December in Lapland by Karin Baine

A few years ago we decided to take our two boys to Lapland for the day. Although it likely cost as much as a week in the sun we figured it was a once in a lifetime experience we wanted to give them.

As a certified Christmas-a-holic I don’t know who was more excited at the prospect, me or 



the kids. Okay, it was me. Not least because we didn’t tell the boys where we were going until we reached the airport.



It was a very early start on a dark and frosty December morning but the Christmas sing-a-long on the flight kept us all wide awake until we reached Rovaniemi airport in Finland.

The first stop was to get us all dressed in appropriate weather gear – boots, mitten and rather attractive all-in-one suits. Even with thermals on underneath nothing could prepare me for the cold when we stepped outside into the snow. I could actually feel the inside of my nose beginning to freeze!

It was a short drive to the main activity hub and we started off with a gentle reindeer sleigh ride around the forest, led by locals dressed in colourful traditional costumes. From there we had the choice of husky dog sleigh rides and snowmobiles for the more adventurous. When we felt the need to warm up there was a mysterious figure telling stories by a camp fire.

Of course the highlight of the trip was the journey to see Father Christmas in his log cabin out in the middle of the forest and the boys were delighted when he was able to tell them exactly what they’d put on their Christmas lists. Each child left with a cuddly Reindeer toy and then it was off to Santa’s Village so Mum could buy her own souvenirs.

The children had a chance to send postcards home at Santa’s Post office where the elves were only too happy to help. Before we left we even got the chance to see the Northern Lights flashing in the dark skies so we all left with our dreams having come true.

All in all, although it was an expensive trip we were able to do everything you would ever associate with a visit to Lapland and it’s a trip we all treasure. It’s just unfortunate we don’t have too many photographs to document the fun we had because it was so cold the camera froze!

About the Author

Karin Baine lives in Northern Ireland with her husband, two sons, and her out-of-control notebook collection. Her Mother and Grandmother's vast collection of books inspired her love of reading and her dream of becoming a Harlequin Mills & Boon® author. It wasn't until she joined her critical group UCW that she started to believe she could actually write – and only her husband's support enabled her to pursue it. At least now she can tell people she has a proper job!

 

Karin Baine on the web:

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Karin's new book:

Their Mistletoe Baby 

A Christmas dream come true 

When handsome pediatrician Lucas Brodie walked out on his wife, Freya, at Christmas, he le



ft her heart and hopes for a family shattered. This year, nurse Freya is determined to put the pain behind her by volunteering on a trip to take sick children to Lapland. But then she discovers Lucas is coming, too! 


As they begin to fall in love again, Lucas wonders—could he give her a family after all? Can he put his past behind him? Perhaps an unexpected pregnancy could be the Christmas miracle to make Freya's dreams come true…

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