Christmas in November at Jasper

**forestdale** · 11-05-2005, 07:03 PM

I just had a long chat with DS#2 in Canada. He's a chef at the Jasper Park Lodge. He told me they are having Christmas in November for the next 2 weeks and it's really incredible. He said all these amazing decorations are up and there are decorated Christmas trees everywhere.

They offer a package for around $2000 for 4 days at the lodge. They've got about 500 people there now taking that package so for each of the meals they are serving 500 at a time. Last night they had a Christmas buffet with 20 roast geese and 40 stuffed turkey breasts + all the trimmings. There are huge ice carvings on the buffet tables and they've set up model trains that run in and out of the buffet table with little towns set up, all covered with snow.

The wait staff are dressed in train conductors uniforms.

He was on one of the carving stations and he said everyone was talking to him and they were all excited to be there.

They have a number of activities for them. The Inn Chef is there for cooking demos, they have all sorts of arts and crafts demonstrations as well as sightseeing tours.

It sounds wonderful. He's having the time of his life. Oh, and he called to say thanks for the parcel we sent - two big jars of vegemite, milo bars and tim tam balls and biscuits, newspapers and Australian cooking magazines. He's sharing it all around with his friends.

**Dixie** · 11-05-2005, 08:55 PM

Sounds like your dson is having a great time. The lodge sounds wonderful!!
Just curious, what are Tim Tam balls and Milo bars?

**Mom23boys** · 11-05-2005, 09:01 PM

Sounds like a wonderful place to be. I bet is amazing.

Glad to hear he is doing well.

**forestdale** · 11-05-2005, 09:05 PM

Dixie.

http://www.cybercandy.co.uk/search/i...ndprod/xdbc_92

http://www.cybercandy.co.uk/search/i...20Caramel.html

The Tim Tams were originally biscuits/cookies. Now they are made as balls and bars. Milo was originally a drink, like Ovaltine.

**Strawberry** · 11-05-2005, 10:51 PM

I was just reading my August Taste of Home magazine and there's a whole page ad about this Christmas in November. The pictures look beautiful. Nice and cozy. Jasper and Banff are beautiful in the summer when I've been there but I sure wish I could visit in the winter.

I'm glad he's having a great time

**Dixie** · 11-05-2005, 10:54 PM

Thanks for the links, Rhonda.

**Sara Noel** · 11-05-2005, 10:58 PM

I'm so happy to hear he's lovin' life. I think he's just so adventurous for leaving home and moving so far and is really enjoying the move and his new job. You must be so proud and happy that he's happy. I can only imagine what it will be like when my children have grown and started their own lives on their own. I know I would be just so happy knowing they were happy.

**forestdale** · 11-05-2005, 11:34 PM

You're so right Sara. Of all the things I've done in my life, raising happy, adventurous and ambitious sons, is without a doubt the thing I am the most proud of.

**voodidit** · 11-05-2005, 11:54 PM

My first thought was what where TimTam balls too...lol.

I'm glad he's enjoying himself!

**Katybird** · 11-06-2005, 12:55 PM

It sounds like a wonderful lodge. I am so happy for your son to have found such a great job. It sounds like a beautiful place.

**seatosea** · 11-06-2005, 06:53 PM

Sounds like a wonderful place to work and vacation! So glad your son is loving his career!

**jlxian** · 11-07-2005, 02:43 PM

What fun! I imagine the food preparation is a challenge but lots of fun, too.

Are they having Christmas in November because the lodge is closed in December or just for something fun?

**canadian gardener** · 11-07-2005, 02:46 PM

Oh that is one of the finest places to stay!!! It is a wonderful place. Quite a feather in his cap to be a chef THERE!!! Anywhere in Canada will know he has what it takes chef wise, if he's been there. It's very ritzy.WAY TO GO GUY!!!

**sarathom** · 11-08-2005, 07:28 AM

DH & I used to live near Jasper. It has been part of our lives for over 16 years. WE went there and went hiking when our dd was 4 years old and our ds was 7 weeks old! Hiking through the mountains was awesome (a little harder but doable for me....body was a bit sore...). WE consider it home. We have hiked through so many mountains up there and absolutely love it. In fact, that is where we want to retire. It is the most amazing place....your son is very lucky to be there.

Just being able to hike, bike, kayak, camp, go to the hotsprings anytime....aaaaah, that's living!

Your son must be having the most incredible time out there....he is so fortunate to be in that town!

**Strawberry** · 11-29-2005, 12:53 AM

Rhonda, I just wanted to tell you a little story and ask you to relay this to your ds.

My aunt, who is now in hospice care and not expected to live till Christmas, went on this tour.

When my aunt returned, she had nothing but wonderful praise for she stay. She absolutely loved every minute of it. She said the lodge was beautiful, food was wonderful, and the extra care she received was phenomenal.

She was not able to participate in everything but she was wheeled around in her wheelchair and helped continually. The staff treated her like a queen. Having a car come to pick her up and take her places too. She was even in a parade they had the last day. When she was too ill to go to the dining room to eat, they brought food to her even cartering to what she felt like eating.

Even though her son and daughter-inlaw were with her, the staff took her under their wing to take care of her and make sure she had everything she needed.

They had such a wonderful time, her words were, "the time of my life and a dream come true". They even booked the tour for next year; not realizing her cancer had spread and she was in her last month or so of her life.

Please tell your ds that she appreciated so much the care she received. My family thanks them all from the bottoms of our hearts for making she trip so memorable.