I was in search for Santa, that’s right.
Yet, it was more than Santa I was aspiring to connect with — it’s the Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, for some people, this joy lasts as long as a Black Friday sale due to the busyness of the season. However, the North Pole in Colorado — a 25-acre winter wonderland reconnects you with the beauty of the Christmas spirit, family and Santa too.
OAP caught up with Austin Lawhorn. She’s officially a merchandise buyer and helps run the family business of 60 years. She’s working hard like Santa prepping for the rush of little feet. This morning she’s collecting apple ciders and delivering them to several destinations at North Pole, Colo.
“We’re a small family amusement park. We have 28 rides, 27 gift shops, we have a magic show and of course, Santa! We are trying to create old-school Christmas magic.”
The Christmas themed amusement park is 100 percent geared towards supporting family fun for kids 12-years-old and under. Park rides are collected from all over the nation. Their village is uniquely designed by Arto Monaco, a Disney architect. The park features Santa’s Workshop with a wide variety of rides for adults and children that are designed for safe family fun. Don’t miss Santa’s Enchanted Forest, which includes many family rides.
With this said, don’t expect to text or use iPhones. There is no reception. The North Pole won’t add Wi-Fi as they aspire families to reconnect. “We are here for an all-day family experience,” says Lawhorn. “Kids don’t need the brand new ziplines that are all the rage. Kids don’t need the crazy 3D video stuff. Give them a burlap sack and climb stairs and ride a slide down — that’s their favorite. [And] that’s more telling about kids — it’s about the simple things and joys.”
Kids know better than adults of what is important during and after the holidays. It’s time and experience with the family and that’s the biggest gift. Memories outlast the latest toy, and the North Pole advocates this wholeheartedly.
I discovered the Christmas spirit lives on in North Pole, Colo. A place where kids walk with hot cocoa, nestle in their oversized coats and where phones are on mute. This is a reminder that there’s more than technology and presents, but the gift of Christ and sharing the Christmas spirit.
Let’s all be reminded why we celebrate Christmas every year: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Check the North Pole on their Facebook page for the most up to date information.
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