I’m hitting pause on the gift guides and such today and focusing on one of the things I love to discuss during the holiday season… family fun, quality time together, and favorite traditions we hold near and dear to our hearts. I’ve done a similar type post for the past few years and I love to hear from YOU about what things you look forward to with your families each Christmas, too. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
This past weekend, we headed east to Chattanooga for some MUCH needed Christmas cheer. Mimi and I booked tickets to the Tennessee Valley Railroad North Pole Limited Train months ago and of course I’ve been counting down the days until this little overnight trip for weeks—the best part was that we kept it a secret and surprised Caroline and Carson the night before. Hands down, it made for the perfect little excursion and the girls were SUPER excited of course, complete with new personalized Santa pajamas for their big train ride!
P.S. they still have some tickets available for December, so if you’re looking for a fun holiday event with the kids, definitely check their website here for availability!
Santa Pajamas via Elegant Goods Shop
We arrived in Chattanooga early Saturday morning–heading to Feed Table and Tavern for an early lunch before checking into our hotel downtown. Of course I think Caroline and Carson were most excited to stay in a hotel again… I don’t know what it is about children and “sleeping over” in a hotel, but it’s absolutely adorable! Afterwards, we headed to the depot for plenty of pictures before the big train ride.
Fur Coats | Pink and Gold Slippers | Silver Star Sneakers | Striped Bow Headbands
I’m pretty sure this is a framer!!
Once we got our tickets, we headed to the Private Santa Car for our reserved seats and then the friendly elves served us hot cocoa and cookies once the train departed to the North Pole! It was just the CUTEST experience… storytime learning about the train and how it came to be, plenty of 1-on-1 time with Santa [oh goodness I hope I never forget the excitement and wonder in their eyes], pictures with the big guy and of course bell ornaments to take home and hang on our tree!
simply the sweetest thing ever
world’s best mimi and pappy
Next up for more holiday fun for our family is heading to Cheekwood for their annual holiday lights celebration, driving through the brand new Franktown Festival of Lights, going to the movies to see The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Dickens of Christmas Festival in downtown Franklin, and shopping for our Salvation Army Angel Tree children.
Of course we will be counting down the days until Roxie the Elf makes her return [oh goodie, I better set my nightly alarm NOW], getting out the Advent Calendar to start our Christmas countdown, wrapping presents, baking cookies and just relishing in this season that brings us so much joy. Big hugs friends OXOX
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