The countdown to Christmas is on! If your family is like ours, then you love holiday activities and creating lasting memories with those you love. Creating yuletide traditions can be a fun way to get in the festive spirit of the holiday season. From trains to trails, brunch to baking, we’ve picked a handful of favorites to share with your family.
DEAR SANTA… LISTS AND LETTER WRITING
There is something fun and magical about creating a Christmas list with your kids. From helping them decide which items to put on it, to writing the gift ideas while having them explain why it’s so desired, and then the precious wonder that comes with the thought that soon Santa will get the mail and know exactly what the family wishes for. Whether you’re at an event with a special mailbox, or notify your own carrier, it’s a tradition that is fun to start when your kids are just old enough to write their name.
TAKE A FESTIVE TRAIN RIDE
After we sent off our letters to Santa, it was “all aboard” The Polar Express Train! Millions of families are familiar with the 1985 classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg and the feature film, with the same title, starring Tom Hanks released in 2004. Now your family can relive the magic of the classic story as you’re whisked away on The Polar Express train for an immersive one-hour trip to meet Santa.
Of course, our families had to get into the theme as we wore our matching pajamas for the train ride, just as the boy in the book did on his adventure. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, once on board we were greeted by our host with smiles and song! They punched our golden tickets, danced down the aisles with “hot, hot, hot” hot chocolate and served us giant snickerdoodle cookies.
We got to read along, and help turn the pages, as massive books filled the the cabin sharing the sweet story of The Polar Express as we made our way to the North Pole. The kids were jumping up and down when they realized that Santa actually boarded our train and he went on to give each of us the first gift of Christmas — a keepsake sleigh bell.
We made some wonderful memories on our The Polar Express train adventure! The best part is that regardless of where you live, your family can travel on the train as they have locations across the country. There are two in Southern California and we went to the Perris location. Multiple train rides run each day from now through December 29. You can see the schedule and book tickets HERE. And don’t forget to wear your pajamas! If you like ours, or are looking for options for everyone from infants to grandparents, be sure to check out the selection at Smocked Polkadot.
HEAD TO THE NORTH POLE
Nothing says family bonding like a road trip and while your sleigh may not take you as far north as the North Pole, Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead is a great day trip or weekend getaway. Your family will be magically transported to where Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and some of their friends live. From meeting Santa himself at his house or burning off those candy canes by ice skating, mountain biking and ziplining, there is something fun for all members of the family.
There’s something about the mountain air that recharges you. Whether you want to be adventurous and active or just meet Santa, everything is included with your admission. Our family enjoyed doing a little bit of everything. For the active guests, there are mountain bike trails, ziplining, archery, ice skating and even a “zipline” and beginner bike trail for younger kids. We loved the ice skating rink. Our family loved meeting Santa Claus. We also stopped by Santa’s workshop and wrote Santa a letter. There are also magic shows and puppet shows for the younger guests. Read our entire review about Skypark at Santa’s Village here.
CHRISTMAS COOKIES: BAKING AND DECORATING
One of our family’s favorite traditions is baking together. Whether it’s a family recipe or you’re trying something new, nothing says the holidays are here like filling the kitchen with the aroma of fresh baked cookies. Gingerbread men rank among our favorites to decorate. So slather on the icing, grab the gum drops, chocolate chips and other festive candies to transform your cookie into a delicious masterpiece. It’s always a fun time when you combine kids with sprinkles and frosting! It can be fun taking a cooking or baking class together. Our boys enjoyed learning from Chef Angela from Amore Kitchen. She offers cooking classes in your home and boutique catered events. She even has a Polar Express Cooking Class.
Other fun ideas you can do with Christmas cookies. We also love making plates and giving them to our neighbors. Add a Christmas card with a note about why you appreciate that person and share it with people that you interact with on a regular basis. This could be your delivery person, a coach, neighbor or barista. Baking cookies can be a fun activity to do with extended family especially if it involves multi-generations. Ask everyone to bring their favorite recipe and do a cookie exchange. You can even make it a competition.
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
Beat the lines at the mall and have a holly jolly morning with Santa Claus! Whether you kids cry when they see the big man in the red suit, or cling to his knee as they share a continuous list of gifts they promise they deserve, your family is guaranteed to have a great experience at Hope 46 Restaurant for holiday brunch and pictures with Santa. Located in the Lafayette Hotel you can make reservations for Sunday, December 15 to dine with Old Saint Nick.
POOLSIDE WITH BUDDY THE ELF
So many of our family memories surround movies, especially at Christmas. A season cannot go by without us watching classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, animated favorites like The Star, and comedies like Elf. This is why we love the idea of getting into the festive spirit at the Lafayette Hotel’s FREE Film & Float poolside movie Sunday, December 22 at 6pm. Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious adventure from the North Pole to NYC! It’s a perfect way to countdown the last few days before Christmas. Hot cocoa, cider & holiday cookie decorating for the kids. Plus, drink specials & hot appetizers for the adults. Seating is limited. Blankets are encouraged for our outdoor screening under the stars! More details at www.lafayettehotelsd.com
