Lapland - not the UK one!

[HappyAsEyeAm]

I would absolutely love to take DS1 (who will be nearly 5 yo) to Lapland this year. My fear is that maybe next year he won't quite believe in Father Christmas, and so the magic will be lost. So I feel that this year is my opportunity to take him. I know that it would be a lovely trip even if he's not entirely sure about Father Christmas, but I think this is THE year really.

Any recommendations please for travel companies, length of trip, what to take etc?

We would be taking DS2 too - he will be 8 months' old.

We went twice with Canterbury travel - long time ago now. First time for a day trip, which I wouldn't recommend and second time, a two night stay. At the time they were the top company - we certainly loved it. My kids are old and cynical now (12 and 14) and they still talk about it - the 14 yr old remembers the northern lights from when she was 4!

Not sure about taking the baby if you have an option to leave him with someone. It's an active trip - lots of snow, walking up snowy hills at dawn, toboganning, sleigh and husky rides.

Hi have a quite search for threads as there have been a few in the past few weeks which i have also responded to. The companies, what they offer and prices vary massively and even different resorts with the same operator vary their itinary!

I was keen on Saariselka because of how far north it is for snow guarantee and the fact its quite traditional (not a ski resort). After much research (months!) i found Thomsons offered the best deal (about £550 per head for 3 nights currently). We go 16th December.

I think your DS would be too young though - every operator says over age 2 and many say over age 4! The temp in Dec averages -10 to -27!!!! The thermal wear they provide only starts from age 2 and is much more efficient than normal ski wear. Plus one of you will be unable to take part in the activities as you have to be 3/4 to go on the huskies etc so one would have to stay with the baby? They also suffer the cold much more because they are less active.

5yrs is very young to not believe in santa so i would imagine you have 3 years or so to go?

Not trying to be over negative but Its such a lot of money to spend for a few days it'd be a shame for them to go and have no memory. Personally im worried about dd who'll be 5! DD age 7 still believes and from research will be the best age for lapland.

I'd seriously consider waiting til they are 3 and 7:)

my girls are 7 and 6 and still believe. i would leave it 2 years until baby is a bit bigger and able to join in.

I think we will leave it a couple of years then.

DH wouldn't want to leave DS2 at home, and you're right - he's too little to come in those temperatures.

As for not believeing, I still have a vivid memory of someone in my class at school when we were in reception telling me that Father Chtistmas didn't exist. She had seen her parents take her Christmas toys out of the boot of the car, apparently. My mum was gutted. She tried to tell me that it wasn't true and that I had to believe otherwise he wouldn't come etc etc, but that seed of doubt was firmly planted.