What a crazy hectic week it's been! Last minute Christmas shopping, dinner parties, recitals, holiday functions and one ginormous snow storm...but all in all it's been simply perfect! I love this time of year and although it sometimes seems like time just flies by, I can't help but enjoy the chaos the holidays bring. That being said, we've still managed to make plenty of time for popcorn, cuddles and endless Christmas movies. Finding that perfect balance is key to enjoying the season.
One of the highlights of our holiday adventures this year was visiting the Kortright Centre for Conservation and taking part in their Magical Christmas Forest. This is one of the many special events offered at Kortright. If I remember correctly, ticket sales began in the summer and most dates sold out fairly quickly. Unfortunately when my neighbour and I went to purchase tickets in October we only had a few nights left to choose from and even then we had to make a special request to attend during the same time slot...note to self - book early next year! Tickets range in price from $18 to $25 (baby Jack was free). Here is the link to their website and special events section: http://www.kortright.org/whats-on/special-events.dot
Some photos from the evening...
Considering this was our first year, my neighbour and I really didn't know what to expect but overall the experience was exactly what we had hoped for. However, I still thought it would be appropriate to compile a list of Dos and Don'ts for anyone interested in attending next year.
Do plan on spending about 3 hours. You are given a 4 hour time slot but you can definitely accomplish everything in a shorter period (even with a large family).
Do pack a picnic dinner for everyone to enjoy. Kortright provides tables for eating and they allow outside food. We decided to take the kids for dinner prior (which also worked well).
Do bring a stroller if you need one. The grounds are stroller friendly.
Do stay late and let the kiddies fall asleep on the way home - it worked wonders for us!
Do check out the gift shop...you'll find some cute decorations, stocking stuffers and loads of maple syrup!
Do plan on doing Santa photos with the entire family and do bring a camera. They allow you to take your own photos in addition to the one printed copy they give you on the spot (at no extra charge). It was actually nice this year to skip the crowds at the mall and get their Santa photo done at Kortright - although my kids weren't exactly prepared for a photoshoot...we went with a casual snowmobile jacket look -ha!
Don't be late for your scheduled Santa time. They run on a strict schedule and you're only allotted a limited amount of time.
Don't bother bringing proof of registration. They have all the names on file at the entrance.
Don't overdress the kids. The majority of the activities are inside with the exception of the campfire which is right next to the indoors (so you can easily pop back in), the wagon ride (which is a little bit of a walk but the line-up is short as well as the ride), the elves workshop (offers a little shelter) and last but not least Santa Claus himself (you have to wait outside to see him, but once inside his cabin you'll be toasty warm). To be honest we spent so much time inside warming up, that it was nice to get out into the fresh air! I would recommend light slush pants that can be removed easily when indoors. My neighbour opted for jeans and long underwear on her three boys who are older than my kids. Heavy snow pants are not necessary unless the temperatures are way
below zero.
Don't forget to find all the names of your children on the Good List. We almost missed heading over to the Elves workshop, but thankfully Santa reminded us to go and check it out.
Do enjoy the final few day before Christmas! Don't stress and spend as much time as you can with your families!
Have a great week!
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