It's become an annual tradition.  Just before the start of the countdown to Christmas, we visit Center Parcs Winter Wonderland. We always go with friends and it is the perfect little break - shut away in the middle of the woods, away from work, with no phone signal!

This year we packed in loads of activities, including swimming every day - one evening time swim. Jacob and Lewis done an hour on the climbing wall, Laser tag, Summer did the pony ride, the boys hired a boat and paddled the lake. They went fishing (Jacob's first time) and they played a bit of badminton. We watched the firework display,  and we visited Santa and his reindeer.

One evening we all eat out together at one of the Parc's restaurants, and the other evenings we take it in turns to cook and eat around each others villas.

Our first evening, we unpack, settle down in our villa, light a log fire and have our friends round to eat.

Lewis has done the climbing wall before, when we were at Longleat Center Pacrs in the summer, Jacob then didn't want to do it. But this time, Jacob wanted to give it a go, and I am so pleased he did, he really enjoyed the experience. At first, he was a bit nervous and wouldn't climb very high, but the more he did the higher he got - he really pushed himself. Of course, spurred on by his big brother.

Whilst the boys went off to do laser tag in the woods, followed by some fishing in the lake, they hired a boat and paddled around the lake - us girls went pony riding, played on the park and had a nice walk.

That evening we walked down to the lake and watched the fireworks display - Santa makes an appearance at the end, as he zoomed by on the zip line.

Center Parcs Winter Wonderland, is a lovely short break just before the December madness begins. It is the perfect time-out to relax, enjoy and soak in the Christmasy spirit.  We visit every year and we're already planning next years visit. It's a tradition for us that just wouldn't be a complete Christmas without our short visit away.

A bit of badminton before we had to leave.