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Hey there!

I'm enjoying the sudden feeling of "openness" in my living room with all the Christmas decorations put away. Add in the warm weather and the January blahs have so far been kept at bay.

How are you doing?

In today's newsletter you'll find:

• Alberta Mamas in the new year
• Ice Castle discount code
• Dogsledding!
• Free snow activities
• This weekend's events

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✨ What's Happening at Alberta Mamas

I've been working on year end analytics and planning for this coming year.

2025 was a year of amazing growth for Alberta Mamas. The Alberta Mamas Facebook audience grew by over 60% in 2025, this newsletter's subscriber count more than tripled, and the website has almost doubled its traffic year over year since May!

The word of the year for me in 2026 is consistent. Between Alberta Mamas, triathlon goals, and managing my eldest's health issues this year demands consistency!

Have you reflected on 2025 or set goals for 2026? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Here are a couple posts that might help you with your 2026 goals!

New Year Decluttering Tips Monica shares family focused tips for decluttering as we head into 2026. Read article

Be Successful at Your Health Goals New year, new me! Tips on being consistent, honest, and real when trying to "get healthy." Read article

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🛍 Find of the Week

Are you planning to visit the Ice Castles in Edmonton this year? Be sure to use the discount code ABMAMAS15 to save 15% off your tickets.

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⭐ Featured: Dog Sledding in Alberta

It's a total splurge experience, but oh my goodness, is it ever fun!

We've taken the kids dogsledding twice in their lives, and I'm certain they'd go again in a heartbeat. They still talk about their favourite dogs (Peaches and Draco).

From what to bring to every Alberta-based operator I could find, read up on going dogsledding in this post:

Complete Guide to Dog Sledding in Alberta ​ Read the Article

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🏠 At Home Activity

Alberta has been dumped on with snow this winter! I'm trying to do 1000 Hours Outside, which means lots of getting out and enjoying the snow - especially with the warm weather we're getting!

Free things to do include:

• Tobogganning (sledding)
• Build a snowman or igloo
• Have a snowball fight
• Make snow angels
• Go for a walk!

Have you ever done the 1000 Hours challenge? Send me your tips (because I'm not usually an "outdoors" kind of gal)!

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📅 Events Around Alberta (This Weekend)

There's always a lot happening around Alberta. Here are a few highlights from this coming weekend:

• Calgary: Harlem Globetrotters at Winsport​
• Edmonton: Ice Grooves Swing & Skate​
• Rocky Mountains: It's the last weekend of Free Admission to National Parks, so make sure you get out there!
• Southern Alberta: Medicine Hat Public Library Stuffie Sleepy Storycraft (ages 4-6) on January 10, 2-3pm (registration required)
• Central Alberta: Annie the Musical in Camrose on January 9 &10
• Northern Alberta: Grande Prairie Winterfest​

🎯 Find more through your local event calendar!

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📚 What I'm Reading

Have you seen this on social media yet? Alberta Word Search by Nick Cranford is showing up in a bunch of groups I'm a member of on Facebook, and I've got to admire his marketing!

Each puzzle has about 20 words related to Alberta to find. I've got a book coming to keep in the trailer.

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📌 Alberta Fact of the Week

100 years ago, 27,000 tourists were recorded as visiting Lake Louise in the 1926 summer season. How many do you think will visit in 2026?

Find more about Alberta in any of these great books about Alberta.

Source: p. 55, Lake Louise Past to Present​

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💭 Share Your Thoughts

What are your 2025 reflections or 2026 goals?

Hit reply and let me know!

Can't wait to hear from you!

Jen

P.S. Did you know Alberta Mamas has a Facebook group? Join Alberta with Kids by Alberta Mamas!

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Thank you so much for your support!