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| Waiting for the train to take us to the city |
Friday couldn't come quick enough this week. It was the day I planned to take the little dude to see Santa. Yes, it's only November, but who cares? Last week's visit to the store to check out the Myer Christmas Windows was just enough to whet the appetite for all things Christmas. So when I announced that we were going to visit Father Christmas today, Eddie was so excited. He started running around the house shouting "ho ho ho"!
The whole journey into the city was filled with anticipation for Eddie, who kept repeating that we were going to see Father Christmas. The train ride was fun, as we played a game where we spotted trucks, cement trucks, diggers, car parks, bridges and tunnels. None of this excitement made Eddie forget the reason for our journey - the kids was focussed!
Last year the Santa photo experience was an experience I wasn't too keen on repeating. It involved a 40 minute wait in the queue under hot lighting on a hot say. Eddie spent that 40 minutes pushing his stroller into people and by the time we reached the front of the queue he was miserable. Meeting Santa was terrifying last year. He cried and cried and screamed and kicked off his shoes. It was an ordeal. The 2014 photo says it all...
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| December 2014 at 17 months old. |
I'm so glad we went early this year. Toddlers don't do queues! We only had to wait a few minutes, and during that time we had friendly elves chatting to Eddie as he watched the elf-train going around the outside of Santa house. Before we knew it, another elf appeared and told Eddie that Santa was ready to see him. We followed the elf along a path and then she asked Eddie to knock on the door. It was the fourth door, which means that they have a very well-thought out set-up this year... multiple rooms for multiple photo opportunities - and with no chance of any of the kids seeing inside a different room. Eddie gently tapped, and then another elf opened the door.
Inside Santa was sitting on a big chair, and there was a toy Rudolf curled up by the fireplace - it was even breathing. The elves and Santa told Eddie that he could pat Rudolf, which really helped him relax before going up to talk to Santa. While he was patting the reindeer, Santa asked Eddie what he wanted for Christmas. Eddie replied, "scooter". Santa then asked "what colour?" and Eddie replied "green one". Santa went on to ask if he wanted a basketball, and Eddie looked at him like he was insane and said "no".
Eddie was still holding onto my leg a bit, and it really didn't look like he was going to be totally comfortable to sit with him for the photo, so Santa suggested that Eddie sit on my lap just this time, and next year he might be able to do it himself. So that's how I got roped into being in the photo again this year. At least there were no tears at all - in fact Eddie looked happy!
After visiting Santa, Eddie jumped on the little train that surrounds Santa's house. This was the first ride he has been on without me, and he loved it! Most of the kids on the little train looked like they were 2 or 3 years old - they all seemed a bit stunned and excited to be putting around on the ride. All the elves were waving at them as the train did its laps, and the kids were all just staring back. Very cute.
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| November 2015 - Hello Santa! |
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| Riding the train around Santa's house |
Well done to all the elves for being so good with the kids at Santa's house. They must get soooooo busy as Christmas gets closer! I highly recommend getting in early for your Santa visit this year, so the whole experience is a fun one. When are you visiting Santa this year? I'd love to hear about your visit - please leave a comment and keep me updated on your visit!
If you've just stumbled across my blog, thank you for visiting! Please take a look at the Start Here page for a great summary of what you can expect from my blog, with links to helpful resources and my most popular posts. I hope you enjoy the blog. xx Ali
If you've just stumbled across my blog, thank you for visiting! Please take a look at the Start Here page for a great summary of what you can expect from my blog, with links to helpful resources and my most popular posts. I hope you enjoy the blog. xx Ali
So cute how excited he was! Sounds like a great trip! Santa pics are great for memorabilia to look back on as kids get older. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristina - yes you're right!
DeleteVery cute! We have yet to get a good Santa pic.. First X'Mas she screamed her head off as a baby and frightened poor Santa. Last year we skipped entirely since vehemently said she did not want to do it. This year she seems keen - we shall see ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Hope she enjoys it this year. Once you get over that hurdle, hopefully she'll enjoy future visits too!
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