A world of magic
On Christmas Eve the family drove through wintry pine and spruce forests that looked like they’d been wrapped in cotton wool until they reached a cabin in the woods where they were greeted by a Sami shaman.
The children watched wide- eyed as he danced and sang folk songs in his native tongue, retelling the story of the Arctic Circle Crossing. Slurping salmon soup and hot chocolates around a roaring fire, they made gingerbread cookies and Yuletide crafts.
In the winter wonderland outside they tobogganed down gently sloped hills, made snowmen and rolled up snowballs, pelting each other and anyone else within range. Best of all, they tried snowmobiling, weaving between trees and along deserted trails.
But it was Santa they’d come here to see and, like kids the world over, they hoped and prayed that presents awaited. As snowflakes billowed upon the breeze and a rhythmic clattering of ringing bells cut through the silence, a reindeer appeared through the swelling mist, an empty sled hauled behind. It had come to deliver them to Saint Nicholas. eyes twinkled behind glasses above a face full of whiskers. His kindly smile beckoned them closer, to where presents were laid out on the floor at his feet.
Weeks before Christmas, the boys’ parents had asked them to write him a letter listing all the good things they’d done and the gifts they hoped to receive. Their wishes were noted, and Santa duly handed out soccer boots, cricket bats and the like, just as they’d requested. He had added a surprise of his own: soft, fluffy and barking, the boys looked at him quizzically.
“They’re huskies,” he said. “To jolt memories of Finland.”
The two boys couldn’t believe their eyes... but believe in Santa, they did. They left with a cuddle, then returned with their parents to the cabin they called home. “I can’t believe he really wore red,” said one. “Or that his beard wasn’t fake,” mused the other in disbelief.
“So, do you believe in him now?” their mother asked.
“Of course!” they chorused. For another year, at least.
Information
www.visitfinland.com
Getting there
Finnair flies to Helsinki and Europe from Australia in partnership with Qantas and other oneworld partners. www.finnair.com/au
Do
50 Degrees North has an extensive programme of winter tours through Scandinavia. www.fiftydegreesnorth.com