Visiting Santa at Causey Farm

When we arrived at Causey Farm it was all dark, so it was hard to see all the buildings. We went to check in and waited for our group to be called. This was a tour where the children went to different rooms, etc. I had no idea what to expect, but they said to plan on being here 2 hours.

Entrance to Causey Farm 

There was a big nativity scene in the waiting area

When they called our group we started our tour. First we all received a cup of hot apple cider with a cookie. Then we were told we were going to Bethlehem first and to look out for the bright big star. Wow…this is pretty neat this is going to be fun! 

When we arrived in Bethlehem we went inside and found Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. They told us a quick story about when Jesus was born. There were lambs and goats in the stables. After the story we all sang, "Silent Night" together. Remember the Irish like to sing and sing together! It was actually really nice and not cheezy like it sounds.  

Mary, Jesus, and Joseph

Sheep make K so happy!

We were then told to continue along the path outside to our next stop.

We ran into Balthazar, who is one of the three Wise Men. He asked us if Jesus had been born because he saw the big star in the sky. He talked to the children and asked them what birthday gifts should they bring baby Jesus. 

Then we went inside a traditional Irish cottage and what it would have looked like at Christmastime. Inside there would just be simple garland with candles around it, a nativity set, and a candle in the window. The lady then told us a little about the history of Christmas Pudding.  When you make it your supposed to stir the spoon and make a wish. I might need to do a whole post on Christmas pudding because its everywhere here and even L did an art project at school that was Christmas pudding. 

Irish Cottage at Christmas

Stirring the Christmas Pudding

Candle in the window

Next we went into Santa's mailroom and the Elf read good and bad Christmas letters. The children had to decide which ones needed to be on the nice list or naughty list. 

Then we went next door to where the elves and Santa sleeps. The elves slept downstairs and upstairs was Santa's bedroom. When we went upstairs Mrs. Claus was there. Now normally I don't really ever tell my children about Mrs. Claus since its not historically accurate and its silly. I don't get why they would even have a Mrs. Claus since they call Santa here Father Christmas. But….then she started asking the children what kind of birthday cake they were going to make for baby Jesus on Christmas, and what they were going to put out for Santa. I thought that was nice but it still did not make sense to me. I found out that in Ireland children put out mince meat pies for Santa. Yummy!

The children with Mrs. Claus 

Then we went into Santa's workshops where the Elves all worked on the toys. The children went down on a slide into the room. There were lists and lists of names of people who were on the nice list. You had to find your name and if you couldn't then they had this huge binder and the Elf would go and show you your name. 

Toy workshop 

When the bell rang it was time for our group to go see Santa! The children all started to cheer! We went into another room and waited for Santa. There was another nativity set right next to where Santa would sit. We should have counted all the nativity sets there were so many on this tour. Santa then spent about 5-10 minutes with each family. Santa knew that the children were from Virginia…it was amazing! The children then all received a gift from Santa…because thats what Santa does in Ireland. He gives gifts! 

L was so excited because Santa was coming down the chimney

Santa asked all the children to come up and sing Jingle Bells

Santa talking with the children

SMILE!

Then we went outside where there were a few things that the children could look at. Our tour was over and it did take 2 hours. It really was a lot of fun and the children had a great time. 

Santa's reindeer 

Santa's sleigh