This will be our third (holy macaroni, how did time fly so fast) Christmas on Salt Spring Island and each year we add on traditions and dig our roots in a little deeper.

We had heard about Santa’s arrival on the island but had yet to experience it in person, so this past weekend I bundled the kids up (in the SNOW) and we took off into town to welcome the big guy.

See, Santa can’t visit the islands just any old way, he needs to arrive in style. And since we are a bit waterlogged here, his best mode of transport is (of course) to arrive via our local sea plane.

The crowds were there to welcome him and our kids were pretty giddy. We had missed the chance to connect in person with Santa for the last few years, so this was a pretty big deal!

After handshakes and hugs and a few photo opps, santa took off to the local school where the kids got the chance to sit on his knee and share their wishes.

One thing that Salt Spring Island always does well is to be unique. It dances to it’s own little beat of the drum, creating magic in the little moments and never getting caught up in chaos.  Each time we have a moment to enjoy one of these “Salt Spring Moments” I am reminded about what a special island it is,  an amazing place to raise our children and call home.

We spent almost 3 hrs at the elementary school, playing, snacking on hot chocolate and gingerbread and doing craft (after craft after craft)  In the city an event like this would have been packed full, with line ups and noise. On Salt Spring it was a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon since soccer was cancelled due to snow.

Each year, we add on new Salt Spring traditions into our story, and each year I am excited for them to continue. Feeling blessed to be a part of this amazing place, especially at this time of year.