THEIR giggles and shrieks of laughter echoed through the snow-covered enchanted forest.
For 12 poorly children from East Yorkshire, the special day in Lapland was a world away from the hospital appointments and treatment they have to endure.
From toasting marshmallows around an open fire and husky rides in the snow to meeting Father Christmas and enjoying fireworks, the trip created memories to treasure forever.
For some, the precious moments were crucial as they prepare for what could be their last Christmas.
Ellie Mowforth, six, was diagnosed with a rare form of incurable brain cancer in February.
Her parents, John and Lisa, of Cottingham, said they will never forget the day, which was organised by the When You Wish Upon A Star charity.
John, 53, said: "We didn't even think we would get Ellie here because she has been going downhill.
"It's so cruel. But she is such a fighter and such a brave little girl.
"This has been such a special day."
More than 80 excited children, as well as their parents, medics and volunteers, arrived at Humberside Airport in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
They were bound for Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in Finland and the home of Father Christmas.
Their journey was filled with fun and laughter, with Christmas carols on the aeroplane and gifts galore.
As they touched down in Lapland, they were whisked away to the enchanted forest for reindeer rides, snowball fights and sledging, as well as quad biking and fun on snowmobiles.
Freddie Selby, 5, and his sister, Amelia, 11, joined the trip with their mother, Kirsty.
Freddie, of west Hull, has a rare, incurable heart condition and Kirsty, 40, was told he had just six months to live three years ago.
Amelia was born with the same condition and had life-saving open heart surgery aged three, pulling through after doctors did not expect her to survive.
However, doctors have said Freddie's condition is inoperable.
"To spend a day in Lapland with my two kids was a dream come true," said Kirsty.
"You want to make as many memories as you can and this was an opportunity to be together."
The children met Father Christmas and Rudolph, each receiving a gift as a memento of their special day.
Their journey also took them to Santa's village and his official post office.
Olivia Willson, five, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in July 2009.
She underwent chemotherapy for two-and-a-half years before she was given the all-clear last year.
Olivia, of Hessle, also suffers from osteoporosis.
Her mother, Sarah Careless, 32, said: "I knew Lapland would be brilliant but it was a million times better than I thought.
"You go through so much and this helps you forget about everything. We enjoyed every minute of it."
Darryl Linford, 11, of Orchard Park, north Hull, was also told he had leukaemia in February and his treatment has been successful so far.
His was accompanied by his father, Darryl senior, on the trip.
Darryl junior said: "The quad bikes were the best and the forest was really good.
"I'm going to show everyone the videos and pictures I took and tell them what great fun it was."
Darryl senior, who celebrated his 34th birthday on the trip and was given a birthday cake by the charity, said: "We had a magical and fabulous day.
"It was nice to spend the day together having fun, rather than having medication."
Grace Docherty, four, of Sutton Park, east Hull, was diagnosed with leukaemia in May last year and needs chemotherapy at home every day, as well as regular check-ups at Leeds General Infirmary.
Although her treatment has been successful so far, it has to continue to ensure the disease does not return and her positive progress is maintained.
Grace's mother, Samantha Bristow, 27, said: "Seeing Grace's face was overwhelming.
"It's nice seeing all of the children out of the clinic.
"It's a break from what she has to go through every day."
For Zoe Overment, of Hornsea, it was the joy on her daughter Brooke's face which made her day.
Brooke, four, was diagnosed with leukaemia in September last year and will continue to undergo chemotherapy for the next eight months.
"When someone says your child has cancer, you think death sentence straight away," said Zoe, 29.
"It's your worst nightmare and you can't believe it's happening to you. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Lapland was absolutely magical. Brooke was in awe of everything and it was so beautiful to watch."
Emotions ran high throughout the day, with plenty of cuddles and supportive smiles.
Amy Sherman, 15, was joined by her mother, Julie, 53, on the trip.
She has cerebral palsy and had to undergo an 11-hour operation in May to insert electrodes into her brain, which are charged through a battery pack in her stomach, to help control spasms.
"Amy has always loved Christmas and gets so excited about it," said Julie, of Withernwick, near Hornsea. "Lapland was great."
George Emmerson, seven, of Flamborough, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2010 and will continue to undergo chemotherapy for the next six months, also loved Lapland.
"Sledging was the best and I got a toy reindeer," he said.
The Lapland trip is now in its 17th year and those behind it said the magic never ends.
Joanne Heywood, area manager and fundraiser at the charity, said: "Lapland never changes, it's the same every year.
"But the difference is another set of families and another set of fantastic children. It is a privilege to be on board."
