactly this.

I used to believe that you travelled to see Santa in the North Pole by riding an mdf sleigh through a dark room with moving blacklight painted walls at the back of the Co-op.

Never questioned coming out of the exit door back immediately into the home wares department.

Looking at old photos now the Santa was highly questionable. 😂

I took my DS to Lapland and we went to the Joulukka Secret Forest. The level of detail they go to is absolutely incredible. Forest night time walks with the elves, reindeer everywhere, cookie making in a tiny elf house, hot chocolate and stories round a campfire. And the secret toy factory was just incredible. Absolutely magical.

The winter weather gear was provided on our day trip. We put it on at the airport at the other end, and our coats went into lockers.

How festive

Yes I have. The souks, riyads, mountains, buildings, sounds, sights and smells. Mesmerising! Of course it's not similar to Lapland! Like I said, I would happily go to either for different experiences.

We took our kids when they were 9 and 7 , the 9 year was not remotely convinced, the santa was rubbish.

I really do find the level of investment in kids believing in Father Christmas as long as possible among some posters here very strange! We never did the Santa thing with DC, just didn't sit right with us. I totally get why some people do it, but I really find it perplexing how into it some adults get - and absolutely wild that there are apparently 10 and 11 year olds (with no SEN or anything) out there still genuinely believe these days! When I was growing up most kids had figured it out by latest 7 or 8. Once I'd found out he wasn't real, I was part of the "grown up" circle and would help with gift buying, wrapping etc for younger siblings and cousins. It was nice, and fun in a different way. A rite of passage I suppose, the first time being sat round the table with my mum, aunties and grandma helping with the wrapping while the wee ones were in bed. It can still be a lovely time, even when the belief in Santa is long gone!

Lapland looks amazing and I imagine it would be brilliant and feel magical even as an adult. I wouldn't think you need that fervent belief it's all real to enjoy it?

You are probably right and I wondered that with my DS but he had such a fun time and as long as there represents in Xmas day, I don't think he really cares! I do wonder how we can ever take him to see another Santa now! I also wondered why the Lapland UK documentary was broadcast as family viewing! I haven't watched it but not sure how they could keep up the pretence that it's talking a documentary! I'll have to catch up and see.