We have started a bit of a family tradition over here, without even really realising we were doing it! A few years ago everyone told us that Center parcs was the place to go over the winter period because they did so much for little ones and the whole Christmas theme. Luckily for us, Toby’s birthday falls on the first weekend that they offer their special Winter Wonderland theme, so we take the weekend off, pile ourselves in the car and take the short trip to Center parcs to celebrate his birthday and visit Santa. While it’s not an extravagant trip, it’s one of my favourite weekends of the whole year, and it seems to be for the kids too. Reuben has made a special request that we go back for his birthday in March, which is now all booked up… exciting but scary with a possibly only 4 week old baby!
We usually visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland Workshop on the first day, and then celebrate Toby’s birthday the day after with presents and the such. We eat mince pies, get the log fire burning and spend our days splashing around the pool, taking family walks and enjoying spotting red squirrels and rabbits! We go on reindeer hunts (they do bring them in from a local zoo at the winter workshops, so we always get to find them) and write letters to Santa. I wanted to share a few of my favourite pictures with you from this past weekend, I really can’t wait for next year and it always gets us right into the mood of Christmas (though I’m banned from decorating the house until December 1st!).
This is something that I love. Center Parcs place these woodwork reindeer all around the resort and at night they are lit up. Reuben was in his element spotting them! I also love the fact that they run workshops so that you can learn how to craft one of these amazing sculptures yourself!
There are so many things like this for the kids to get into and to enjoy. Reuben thought this was hilarious!
I may have shed a little tear or two in the tub that evening. This was the day before his birthday. He turned 2. There is just no way those chubby, chip filled cheeks are that of a baby anymore, he is officially a toddler!
When we went to visit Santa we took as Horse & Carriage ride to the Winter Wonderland. It’s only a few minutes, but the boys get so excited and they love it!
I love this picture. Roo thought that the reindeer buckets were great, and I think that might be something we recreate this year at home for the garden.
He was feeling cheeky and decided that a spot of hide and seek was needed to liven everyone up!
Visiting Santa, Toby insisted on being carried, despite the fact that I was already carrying a heavy enough load!
Birthday ice cream for the world’s cheekiest two year old. *Sob*
I hope you liked looking at our pictures and that you will give Center Parcs a go one year? It really is worth it and it’s just what is needed to get the family away from technology and into the wild while everyone gets in the Christmas spirit!
Harriet x
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