I am such a big child at heart - Christmas is unquestionably my favourite time of year.
In my world, there is no maximum age to question one’s belief in Santa, so visiting the main man in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, had topped my wish list for a long time, and I was excited.
Despite still being on crutches following knee surgery, nothing was going to deter my friend Amy and I from getting on that plane and spending the day being big kids.
We set off for Manchester the night before our early start with a naïve plan to get a few hours’ sleep.
Tiredness wasn’t an option, with several of Santa’s Elves greeting us at the 5:30am check-in to get everyone into the swing of things. No doubting where we were going, with Santa hats distributed and the singing already started.
I had pre-booked special assistance at the airports, as navigating stairs was still a little torturous, and Amy pushed me through the airport before the impressive ambulift completed the ascent to the aircraft.
The flight had been chartered solely for the Lapland trip, so this was no usual journey - with games, songs, food, kids on the tannoy and even someone playing a guitar. It was noisy!
The descent from the plane wasn’t so efficient but I made it to the coach eventually where our lovely elf, Almond, escorted us all the way to the warehouse to be provided with our snow suits, gloves and boots.
I am not a small lady so I was very anxious they would not cater for larger humans - but I need not have worried as they had every size imaginable - and I quickly got myself into a snow suit ready to get out and play.
We were off to the playground - one with reindeers to pull us in a sleigh, huskies to mush through the woods, sledging slopes and so much snow for us to make angels with - it was the best time.
The crossing of the line ceremony takes place in a traditional Lappish hut with a warm open fire in the centre, and we were seated around it to stay warm and enjoy magical stories whilst enjoying a hot drink made from Lappish berries.
Our appetites had been suitably whetted and the buffet restaurant had a range of yummy foods to fill our bellies before it was time to find Santa!
By now the light had gone and we were surrounded by the most magical landscape, with snowy walkways through the trees, lit up by small lights to lead the way to Santa’s cabin.
Upon arrival, you had to knock to make sure he was home, before entering in just your group. He did not disappoint; with his long white beard and small spectacles, he was most definitely the real deal.
There were small gifts for children - I obviously tried to explain that I was someone’s child but alas no present for me - and we chatted about what we had done to be good, as well as taking the obligatory photos.
Then it was off to Santa’s village, an incredible place filled with lovely small shops with handmade gifts, treasures and clothes.
The Artic Circle runs right through it and is marked by a line of lights, so you can hop, walk or jump in and out – a unique experience!
There was a final opportunity for some stillness and reflection over a hot drink after all the fun, before returning our snowsuits and beginning the journey back to the plane.
Christmas dinner was served on the flight back though everyone was quiet, with lots of children unsurprisingly sleeping.
The final icing on the cake came when the pilot caught sight of the Northern Lights, and then turned the plane and dimmed the cabin lights so we could all see the spectacle.
A perfect ending to the trip of a lifetime and some wonderful memories that will stay with me forever.
If you have ever contemplated the Lapland experience, trust me it is incredibly special.
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