It's Christmas! Day 12: Seeing Santa

It’s Christmas! is a 25 day blog and vlog segment that I’ll be doing this December to bring you crafts, reviews, and ideas to make your Christmas season even more fun this year (especially, with this pandemic thing we’re all trying to navigate).

Hopefully, my family can inspire yours to not let this crazy year ruin the holiday season for you.

Going to see Santa is something we’ve done every year since my son was born. At first, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to even take the risk involved with my son seeing Santa. In fact, I had basically decided it wasn’t going to happen. Then, I saw an ad on Facebook for Bass Pro Shop’s Santa Experience. It looked like a really good option with all the precautions they were taking. So, I talked about it with my husband and he approved. My next step was to talk to my son. He was honestly so excited that we had found a way for him to still see Santa. We made sure to set his expectations at a realistic level. You’re not going to sit on Santa’s lap. Instead, you’re going to sit on a wooden bench in front of him. There will also be a plexiglass wall between you and Santa. You can still talk to him, though. You might just have to talk a little louder since you'll be standing 6 feet away. You’ll need to wear a mask except for when they're taking your picture. And you know what his response was? “So, I’ll still get to see him, talk to him, and take my picture with him?” “Yes.” “Sounds good to me!”

I mean, come on, so proud of his positive attitude.

So, I had to make a reservation in order to see Santa. I believe I saw somewhere that they allow up to 5 families per 15 minute reservation period. However, I’m not 100% sure about that. Reservations are released 7 days prior at midnight. We already knew we wanted to go on a weekday to make sure the crowds in the store wouldn’t be very heavy.

When we got there, we checked in, got our temperature taken, and then waited 6 feet away from the family in front of us. They had a cute little Bass Pro Shop themed 12 days of Christmas thing going on for the 6ft apart place markers. We got there early so we did have to wait a while. And while it didn't feel like they rushed anyone with Santa, we also didn't feel like we waited very long. We also watched the girl sanitize between each group which made us feel better. Overall, our experience with Santa was great! We received our FREE picture, a cute little color-your-own ornament, and a pouch of hot cocoa. I ended up paying $15 online in order to download the picture digitally because I wanted to be able to print it.

So don’t let the pandemic get you down. Whether it's seeing Santa virtually or through a plexiglass wall, don’t miss out on seeing Santa this year.

And as always, from my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas! Day 11: Drive-through Lights

It’s Christmas! is a 25 day blog and vlog segment that I’ll be doing this December to bring you crafts, reviews, and ideas to make your Christmas season even more fun this year (especially, with this pandemic thing we’re all trying to navigate).

Hopefully, my family can inspire yours to not let this crazy year ruin the holiday season for you.

With all of the uncertainty this year, and so many people not wanting to be in crowds, and the risk of getting sick, one of the safest activities, and one of the most common activities to do for Christmas this year, is going to a drive through lights display. I have seen SO MANY advertised this year. And they come in all price points from free to $75 per vehicle and beyond.

Since drive-through lights are so popular this year, it is possible that some of the ones near you may be sold out if they take reservations. And if they don't take reservations, you might have to wait in line for a while to get in. We had to wait about 45 minutes to get it on a weekday. I can't even imagine how long people wait on a weekend. But you know what the best plan is for all this? Have a good attitude! It's okay if you can't go. Drive through some neighborhoods instead. Or bring games to play while you wait. It's all about your attitude this holiday season. You will have as good of a time as you plan to have.

Anyway, every year, we go to FOLEPI, which stands for Festival of Lights in East Peoria, Illinois. It costs $10 per regular vehicle. We always bring snacks and hot chocolate while we blast the radio station that the lights are timed to while in the comfort of our own car. You can bring pillows and blankets and wear your PJs to really make it the most fun experience. Just sit back and relax!

I just love Christmas lights. This is such a fun experience that we do every year, but we’re especially thankful for it this year.

As always, from my family to yours, Merry Christmas!