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Hey there!

As I'm writing this our elf has been in the house for 3 days - and he's been late to move all 3 times! If this is our last year of believers I won't be sad to put T.E.D. (The Elf be D-mned) on ice! (My youngest is 9, so we're getting close to letting Elsa visit.)

How is your elf doing?

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✨ What's Happening at Alberta Mamas

Holiday magic is filling my social feeds, and I'm all for it (at least for now!). It's been a busy week of updating Christmas posts and visiting spots for fresh photos.

Here are a couple of the posts that got the biggest refreshes:

GLOW Edmonton We visited Glow Enchanted Forest at the Edmonton EXPO Center this week so the post now has fresh images and updated details! Read article Tip: Save 10% on tickets with the code ENCHANTEDALBERTAMAMA

Mom's Wish List Still building your wish list? See what we're asking for, then join the conversation on social and share your own picks! Read article

You can check out all the Christmas posts here!

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🛍 Find of the Week

Speaking of holiday magic, Bass Pro Shop's Santa is THE deal of the season!

We've been seeing him for years. Santa's cottage is the perfect rustic backdrop, you get a scheduled time so you're not stuck in long lines, and Santa's script is top-notch (he always repeats what the kids ask for so parents can hear!).

You'll take home a free 4x6 printed photo, and this year they've added a free shareable video, too! We always buy the $30 digital download, but you're under no obligation.

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⭐ Feature: Holiday Lights

Christmas lights are probably my favourite part of the holiday season. The warm glow plus the funny takes always puts a smile on my face, no matter what mood I'm in.

I love driving around with travel mugs of hot chocolate to discover the best houses in the neighbourhood while listening to Christmas music.

Free Holiday Lights I'm constantly updating these posts as I learn about new light displays! Edmonton & Area Lights Calgary & Area Lights

(Tip: Both articles also include a list of paid displays at the bottom so they can be your definitive guide to lights in the area!)

Going to Glow YEG or Holiday Wonder YYC?

Use these discount codes to save 10% off admission:

• ​Glow Enchanted Forest (Edmonton): ENCHANTEDALBERTAMAMA
• ​Holiday Wonder (Calgary): ALBERTAMAMAS

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🏠 At Home Activity

Create a Family Holiday Playlist

Get everyone in the family involved in this one! Create a holiday-themed family playlist to listen to while baking, driving around, or opening presents!

1. Pick a theme. Some ideas include crooners, Christian carols, funny songs, or "classics" that really get you in the spirit.
2. Work together with Spotify open on the big screen, or create a shared playlist that everyone adds to on their own.
3. Each person is in charge of adding 3 to 5 songs. Are there songs you're vehemently opposed to? Give each person a veto or two!

Want some ideas? Here's our family's current playlist (we aren't the most sentimental bunch!):

Christmas Songs to Make You... You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinc... PREVIEW   ​

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📅 Events Around Alberta

Find out what's happening wherever you are through a local event calendar! This list covers spots across the province.

Hit reply and let me know if a spot you're interested in is missing, and I'll do my best to find a local calendar for you!

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📚 What I'm Reading

There never seems to be much time to read in December, but I'm carving out a few minutes each day for a new card in our Mindfulness Advent Calendar. It's new to our collection this year, but it's already a keeper (it'll sit right beside my Die Hard advent calendar!).

Each card has a short reading and a built-in moment of guided reflection. It's simple and grounding, without being too serious.

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👨‍🍳 Recipe to Try

A perennial favourite, our Irish Cream recipe is getting a lot of love on Pinterest right now! (We've already got a bottle tucked in the fridge!)

Easy DIY Irish Cream Recipe Only 6 ingredients and lasts up to 2 months in the fridge! Get the Recipe

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Share Your Thoughts

Do you have a favourite neighbourhood or town for Christmas lights? I keep adding to my lists (and I'm working on a province-wide one!). I'd love your help!

Hit reply and let me know!

Can't wait to hear from you!

Jen

P.S. Starting to think about teacher gifts already? This post or this one might give you a bit of inspiration. (And if you leave it to the last minute, here some ideas for that, too!)

Save 10% with Code: ENCHANTEDALBERTAMAMA Glow Enchanted Forest YEG

Save 10% with Code: ALBERTAMAMAS Holiday Wonder YYC