Santa is working with the website Portable North Pole to make special video messages for all the girls and boys. Visit the site below, enter some quick info and Santa send you the coolest personalized video. And it's FREE! We loved it. Leave us a comment and let us know what you thought - and what reaction you got from your children. It's fun to find one more thing that keeps the magic alive for a bit.

My kids are busy baking and decorating Christmas cookies together. This is the first time that they've done it and I'm so proud of them. They are 12 and 9 years. Together we'll make goody plates for friends and family. Tonight we'll deliver them and visit some wonderful people.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Click here for some great Holiday Cookie and Homemade Candy recipes.

We are so excited to see Cavalia in Portland tonight. They have extended the show through December and created a family package, making it more affordable. Don't miss this opportunity. Check out the website for amazing video footage of the horses. And click below to learn more about the show and the family value package tickets.

I was on the black hole of time called pinterist and found this amazing recipe for fun holiday pretzel treats. Adorable and delicious - with three simple ingredients. Kisses, round pretzels and m&m's. I'm so excited to try it with the kids.

She calls them pretzel snacks. Her friends call them Reindeer Noses. Check out the step-by-step instructions and photos at the House on the Hilltop blog.

I love learning new ideas and recipes that are not only delicious, but fun to do with the kids. Just when you think you know everything, someone surprises you! Please share some of your favorite treats with us too. Add your items with a link in the comments section below and we'll be sure to share them with our readers.

The magic of Christmas morning. The magic of The Toy Factory!

The Toy Factory is giving away a $25 gift certificate, just in time for Christmas. For your chance to win, just answer this question in the comments section below:

Is Christmas morning more magical as a child or as a mom?

Click here to comment.

Be sure to check out both locations of The Toy Factory. Twice the fun, twice the toys!

One winner will be chosen by random drawing from the comment entries, and announced at noon on December 14, 2011 on the MOM Blog. All entries must be made before 11:59 p.m. on December 13, 2011.

We've selected the winners of our Albany Civic Theater tickets giveaway:

-$40 gift certificate to restaurants on First St. and two tickets to the ACT goes to Melissa Van Order

-$10 Arch Cards go to Amy Fandrem, Danita Hamel, Sarah, Monica and Jennifer Vaughn

Congratulations winners! We will be in touch with you to get your prizes to you.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is making Candy Trains. The kids love it - how could you not love bowls and bowls full of candy and frosting? You can keep it simple or get creative and make a how candy village. The directions were passed on by a friend, and I'm afraid I don't have any specific info on the origin other than "Home Arts Festival" to give proper credit - so if you know, let me know!

The instructions can be found here, complete with notes on frosting recipe and how to construct different elements: Candy Train Instructions

Let us know if you try this out!

We know how busy all of you moms are going to be for the holidays. Here is a quick greeting to let you know that we're all in this together. Remember to take time to enjoy this holiday season, and maybe even do something special for yourself!

Have fun with your holiday greetings. Elf Yourself today! It's fun and really easy.

Kelley Reese's simple and inspiring jewelry stylishly gives moms subtle reminders of important qualities that we all embrace.  To let all you moms out there know that you are strong and beautiful, we are giving away Kelley Reese's strength necklace, like the one pictured above.

In the comments section below, tell us about your strongest holiday memory. We will randomly draw a name on Friday, December 10th to win the bracelet.

You can view her entire collection of gorgeous jewelry here.

There is no doubt that one of the hottest gift items this holiday season will be Pillow Pets. Pillow Pets was gracious enough to supply MOM Magazine with a Pillow Pet as part of our holiday giveaway.

I was first introduced to the darling things while in Target one day several months ago. I was happily walking down the isle when I heard a grown woman scream "O. M. G. THEY HAVE PILLOW PETS!" I watched her rush to an end cap filled with puppies, lady bugs and unicorns. Soon after that, I started hearing about them everywhere.

For a chance to win a Pillow Pet from MOM Magazine answer the following in our comments:

Does your child have a pillow pet? If yes, which one? If no, is it on his/her wish list?

We will randomly select a winner on Friday, December 10th, so check back often!