Christmas in Finnish Lapland

Well above the Arctic Circle, we arrived at Saaga Spa Hotel in Yllas in the half light that was lunchtime; by the time we'd unpacked it was almost dark! The holiday was planned ostensibly to meet the big chap in the red coat, but as we were staying for nine days had planned to make the most of our visit.

Chris and Ruby had booked ski lessons and as both were complete novices they had mixed feelings about taking up this addictive sport. Needless to say, by the end of the first lesson they were both hooked, though a little bruised! Yllas is a fantastic place to learn with its floodlit, well-groomed pistes and excellent instructors. I had no concerns leaving them to ski after their lessons had finished, so they were able to hone their newly learnt skills.

A highlight of the trip for me was the husky mushing through the forest. Great fun was had by all with a keen pack of dogs and stunning scenery. It was all over too quickly and I wished we’d booked the longer trip!

Surreal is the only way to describe the Snowhotel where we had booked to spend the night. Until you get inside it is impossible to appreciate just how beautiful it is and how much work has gone into creating this temporary masterpiece. Come spring, it will be gone! We had fun and games bedding down for the night and trying to get dressed again the morning! The photos really don't do the place justice, especially the wedding chapel which was truly magical.

As we wanted to cross the Arctic Circle, albeit from the north, we chose the more commercial Santa experience and whilst the whole concept was wonderful (and indoors!), I think as a family we would have preferred a more 'authentic' experience. Ruby did get to meet the man himself though decided to have a shy moment or two - I think she was a bit overwhelmed meeting the ‘real thing’!

Everyone we spoke with really enjoyed the reindeer safari. We opted for the longer ride through the sparkling snow-covered forest, snuggled under a blanket in the sleigh and afterwards enjoyed warm berry juice and sweet bread before going into an enclosure and feeding some hugry reindeer by hand.

As it had been cloudy for the first few days, there hadn't been any chance of seeing the mysterious Aurora Borealis, but Christmas Eve presented us with clear skies right through into the night. It was midnight before the first grey/green wisps appeared and we knew we'd need to go for a long walk to get away from the street lights. That's the problem having an eight year old with you that is desperately tired! There was no way Ruby was going to manage a long walk so we resigned ourselves to hearing about it from other guests at breakfast - and yes, we'd missed a treat!

Last time I went on a snow-mobile, I was riding pillion about 20 years ago in Italy, so foolishly I thought I'd give it a try on Christmas Day. After getting kitted out in extra-warm clothing, thermal boots and a rather fetching helmet we were instructed on driving the snow-mobiles, safety procedures and so on. There was about seven vehicles and all the children were towed in a 'sleigh' behind the guide. And I was driving solo! Off we went, speeding along icy tracks, racing across a frozen lake and roaring into the forest. At least it felt like we were going faster than a bullet, but when I looked at the snow-mobile ahead it seemed that the speed was more like that of a mobility scooter! They were waiting for me to catch up and eventually I did, but then they all had to stop again as I crashed into a tree! Oh, what fun! Don't think I'll rush to try that one again!

We have many wonderful memories of our time in Lapland (snow-mobiling is not one of them!) and if you'd like to hear more about our adventures, please get in touch. I'd be delighted to help you plan your snowy adventures!