I am a HUGE Christmas movie fan. There are always 10-15 of my favorites on my DVR year round. Since this year’s new Christmas movies started airing in October, I have fallen behind as usual and there are currently 24 brand new, not yet watched, Christmas movies on my DVR. One of the reasons this number is so large, other than my very busy October, is for the last 3 years, we have added the Christmas movies from Great American Family to our must-watch list.

If you haven’t watched Great American Family yet, why not? If you are looking for wholesome, God-honoring movies, Great American Family is the place to be. I know what Great American Family stands for and I don’t have to fear that they will sneak in relationships and concepts that we don’t allow in our home.

About A Christmas for the Ages

Prompted by their youngest granddaughter, four generations celebrate family and what Christmas was like in the 40s, 60s, 90s, and present day.

The movie stars Natasha Bure, Anna Ferguson, Kate Craven, and Cheryl Ladd.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I already had this movie scheduled to record this Sunday night and even though we’ve seen it, I’m still going to record it so I can watch it again and again. A Christmas for the Ages isn’t your typical Christmas Rom-Com, it’s a movie about family, traditions, and love.

In all honesty, watching the opening scene I was nervous. The acting seemed stilted and the dialog seemed odd. Thankfully all that improved greatly as the movie went on. I really wish they had gone back and re-shot the opening scene because I feel some people might stop watching in the first few awkward minutes and miss a great story.

This movie centers around 4 generations of one family and how time changes who they are and what roles they play in the family. This is something we can all relate to, change is inevitable and we want to transition from one season to the next with grace, but that isn’t always easy.

If you love a heartfelt Christmas movie, watch A Christmas for the Ages on Great American Family.

The Giveaway

One US based winner will receive a 3 month subscription to Great American Flix. The winner cannot have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last 6 months. The giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on December 6, 2023. The winner will be verified and their email will be forwarded to the sponsor for fulfillment.

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About Journey to Bethlehem

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.

This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus.

A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10.

The Cast:

• Mary-Fiona Palomo
• Joseph-Milo Manheim
• Herod-Antonio Banderas
• Antipater-Joel Smallbone
• Gabriel-Lecrae
• Melchior-Omid Djalili
• Gaspar-Rizwan Manji
• Bathazar-Geno Sergers
• Deborah-Moriah
• Rebekah-Stephanie Gil

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I want to start by telling you there is artistic license taken with this movie. The biggest being that, we all know the Wise Men didn’t arrive to see Jesus until He was about 2 years old. In this movie they follow the star to His birth. I’ll be honest, this bugged me. The other biggie was that Antipater (Herod’s son) came to see the baby, to arrest them but what he witnessed changed him. He told them to leave Bethlehem. Again, this is not at all what the Bible says happened.

There are comedic elements woven into this holy story. The wise men bring most of the comedy, which works pretty well. It seemed very odd for Gabriel to bring some comedy, that didn’t sit right with Ron at all.

The music in this film is amazing!! You can listen to it now on Spotify. I loved every second of music, the performances were wonderful! I can’t wait to watch it again so I can experience the music and dancing again.

The casting and acting were top notch. Fiona and Milo were wonderful as Mary and Joseph. The bond between Mary and her sisters was very authentic. The characters of Herod and Antipater had such an interesting relationship, it drew you in and made you feel for the position Antipater was in. The Wise Men were a hoot and added levity to a pretty serious story.

If you love musicals and Christmas, get your tickets now to see JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10th.

You can download coloring sheets, discussion guides, and more here.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card. This giveaway is open to US based readers only. This giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on 11/14/23. The winner will be verified and submitted to the sponsor who will then be responsible for providing the prize to the winner.

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I have been a fan of Sight & Sound Theaters’ work for years. Visiting them live is on my bucket list. I’ve seen several of their amazing productions on TV and my youngest son got to see one live at their Branson theater when he was a missionary to the youth of America. When I heard they were making their first feature film, I couldn’t wait to see it! I was blessed to be asked to screen this film and share my thoughts with you.

About Sight & Sound

Sight & Sound® is a ministry on a mission to create spectacular entertainment experiences for the whole family. Since its beginning as a traveling multimedia show in 1976, Sight & Sound® has inspired over 25 million people with stories of faith. Today, Sight & Sound® owns and operates two live theater locations, immersing audiences in state-of-the-art original productions. Sight & Sound TV® launched in 2020, and this online streaming platform has since welcomed a global virtual audience from over 175 countries around the world. Most recently, Sight & Sound® announced expansion into feature films production, with I Heard the Bells as the first-ever theatrical release set for cinemas nationwide December 2022.

