I Met Santa Claus in the Arctic Circle!
Ever hear of a place called Lapland? But firstly, do you (still) believe in Santa Claus? Oh you know the whole deal: Santa and his reindeers?
Just like our parents who dutifully kept Santa’s “secret” to us little tots every Christmas, there is an actual place on Earth that allows you to celebrate the magic of Christmas all year round!
Rovaniemi, Lapland
So in the northernmost region of Finland is Lapland. Its capital is Rovianemi. This is where the Arctic Circle is – the official home of Santa Claus!
No, for the real.
No matter what time of year, upon entering the Lapland airport, you suddenly forget where you are because all you can think of is, “oh my goodness, it’s Christmas!”
Where is Santa?
In books, Santa lives in the North Pole. Technically, the Arctic Circle is south of the North Pole. So I guess you can say they are almost the same thing. I mean, one can only hope Santa’s toy factory with all those elves make up a large part of the planet right? More toys for you! Haha!
From New Haven to New York
Today’s episode officially marks the Christmas season on the VLOG.
What better way to welcome the season of magic, of giving and all things fuzzy & nice (although a little naughty never hurt anyone, wink) than with a film about Santa?!
Just as I shot my Thanksgiving episode in YALE University, New Haven – yup – so extra isn’t it?!
This time around, am coming to you from Bryant Park Christmas Village in New York City! Silly me wanting to add more sparkle to your holiday…
You know the drill: WATCH, WATCH, WATCH as this written post is merely an introduction for the Christmas film.
Santa’s Village
Of course, I will never contest that Disneyland is “the happiest place on Earth.” However, Santa’s Village in Lapland, the only amusement park in the Arctic also delivers its own unique kind of magic – getting to meet its permanent resident, Santa Claus.
The Christmas-themed amusement park is located right on the Arctic Circle – another showstopper as you’ll see in the episode.
So apart than meeting Santa and his elves, you can step from one side to the other. How cool is that? No pun intended.
Then what’s the big deal with the Arctic Circle you might ask? For me at least, it is pretty much like saying you are standing on the North or South Pole! How many times in your life can you actually say that?
Watch today’s episode as I show you all around Santa’s Village, meet Santa himself and explain why standing on the Arctic Circle is bucket list-worthy!
Reindeer Farm & Sleigh Ride
Like milk & cookies, Santa and his reindeers always go together. How else could he deliver countless gifts to boys and girls all over the world?
One of the highlights of Lapland is visiting one of many reindeer farms. In fact, there are sooooo many reindeers in Lapland, both wild and trained. So much so that nearly every restaurant, from Mexican to Japanese, reindeer meat is always a menu offering.
Reindeers are used for farming in Lapland as carabaos are in the Philippines. What an awesome Santa moment riding my own rustic reindeer sleigh that thank god my phone didn’t fly over as you’ll see my reindeer was a bad – I mean, naughty ass!
On top of that, we also got to feed the many reindeers and learned so much about these beautiful, gentle creatures over hot cocoa and biscuits.
The Magic is in You
The greatest thing about dreaming a dream is that, it has no boundaries and they are yours to keep.
Your faith, your hope and your imagination are the little cheering squad in your heart telling you to never stop believing in yourself.
No one has to know for only you hold the secrets to your heart.
Santa is not necessarily a person. He is a symbol of the things you wish for. The dreams, the aspirations and the desires of your heart that you always long for!
Likewise, Santa and the season of giving are reminders for us that it is not always about receiving. Offering our time, our kindness, our sincerity are the greatest of all gifts. For they are the intangibles never to be found under the Christmas tree. They are given straight from the heart.
That for me is the greatest gift of all – ourselves in all its warmth and authenticity.
PINKY PROMISE
Promise yourself or shall I say, be nice to yourself as Santa would hope for…
Always remember, for as long as you are alive, you should never let the fire of your dreams die – the magic that pushes you forward.
Magic is in knowing you bring a joy to this world that no one else can compare to. The gift that you are worthy of love and worthy to be shared.
Sharing my heart and my kind of magic with you today and everyday!
MORE STOCKING STUFFERS
Next week, exploring more of Lapland as I take you to see the Northern Lights and what it’s really like sleeping inside a snow igloo!
HOLIDAY BINGE
Since Finland is part of Scandinavia, enjoy more posts from Northern Europe here, here, here, then more here, here here, annnnnd here! HAHA! Loads to binge watch on this holiday!
While you’re at it, share some love with me this holiday by subscribing to my YouTube channel
You ready to watch today’s Christmas story?
Happy Holidays from my heart to yours…
Love, Light & Magic,
B