We set off for Lapland in Kent without our personalised invite from Father Christmas, as it never arrived in the post as promised. It wasn't the best start.

Two bouncy elves met me and my three-year-old nephew William at the door and gave us a 'passport' guaranteeing our passage into the land of Father Christmas.

This time last year, the route into Lapland was a flight in an inflatable dome, which projected onto the wall the flying sequence from The Snowman.

Now we had to make do with a walk through the Magical Forest Glade which had twinkly lights in the trees, hooting owls and other Magical Forest sounds from hidden speakers (actually, it was probably better than last year as it was somewhat more believable).

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The elves, who were very characteristic and entertaining, were great with the kids, making sure everyone got a personal visit.

Arriving at the home of Father Christmas, the artificial snow fell from above and a group of huskies were waiting patiently with their handlers. As the children descended on them they were excellent and even seemed to enjoy the prodding and stroking that they received from the somewhat over excited adults and their smaller charges.

A designated Sami guide took us first to the 'Toy Factory' where the children were apprentices to the elves and helped put the finishing touches to two rocking horses. But the children weren't allowed to ride on the horses - which was disappointing - and there were no other toys, a little strange for a toy factory, as William pointed out.

We were then taken to Mrs Christmas Gingerbread House. This was brilliant for the children who really enjoyed decorating their own Gingerbread and then settling down in front of the grandmotherly looking Mrs Christmas for a story.

After this we were hungry so stopped at the Log cabin. The two-course meal was home cooked and very nice albeit on the small side plus a constant supply of orange squash and water on the table which kept the kids happy.

Once we had warmed our bellies we watched others ice skate and browsed the shop, popped into the Post office and finally found the reindeers.

Saving the best to last, we got our slot to see the Man himself and William gave Rudolf a cuddle during the 40-minute wait to see Father Christmas. One of his trusted elves guided us into the mystical Woodlands that surrounded his log cabin Grotto.

As we crept up William couldn't contain his excitement. Once inside we were grinning from ear to ear and with so much emotion, a tear formed.

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