About I Heard the Bells

This is the inspiring true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known as America’s Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life…until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it’s the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet’s lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith.

I HEARD THE BELLS is in theaters beginning December 1, 2022. Find a local theater and get your tickets here.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts on I Heard the Bells

Wow! As is everything that Sight & Sound does, I HEARD THE BELLS was done with excellence. The acting, scenery, costuming, script, everything is top notch and there is not one criticism I could give. This movie was captivating and moving. The story was beautifully told.

If you are used to Sight & Sound’s massive musicals, this is different. It’s not a musical and it is not filmed in one of their theaters, though some scenes, like the New Hope Chapel, were built on their backlot, much of the movie was filmed in Pennsylvania.

This is an inspiring story of redemption and rekindled faith, the perfect film to watch with your family as you prepare to celebrate Christmas!

The Poem

I wasn’t aware that there are verses in the poem about the Civil War which, of course, are not included in the Christmas hymn. Here is the original poem, “Christmas Bells”.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
    Had rolled along
    The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
    A voice, a chime,
    A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
    And with the sound
    The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
    And made forlorn
    The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
    “For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow December 25, 1864

Buy your tickets TODAY to see I HEARD THE BELLS in theaters starting 12/1!

The Giveaway

I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one US resident. The giveaway ends 12:00am ET 12-9-22, the winner will be verified. Prize fulfillment will be handled by the sponsor. Good Luck.

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Do you want to put Christ back into the center of your Christmas season? We often get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of the year that we forget what it’s really all about, the birth of the Savior. Make plans now to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters for one night only, November 29, 2022. This modern-day Christmas musical is suitable for the whole family, though I think ages 9-adult will enjoy it the most.

About It’s Christmas Again

Jake Young (Lawson Touliatos) wants nothing more than to spend his Christmas vacation with his girlfriend, Abbey Walker (Leela Owen). So when Abbey volunteers for her church’s Christmas play, Jake is ready to skip Christmas this year until an unexpected turn of events lands him in a field outside Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. While on his journey with the shepherds to find the promised
Messiah, Jake discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

We really enjoyed this movie. I am a musical theater lover and IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN didn’t disappoint. We felt that at times it gave off vibes of some other recent famous musicals, and that’s a good thing. The story was well thought out and executed. The time travel sections fit seamlessly, and that doesn’t always happen. The music was fresh and some had a definite hip-hop feel. The choreography was great but sometimes it felt like it was too much and took away from the moment.

Lawson Touliatos, who played the lead character, Jake Young was amazing! Lawson is a musician first and a relative newcomer to acting. He is a talented singer, his voice is wonderful. I commented to my husband a few times how great his voice was while we watched the movie.

Get It’s Christmas Again Tickets Now

IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN will be in theaters one night only, Tuesday, November 29, 2022. You can check where it’s playing near you and buy your tickets at the official website.

The Giveaway

I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card, US residents only. The giveaway ends at 12:00am ET on 12-6-22. The winner will be verified and then their information will be sent to the sponsor for fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post It’s Christmas Again appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Ice Skating at SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Orlando will be one of the few places Central Floridians can lace up and hit the ice. During the day, park guests will have the opportunity to ice skate at Bayside Stadium. Once night falls, they can sit back and relax as the pros show off what they got with “Winter Wonderland on Ice”. Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels, and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza. A sea of sparkling trees and towering fountains dancing in the background come together to create an experience the entire family will not want to miss.

All-New Magical Shows and Entertainment

There are even more ways for families to get into the holiday spirit this year at SeaWorld Orlando. At the end of the night during the Christmas Celebration, guests can be dazzled by the impressive “Holiday Reflections” fireworks show that showcases an impressive fireworks display set to the sounds of the season in the sky above the Sea of Trees.

Holiday cheer can also be found throughout the park with stilt walkers at the Waterfront and in Wild Arctic Plaza, jump-roping toy soldiers, and Elf Story Chair Stacking in Sharks Plaza. Guests also cannot miss the opportunity for photos with Santa, Rudolph and Bumble! Rudolph and Bumble have found a new home this year in Wild Arctic, while Santa can be found at his new workshop in the Shoppes at the Waterfront. Guests can also dine with Santa throughout the Christmas Celebration for an additional cost.

