First trip to the North Pole, on the POLAR EXPRESS!

I finally got the pictures uploaded from our first visit to the North Pole! Hunter was so excited to ride on the Polar Express. Roman was anxious to explore the new surroundings. We are hoping to make this an annual event :)

Hunter and Roman with their tickets!

The boys and daddy watching for the North Pole lights!

Luckily, our elves gave us some special elf spray to make us get their faster. The North Pole is a long way away! Especially by train. They also kept everyone busy by singing Christmas Carols and reading the Polar Express story. They also gave us hot chocolate and cookies while waiting for Santa to board the train!

Santa got on his knees to talk to Hunter, who at that moment suddenly got very shy. He told Santa he wanted a truck for Christmas. If only his wish list stayed so small ;P

Santa holding Roman, he`s not too sure about this guy in the crazy red suit!

By this point Roman is done with Santa. :))

It was such a special evening for all of us. While we still aren`t sure about incorporating Santa into our traditions (neither of us celebrated a traditional Christmas as children). I think we`ve found a medium in explaining to the kids about Saint Nicholas and how we all are *santas* to the poor. This year we each picked a name off our parish`s giving tree (a tree with tags for the needy instead of ornaments). The kids each (ok, Hunter) picked out items for the tags we picked. He even helped wrap (taping and sticking the bows on).

I`d be interested in hearing how others celebrate Christmas. And, if it includes Santa or not...and how you explain it all!