Vacations Blog

Santa Claus passes over Los Angeles on his yearly flight.

In just a few days Santa Claus will be gearing up for a trip that most of us can only dream about, a trip around the world.  Of course, his trip is business and he’s a bit pressed for time, but the concept is still beyond cool.

I was lucky enough to sit down with Santa recently and we had a conversation about his yearly journey, the best places for coffee and what music he likes for his trip.  For the record, this is just the second interview I’ve ever conducted while sitting on the subject’s lap (the first was Hugh Jackman).

Whit: Santa, I must say that this is awesome.  I know that you’re busy this time of year and I thank you for taking the time to talk to me for UpTake.

Santa: Whit, it’s my pleasure.  By the way, that Hugh Jackman interview almost landed both of you on the naughty list.   I know that the dark side is strong and that coal is a good investment right now, but seriously, what kind of example are you two setting?

Whit:  I’m terribly sorry, Santa.  I can honestly say it won’t happen again, and I have the court order to prove it.

Santa:  Ho, ho, ho.  Very well.  Now what was it that you wanted to know?

Whit:  I suppose the big question is how do you do it?  How do you travel the world in one night?  Where do you start?

Santa:  It’s a combination of speed, luck and magic.  There’s a lot of math involved.  I usually start at the North Pole and take it from there.

Whit:  Was that sarcasm, Santa?

Santa:  I don’t traffic in sarcasm.

Whit:  Speaking of traffic, you’re on the road, or air as the case may be, for quite some time.  Do you have scheduled stops so you can rest and whatnot, or do you just sit a spell in random houses as needed?

Santa:  Generally speaking I don’t schedule breaks.  However, I have been known to hit a Starbucks every other timezone or so.  I’m a sucker for the Gingersnap Latte.  The Espresso Truffle is good, too.  Plus, they always have clean restrooms.

Whit:  I agree.  That’s good stuff.  Do you have a soundtrack to your trip?  Do you make mixes?

Santa:  Well, I’m under contract with iTunes to play at least 70% holiday music, but since everyone and their brother has a Christmas record out this days I rarely have any repeats.  I just hit shuffle on my iPhone and let it roll.  I’m rather partial to Dean Martin and Bing Crosby, but the new Barenaked Ladies is pretty good.

Whit:  Have you heard the Jack Johnson Christmas stuff?

Santa: I have.  That whole album is great.  I also like Sufjan Stevens.

Whit:  Very nice.  So, do you have a special place that you like more than others?  Does your route allow you to take in the scenery at all?

Santa:  My route varies depending on solar wind and military testing.  Interested parties can track my path and progress at NORAD.  They’re good people.  As for favorite places, Paris is lovely in the winter.  New York and Vegas are good as well.  Basically I like a place that’s well-lit.  Rudolph’s nose gives me a headache after awhile and it’s nice to let him rest it now and again.  I also like Seattle, for the coffee.

Whit:  Wow, that’s a lot of insight, Santa.  I really appreciate it and I know our readers will feel the same.  Is there anything else you would like to add?

Santa:  Just that people don’t leave bran for the reindeer.  It messes with their insides something fierce and it makes for a pretty uncomfortable ride- for all of us.  Other than that I’d just like to wish everyone a very happy holiday.  Peace.

Photo by Tricia Honea

The Polar Express

Ohio’s Scenic Railways offer magical experiences to make this holiday season truly memorable.

Chris Van Allsburg wrote the Caldecott Award winning book, The Polar Express in 1985. Tom Hanks gave his voice to the characters in a 2004 movie version which garnered numerous awards including 3 Oscar Nominations. The Polar Express is a seasonal favorite for families all over the country. And while reading the story or viewing the film can make for special holiday traditions, nothing compares to the magic of an actual train ride in your pajamas. Truth be told, any public endeavor in your pj’s is pretty magical.