The magical holiday fun continues in Sesame Street Land with the return of the popular Sesame Street Christmas Parade, where guests can see all their favorite Sesame Street characters getting into the holiday spirit. For an additional cost, families who come to the park on Saturday mornings can have breakfast with their friends from Sesame Street. Elmo’s Christmas Wish is also back this year on event mornings at SeaPort Theatre. Visitors can join Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe and Rosita as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!

Decadent Holiday Drinks and Treats at SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

Guests to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the holiday season with ALL-NEW food and beverage offerings this year. Traditional flavors like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint can be found all around the park in new and unexpected ways. There will also be a very special holiday doughnut from an Orlando-based doughnut shop. 

Some of the NEW food offerings guests can taste at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:

• Monty Cristo Waffle – ham, turkey, Swiss cheese & cranberry glaze
• Santa’s Sweet & Savory Treat Doughnut Chicken Sandwich – honey Sriracha & pickles
• The Main Event – fried turkey breast, andouille stuffing, cranberry gastric & brown gravy
• Corn Husk Enconchada Tamale – carnitas & ancho mole poblano sauce
• Christmas Bread Pudding – brioche bun, white chocolate, raspberry sauce & whipped cream
• Arroz con Dulce – cinnamon dust & Caribbean rum raisin
• Fresh Baked Deep-dish cookies – M&M, S’mores & Chocolate chip

Guests will be able to sip NEW seasonal drinks while strolling around the park. They can drink either a hot or frozen hot chocolate, or a frozen eggnog or coquito. There are also several NEW holiday cocktails to try, including:

• Holiday Peppermint Eggnog – eggnog, white chocolate liquor, vanilla vodka & peppermint schnapps
• Christmas Beer Sangria – apple cider, Tito’s vodka, maple syrup, Christmas ale& cinnamon
• Chai Swizzle – chai tea, Bailey’s Irish Cream, simple syrup & cinnamon
• Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy – Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey, Jack Daniels Winter Cider & chai tea

Best Way to Enjoy Holiday Cheer

One of the best ways for guests to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with a SeaWorld Orlando 2023 Fun Card, which offers park admission through December 31, 2023, for one low price of $132.99. Guests will have admission to SeaWorld Orlando for a full calendar year to experience thrilling rides, amazing animal encounters and energizing entertainment. For even more unbeatable benefits, guests can purchase a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass for as low as $14/month + tax with no down payment. With an Annual Pass, guests will enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits like free parking, free guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more! Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. Annual Passes and Fun Cards can be purchased at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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My Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake recipe is a poke cake that starts with a box cake mix, this makes it so easy to create. The tricky part of this cake is working with the Marshmallow Fluff, I like to use a piping bag, or zippy bag with the end cut off to pipe the Marshmallow Fluff. When it comes to crushing candy canes I like to pop them in my Nutri Ninja and 2 pulses later, I have crushed candy canes!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 18.25 oz chocolate cake mix plus eggs and oil as required on the box
• 8 oz Marshmallow Fluff
• 1.5 TBS water
• 6 candy canes
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 5 TBS Nesquik Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake Instructions

• Preheat oven according to the cake package requirements. Grease a 9×13″ pan.
• Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box.
• Once the cake is baked, let it cool 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto your cake board or serving plate.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake.

• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the Marshmallow Fluff and water for about 10 seconds then stir until smooth.
• Pour the marshmallow mixture into a piping bag or a zippy bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and pipe the marshmallow into the holes. Once the holes are filled, pipe the rest of the marshmallow over the top of the cake and spread out with an offset spatula.
• Remove the plastic from your candy canes and crush them up either in a blender or food processor or by placing them in a zippy bag wrapped in a kitchen towel and beating them with a mallet or rolling pin until crushed.
• Sprinkle the candy cane pieces over the marshmallow layer.

• In a large bowl, mix together the Cool Whip and Nesquik to make a chocolate whipped cream.
• Cover the cake with the whipped cream.
• Decorate as desired.
• Keep the cake refrigerated til serving.

I brought this cake to church on the last night of our semester and my girls loved it! It has just the right amount of peppermint flavor without overpowering the bite. I also served it to Savannah when she came over to hang out. She isn’t a cake person, but she really enjoyed it as well.

Print

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake

Chocolate, peppermint, and marshmallow combine to make a delicious and easy Peppermint Hot Cocoa poke cake for your Christmas celebration.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword cake, chocolate, marshmallow, peppermint, poke cake

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

10 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 18

Author cindy

Ingredients

• 1 18.25 oz chocolate cake mix plus eggs and oil as required on the box
• 8 oz Marshmallow Fluff
• 1.5 TBS water
• 6 candy canes
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 5 TBS Nesquik Chocolate

Instructions

• Preheat oven according to the cake package requirements.

