WHEN I was given the opportunity to visit the real Santa Claus in his magical home in Lapland, I thought all of my Christmas wishes had come true. So what if I am 27? The magic of Christmas lives on and my bags were packed quickly in case they changed their minds.

It was lunch time when I arrived at Kittila Airport and I was greeted by temperatures of -17C. No hanging around then, and once I had collected my luggage, I hopped on to the transfer bus for the two-hour ride to the ski-resort of Pyha - with the odd stop to allow wild reindeer to cross the road in front of us.

Once we reached Hotel Pyhatunturi, thermal suits and boots were issued, a definite requirement in those temperatures. I also brought my own hat and gloves. I have to admit I felt I was walking around in a space suit but didn't feel the cold once.

The spacious two-bedroom log cabin where I was staying had heated floors, a television and a sauna - everything for a cosy night in. One word of warning though, there was no hair dryer, which was disappointing as they are available in the apartments and hotel rooms at the complex.

It was then time to get the adrenaline pumping on a snow mobile safari.

I love trying anything new and thoroughly enjoyed hurtling along the forest paths at the foot of the Pyha hills. However, I became a little over confident when I thought I could remain in control as I drove over a small mound at speed.

The next thing I knew I was in a pile of snow looking up at the trunk of a large tree. Thankfully, my passenger and myself were unhurt and the snow mobile was unscathed. I eased off on the accelerator on the way back. Women drivers!

Before the evening meal, there was time for what was billed as the highlight of the trip, the search for Father Christmas. Alas, we found him far too easily along a short path not far from the hotel. And Santa must have only been in his 30s and bore no resemblance to the dear, cuddly old man I had always imaged him to be. Reminding myself that I am supposed to be an adult, I went back to the hotel bar for a well-earned drink, wondering if Santa would be at the disco later.

Tales we have all heard about drinks being expensive in Scandinavia are only too true - with a large glass of white wine costing £7. Lager and cider seemed to be most people's drink of choice, therefore, at about £3 a pint.

The food was unusual. The smoked reindeer on brown bread appetisers got my approval as any memories of Rudolph faded away. The meat tasted like salami and was similar in texture to smoked salmon. There were, of course, vegetarian options as well.

The following day began with a sledging competition down one of the hotel's ski slopes. I actually managed to stay seated on the sledge and away from any trees, but I failed miserably at the slalom course. There was also the opportunity to ski right down to the hotel.

Of course, children are very well catered for at the resort and there is a fully supervised Snow Angels club at the hotel operated by qualified staff. And there is the opportunity to spend a day visiting Santa's village at Roveniemi.

By the look on their faces on the flight back, they were exhausted, but I think more through sheer excitement than anything else. As for me, I'm just hoping Santa hasn't forgotten the list I gave him.

TRAVELFACTS

Andrea Johnson visited Father Christmas with Transun (0870 4444 747).

Prices for a Lapland day break from regional airports start at £279 per person.