Alpine Village

If you live in the Memphis area, you *must* make the Alpine Village at Trinity Baptist in Cordova a family Christmas tradition! I heard about it probably two years ago, but I haven’t been able to make it on the reservations list before they filled up. (It’s totally free of charge, but you must get on the list). This year though, I was able to act quickly enough and scored us three tickets!

Spiffer came with Helen Grace and me, and we walked around with our mouths hanging open the entire time. We started out by checking out the live nativity scene, and then we walked into the ‘village’ in the gym. Amazingly-crafted shops line the perimeter, and at each one, there is a craft for the little ones to do (or even pick out a book!). As they go along, a volunteer marks off the activity off a card that kids wear around their neck. They also have carolers that sing throughout the night, there is a puppet show performance and a snow play area, and you can go to the North Pole to see Santa.

Helen Grace skipped from shop to shop, amazed at all the goodies that she was able to make and collect in her little bag. The puppet show was too crowded, so Spiffer tried to get her to go see Santa but she balked. (She was sticking to her plan of seeing him in NYC later this month.) We headed to the snow area instead. Big hit! At the end of the night, we were checking off all the activities on her card, and she realized she hadn’t been to the North Pole. For some unexplained reason, she decided that she wanted to see Santa, and off she went! (I am convinced she realized it was a good ploy to stay up past her bedtime. Or maybe her cowGIRL boots gave her some courage.)

We waited in line for about 30 minutes for Santa, and she never once changed her mind. When it was her turn, she wanted me to go with her and hold her hand, but she was immediately chatty with him. He knew all about her Elf on the Shelf, and she told him how she wanted an Ariel that turns from a human to a mermaid. They talked a lot about Little Mermaid and how brave Ariel was. Santa and HG posed for some pics, and then we were off with a little girl that was walking on air. She was so proud of herself- and Spiffer and I were too!

We rode home happily, enjoying all the Christmas lights and playing with all her new toys. We will definitely be back to the Alpine Village next year and for years to come- such an amazing holiday night!

The wise men were walking around the village, looking for baby Jesus, and they would show you their gifts they were taking him. Making reindeer food SNOW!!! Blurry but shows her excitement Decorating a sugar cookie Making a top Admiring her work Waiting to see the big man I am in love with this picture! While we waited, Spiffer learned how to video on her phone so that she could capture this sweet, sweet encounter.