Here Comes. . .
SANTA CLAUS!
When my oldest was 2 and my second son was a baby, we lived in California. Like so many parents, we took the boys to see Santa.
Santa's platform was outside these stores, I think it was actually a grocery store. The lines weren't crazy and we got up to see him pretty quickly. Tristian, my oldest son, being the happy kid he was, literally went running and jumped into Santa's arms to give him a big hug. (Obviously no fear!) What was really special was we were able to catch the happiness and pure joy on his little face. Santa sat down with Tristian and let us take pictures and talked to the boys. It really was fun.
However it came time to move and that meant finding another Santa for my kids. We went to the mall! UGH!! Nightmare! The Santa was nice enough but the lines were crazy. No pictures, except the overpriced ones you were forced to buy if you wanted a memory. Um, no thank you!
We went to the Kitsap Regional Library! Their event was better. Santa was a pretty cool dude. The library also provided some activities or snacks or something for the kids. They had a good time and it was nice. . . but it still didn't feel right.
Finally we stumbled upon the Log Cabin in Port Orchard. It was a bit of a drive and the days and the hours that Santa visits is limited. I heard he was the best so off we went.
We drove up to this super charming Log Cabin. Yes, it really is a log cabin which was built in 1914. We weren't there at a busy time that year, so we walked somewhat hesitantly up to the front door, not knowing whether to knock or walk in. The door opened and there was Mrs. Claus. She invited us in. We walked into the main area of the cabin which was warm and cozy from the fire where Santa sat. There was a lovely little Christmas tree to his left. Santa immediately let out a ho! ho! ho! This place had some possibilities!
Mrs. Claus and one of her helpers invited us to take a look around since we admitted this was our first time there. We went upstairs to see what the rooms looked like way back when. Our kids asked a lot of questions about what this did or that did. It was actually not only fun but educational too. The place isn't huge as most log cabins are not, so after checking out the upstairs, we went back down to explore the kitchen. Again so many cool gadgets from years gone by. Mrs. Claus even explained how many of them were used.
Finally it was time to see and talk to Santa. He did not disappoint. He was a nice and jolly old elf. He seemed to sincerely enjoy talking with the kids. He found out what they wanted for Christmas and told them to clean their rooms. (A little positive parent re-enforcement is always appreciated in my house!) Tristian gave Santa a picture he had drawn for him, which Santa gladly took. Then of course, he gave them each a candy cane as a treat. Mrs. Santa offered all of us cookies, as we left.
We again took so many pictures and had so much fun. There was not a sense of being rushed at all, which is so unusual this time of year. I really believe we had finally found the true Santa. Oh, and the picture that Tristian gave Santa, it is there hanging on the wall. (UPDATE: NO LONGER THERE BUT THE WALL IS FILLED WITH PICTURES OF FAMILIES AND SANTA) See if you can find it when you go!
Here is what you need to know before you go:
DATES: Dec 3-4th and Dec. 10-11th. -ONLY!!!
Hours: 11-3.
Mrs. Claus is usually only there the first weekend.
You definitely should bring a camera and take a ton of pictures! Their helpers are great about helping take pictures so everyone can be in the picture with Santa. Don't be afraid to ask!
You may bring your fur babies with you so they aren't left out of the fun.
It is free, but they do take donations. Please donate! It helps support their museum and the Sidney Museum and Gallery.
For even more fun if you go on December 3, Dragonfly Cinema in Port Orchard is offering a free showing of the movie Polar Express all day! They are doing that in conjunction with Port Orchard's Festival of Chimes and Lights! Sounds like a great way to get the holiday season started with your family! For more information, please check out these pages:
