By Debra Pamplin
My daughter and I looked forward to our yearly tradition of visiting Silver Dollar City at Christmas time. Our annual routine began when she was four years old.
I can still remember her snuggled down on my lap, watching A Dickens’ Christmas Carol and her reaction when the ghost flew over the audience. The next year, she was prepared for that specific portion of the play and wasn’t startled by it.
We would always make sure to walk (one of us would always run!) over the swinging bridge, spin in the tea cups, and compete for the high score while gliding through the flooded mine. Though now retired, the original fire in the hole was also a favorite of ours.
Of course, walking aimlessly about, taking in the 6.5 million Christmas lights, wasn't complete without multiple cups of hot chocolate with an added candy cane, marshmallows, and whipped cream.
We always made sure to be at the town square when it was time for the nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony. An 8-story animated Christmas tree that played favorite Christmas carols with lights synchronized to the music.
Each year, we would line up and be ready for the Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade. I believe she was six when this portion of the tradition became less fun for her, as a happy gingerbread man innocently squeezed her a tad too hard while giving a hug.
Another fun part of our yearly trip to a local winter wonderland was the train ride. Not only was this fun for us both because of the lights we could see while singing along with carols, but it gave me a chance to rest my feet.
And a train ride was never complete without another cup of hot chocolate with all the works, and a stuffed cheese breadstick.
One year, we got lucky, and it snowed while we there, adding to the magic and festive atmosphere. Those are some of my most fond memories with my daughter. I can still see her wearing her green Grinch ski hat, holding my hand while the parade passed by, and snuggling on my arm while riding the flying elephant ride in the cold winter air.
The Takeaway
My ‘pumpkin’ is all grown up now and at 21, has a boyfriend and they are starting their own tradition this year. I guess all those years at SDC during Christmas time were lasting memories for her as well.
When she told me that the two of them were going to Dollywood to start a new tradition together, I told her it was very similar to Branson’s theme park. Her response: Good, then I know I will love it.
Read More About SDC and Other Destinations For The Whole Family
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