Every year for as long as I can remember, I have taken my family to the Bartow Pell Mansion to visit Santa. It has become a family tradition for my girls and my niece and nephew to take a photo with my parents each year – A Grandchild Photo. Every Christmas season, I bring out the photos put in order to see how everyone has grown.
Since this visit is early in the season, I need to think of holiday outfits pretty quickly. I thought this year, we should dress up and Chasing Fireflies was the perfect place for me to find beautiful dresses for all of my girls. When looking through the catalog, we immediately loved the idea of a Silver and Gold connection to their outfits.
When we arrived at the mansion, my youngest did not delay. She went right to Santa’s room. Would you believe that he knew exactly who she was? She handed him her letter and he took great care in reading her newly formed 4 yr. old words.
The hands on the hips represent her reaction to Santa asking who Elsa on her list is? Silly Santa! Frozen!
It was a happy occasion and great time for bonding before the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season.
When it was our family’s turn, each girl shared their wishes for Christmas presents and Santa wholeheartedly listened.
This ensemble was a first pick. She loved this Silver Lace Dress from the minute she saw it.
After a visit with Santa, it was time for some ornament making and crafts.
These beaded ornaments have become a new addition to our tree each year.
For a more grown up look, my oldest chose this silver Sequin Dress & Shrug Set.
What I like most is that all three girls bonded and had a great time. That is the one gift I need – peaceful moments!
After crafts, we headed upstairs to see the beautifully adorned Christmas trees in each of the mansion rooms.
I love to see how they decorate the trees each year – just spectacular!
Right before it was time to leave, we spotted Santa heading up to take a cookie break and headed back down to say good bye.
This day was definitely another great family memory at the Bartow Pell Mansion!
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What beautiful dresses. I love the idea of having Santa visits at the same place. We go to the same Santa every year too.
The backdrop for the Santa pictures is so breathtaking. Seeing him in a mansion makes it feel so much more magical than the shopping mall. It looks like a memory your girls will cherish.
That sounds like such a fun day for the kids. I’m glad they were all able to pick out dresses they liked!
Nice pictures. Such a lovely family. I wish my son was still young like that. He is just old enough to know better now. Sure miss those days. Thank you for sharing!
Oh wow! How fun would that be for a child? Sounds like Santa really knew his stuff! So neat he knew who your girls were 😉
Ok, that is just plain cute. What a great idea, I want to try it 🙂 Who says Santa only has to visit on Christmas Day?
Too cute. You’re definitely building some incredible Christmas memories that you know your kids are never going to forget!
What a beautiful mansion! I love all the girls’ dresses – they are gorgeous.
This looks like a holiday event worth remembering for sure. I love all the lovely pictures. The little girls look totally adorable in their outfits. Great job on the crafts too.
Where is this mansion located? It looks breathtaking. So do your girls all dressed up in their lovely dresses!
How fun! The decorations is beautiful!
What a NEAT experience! Those dresses are gorgeous and looked like they were comfortable all day long – that is important especially for kids!
You have a lovely family, and your girls’ dresses are absolutely gorgeous. What a way to capture the day!
Those pictures are adorable! I love the dresses that you selected. Chasing Fireflies has such a wonderful selection. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Happy Holidays.
looks like a great family spot,id love to see it all.