  Grease a 9×13" pan.
• Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box.
• Once the cake is baked, let it cool 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto your cake board or serving plate.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake.
• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the Marshmallow Fluff and water for about 10 seconds then stir until smooth.
• Pour the marshmallow mixture into a piping bag or a zippy bag. Cut off the tip of the bag and pipe the marshmallow into the holes. Once the holes are filled, pipe the rest of the marshmallow over the top of the cake and spread out with an offset spatula.
• Remove the plastic from your candy canes and crush them up either in a blender or food processor or by placing them in a zippy bag wrapped in a kitchen towel and beating them with a mallet or rolling pin until crushed.
• Sprinkle the candy cane pieces over the marshmallow layer.
• In a large bowl, mix together the Cool Whip and Nesquik to make a chocolate whipped cream.
• Cover the cake with the whipped cream.
• Decorate as desired.
• Keep the cake refrigerated til serving.

I hope you enjoy this Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake recipe and all of the easy recipes I share here on The Mom Maven. Please share them on your social networks. I just ask that you not copy and share the entire recipe with photos. Please use the sharing buttons below and share the link to this post. Thanks!

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6 Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

• Yoder’s Amish Peanut Butter Pie is a family favorite of ours!
• Susan from Learning and Yearning makes her Maple Pecan Pie with maple syrup instead of refined sugar and corn syrup!
• Living Beyond Allergies shared this easy and delicious pumpkin pie that is gluten free and vegan! Silky, rich, and packed full of flavor, this homemade pie tastes amazing! Perfect for holidays or anytime you want a slice of cozy comfort.
• I have seen a lot of pumpkin pies but never one like this one from In the Kitch! Add an unexpected spin to a holiday classic with this recipe for crystal clear pumpkin pie! This transparent pie is just as simple to prepare as a traditional pumpkin pie, but it will add an element of surprise and wonder to your dish.
• My friend, Scarlet from Family Focus Blog shares her Crustless Pumpkin Pie recipe which is gluten free.
• This Pumpkin Oreo Cream Cheese Pie from Sweet ReciPEAS is made with pumpkin and cream cheese and topped with an Oreo cream cheese swirl.

2 Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes

• These delicious but easy Thanksgiving sour cream sugar cookies with a cream cheese frosting from Saving Talents are light and fluffy, and they are are perfect for cutting into fun shapes with cookie cutters!
• How adorable are these Turkey Sugar Cookies from Finding Zest?

6 Thanksgiving Cheesecakes, Cakes, Cake Pops and Cupcakes

• If you love chocolate and peanut butter together, you will love my Peanut Butter Cup Cake. 
• Oh my goodness! My Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe from The Cheesecake Bible is amazing!
• These chocolate cupcakes from The Sunny Kitchen are decorated to look like adorable Thanksgiving turkeys!
• This cake mix free easy Pumpkin Crunch Cake from Thrifty Frugal Mom, combines a soft pumpkin custard bottom with a delightfully delicious crunchy topping to create a totally addictive dessert!
• These Turkey Cake Pops from Emily Fabulous are so easy to make and will be a hit on your Thanksgiving table. These cute, bite-sized treats are the perfect addition to your holiday celebration and fun for all ages.
• These Sweet Potato Cupcakes from Broken Oven Baking are the perfect treat if you’re looking for a tasty and elegant looking dessert! They’re moist and filled with warm spices.

3 Thanksgiving Trifles

• My Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is easy to make and is always a hit at whatever celebration I bring it to.
• This show-stopping easy tiramisu trifle from The Heirloom Pantry showcases the warm fall flavors of coffee, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon sugar. 
• Layers of rich pumpkin cheesecake, real whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs combine to create this delicious, fun no-bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle from Thrifty Frugal Mom.

2 Bread Pudding Recipes for Thanksgiving

• Bread pudding is a traditional holiday dessert in our family. My Eggnog Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce just freshens the tradition up a bit.
• The Spice Train gives us this maple pecan bread pudding is made with challah bread, infused with maple and vanilla flavors and drizzled with maple cream sauce.