What I’m referring to here, though is an actual Polar Express Train Ride. Several of Ohio’s scenic railways offer variations of the magical excursion to the North Pole where you will read the story, sing carols and drink copious amounts of hot chocolate, all the while gorging yourself on fresh cookies and eventually greeting that jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus. When planning your Christmas visit to America’s Heartland make sure to include one of these fascinating trips.

Santa at the Cuyahoga Polar Express

The most popular line in Ohio is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway. It boasts itself one of the oldest scenic railways in operation in the country. And with stations in Independence, Akron and Canton, OH it is certainly one of the longest. Unfortunately, tickets for the Polar Express excursions have been sold out for this year but there is plenty of availability for the Christmas Tree Adventures the last weekend in November and the first two weekends in December.

The Christmas Tree Adventure departs from the Rockside station in Independence and takes you to Heritage Farms where you can select your tree from a variety of pre-cut trees or you may choose to cut your own–ala Clark Griswold. They will then bag and tag your trophy and place it on the train for your return trip.

The Family Tree

The Dennison Depot Railroad Museum’s Polar Express has several departure times the first two weekends in December. Passengers ride in their pajamas sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies (pretty standard fare on all of the Polar Express Excursions) and Santa hops on board once the “North Pole” is reached to greet passengers and hand out presents. The Dennison Depot Railroad Museum is located in Dennison, OH on SR-36 east of I-77.

Another very popular Polar Express is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway which departs from Nelsonville, OH. The line runs between Nelsonville and Logan along the scenic Hocking River and the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio. They offer two versions, a Santa Express where Santa and Mrs. Claus ride the train with you and personally visit each passenger. The Santa Express runs weekends (Saturday and Sunday) November 29-December 21.

The Nelsonville North Pole

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s North Pole Express scheduled to depart December 6 and December 19 follows the more traditional storyline as passengers are encouraged to come in their pajamas and robes. After visiting with Santa and enjoying cookies and hot chocolate passengers can go ice skating at the Nelsonville North Pole. You are encouraged to bring your own skates.

Yes, Christmas time is filled with magic, tradition and memories. I can think of few things more memorable than a train ride on the Polar Express.

Prices and departure times vary and are subject to availability. Please check the individual station’s websites for details and to make reservations. All photos obtained from websites linked within article and considered public domain.

Snow for Sleeping Beauty

When most people think of Disneyland Resort (that being the area containing the original Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney hotels) they tend to think of a summer destination for their family vacation.  Here’s something to consider, Disney for the holidays.

The entire area is transformed.

The hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian) each have their own Christmas trees and holiday decorations, respectively, as well as daily winter-based activities for guests of all ages, including crafts, tours and workshops.

Downtown Disney takes on the festive feel of the season, complete with themed displays and a constant soundtrack of holiday tunes provided by live musicians, wandering carolers or piped through the speakers.

Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) sticks with its California motif and embraces Santa in a more relaxed mindset.  Here you will find sand instead of snow and the reindeer games consist of beach activities- even Santa opts for bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt rather than his traditional garb.

Winter in the 100 Acre Woods

Disneyland goes a more traditional route with its decorating.  The entire park is a holiday, evoking the likes of Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives.  There are special shows, parades, treats and merchandise (including a fantastic and large assortment of holiday decor and clothing).

The Disney characters are often dressed accordingly, especially Goofy that spends his days in Toon Town dressed as Santa and posing for pictures.

Mickey for the Holidays

Each night snow falls throughout Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A. to New Orleans Square.

The Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions have special holiday themes which are so well done that many, including my family, prefer the seasonal overlay to the original.

The winter weather in Anaheim is typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.  The nights cool down quite a bit and you should pack accordingly- especially since it can become chilly and wet without much warning.

If at all possible, try to arrange your vacation during the week to offset the crowds, but keep in mind that the closer you get to the holidays the more likely that local schools will be on break.

The Holiday festivities run from November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009.

Photos by Whit Honea