Free And For Me

Holiday Events Near Me

For the past three years, my family has been taking our family Christmas photo at Santa HQ HGTV in The Oaks Mall. I do not have to concern myself with, where to get pictures with Santa near me.   Every year we try to come well-groomed, on time and ready to take our picture with Santa.

This year was slightly different.  Our appointment was scheduled for 3:00 p.m.  In my mind it was scheduled for 3:30 p.m.   We arrived at 3:00 pm and decided to stall until 3:15 p.m.   While standing in the reservation line I checked my email and realized our appointment was scheduled for 3:00 p.m.  I could not believe this happened.  I felt terrible.  The kind staff at Santa HQ understood and still allowed us to have a full VIP Santa HQ experience.

Every year, my son finds out if he is naughty or nice by standing under the Naughty or Nice O’ Meter. Before we entered the new Elf Acadamy, my son and daughter insisted I do the honors of standing under the Naughty or Nice O’ Meter.   After the day I was having I would not have been surprised if the word naughty appeared.  As the lights flashed and I looked up hoping it would stop on nice, my kids anxiously laughed with excitement.  When it stopped on nice, of course, they made jokes about it possibly stopping on naughty.

It was okay that I stood under the Naughty or Nice O’ Meter because my son took over when it came to all of the other fun activities.  As he stood at The Control Center, I could not wait to get do Elf Ray Vision.  Who does not want to explore the magical world of Santa’s favorite elves through augmented technology?  It is always fun to see Santa’s elves preparing to bring us presents.

The Elf Academy interactive technology includes:

• Magic Mirror:  Guests can transform into one of Santa’s elves and virtually try on various elf outfits.
• Elf-ID: Guests can create their very own customized Elf-ID card using the new Elf-ID app and a “selfie”.
• Elf-Ray Vision: Guests can explore Santa’s Observatory through the use of tablets.  Areas within Santa HQ trigger an augmented reality experience for guests.
• Naughty or Nice Meter: Visitors stand next to an interactive board to find out which of Santa’s lists, Naughty or Nice, they made.

Experiencing all of the interactive technology is the best Christmas mall activities.   It is like having Santa’s workshop near me.  The anticipation of seeing Santa is the best!   Yes, I said it.   It is something about seeing Santa while at HGTV’s Santa HQ that is so exciting!

Every year, I want our picture to be right and they always are.  This year the photographer took many great shots but there was one we all got a kick out of.  I was caught fixing my hair.  LOL!!!   This picture is so funny to me.  I wanted this to be the photo we sent out to family and friends but my kids did not agree.   I will just share this on social media.  My son and daughter are so over me talking about how funny this photo is.

It is not too late to head over to HGTV Santa HQ at The Oaks to have a fun experience and take great Christmas photos!  You have until December 24, 2018.

Merry Christmas!

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