5 Dessert Bars

• My Caramel Butter Bars aren’t too sweet and they pair well with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa so they are a great little treat.
• My Gingerbread Jumble Bars are the best of both worlds, soft gingerbread bar cookies with white chocolate chips and M&M candies mixed in.
• These cute Thanksgiving Turkey Brownies from Two Kids and a Coupon are a perfect treat for to make for your Thanksgiving feast. 
• My Vegan Minimalist shares the best vegan chocolate swirl pumpkin brownie you can whip together in just 45 minutes. 
• This Pumpkin Gingerbread from From Valerie’s Kitchen is loaded with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon and is topped with a Maple Pecan Icing.

I hope you enjoy all of these Thanksgiving Dessert recipes recipe and all of the easy recipes I share here on The Mom Maven. Please share them on your social networks. I just ask that you not copy and share the entire recipe with photos. Please use the sharing buttons below and share the link to this post. Thanks!

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New for 2021

• NOW NIGHTLY!  Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale Each Christmas Celebration night, SeaWorld celebrates the season during Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale, featuring soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. Experience an amazing SeaWorld Christmas connection that illuminates the night sky. At Park Close on select Christmas Celebration nights.
• Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show.
• Sounds of the Season Be there as festive weekend music makes its way to SeaWorld for this year’s Christmas Celebration! See a variety of talented acts take to the Nautilus Theater stage to bring the spirit of the season to life. These special live concerts and theatrical performances are held event days November 12 – January 2.

Returning Favorites

• Sesame Street Christmas Parade The Sesame Street Christmas Parade features fantastic, festively decorated floats with show-stopping performances that celebrate the magic of the holiday season! The whole family will experience an energetic Christmas celebration with Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie, and more. Guests are sure to sing, dance, and be merry with their favorite furry friends.
• Winter Wonderland On Ice Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in a show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Guests are immersed in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s ChristmasTown. Stroll outdoors past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale, and meet beloved characters including Rudolph and Bumble.
• Rudolph’s Movie Experience Rudolph and his friends star in this special-effects movie that will get the entire family in the holiday spirit, playing daily in the Sea Port Theater.
• Public Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium Guests can experience outdoor ice skating as they skate alongside the water of SeaWorld’s central lagoon throughout the day in a beautiful winter wonderland.

Holiday Flavors to Savor

The Christmas Market, nestled along Bayside Pathway, features festive entertainment and delicious culinary delights. At this bustling market, guests will discover one-of-a-kind gifts and snack on scrumptious holiday treats. Relax near the warm glow of the fire pit with a holiday craft brew and experience a wonderful view of the vibrant Sea of Trees or sing along to musicians who bring the sounds of the season to life on the gazebo stage.  Find the tastes of the season throughout the park with the return of fan-favorite beverages, including the decadent Butterscotch Hot Chocolate or try something new like the Peppermint Berry Julep or the Mistletoe Margarita.

Additional Holiday Celebrations

• Hanukkah Celebration Celebrate the festival of lights at SeaWorld! From November 28 through December 6, gather with your friends and family to view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land throughout Hanukkah.
• Kwanzaa Festivities Join SeaWorld’s celebration of Kwanzaa! Taking place December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land.
• New Year’s Eve Spend the final day of 2021 enjoying SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration then ring in the New Year as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky at midnight on December 31.

Ticket Info

The best way to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and New Year’s with family and friends is with a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass. For a limited time, Florida residents can become a Pass Member for as low as $12.75 per month. Pass Members can receive park benefits and rewards like priority access to new attractions, FREE parking, in-park discounts and much more. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com

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33 Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes

13 Vegetable Recipes

• My Parmesan Roasted Green Beans are an easy-to-make vegetable dish the whole family will love.
• Anew traditional dish on my family is Slow Cooker Herbed Cream Corn. It doesn’t take up space in the oven or on the stovetop so it is great for a feast!
• Melissa Traub teaches us how to make Simple Orange Cinnamon Acorn Squash Rings.
• Lisa from Cooking with Curls shares her Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries recipe.
• Looking for an easy and delicious low carb side dish? Try these Garlic Roasted Radishes from A Sweet Alternative.
• Dan from Platter Talk shares his Butternut Squash Farro Casserole recipe.
• Roasted persimmon, Asian pear, brussels sprouts, and purple daikon radish make a great fall side dish or salad that is both sweet and savory. It’s a perfect dish for your Thanksgiving table from Healthy Feels.
• This corn souffle from Two Pink Peonies is so easy to make. It is a wonderful side dish for the holidays or a great way to dress up a weeknight dinner.
• Brussels Sprouts, bacon and cranberries are coated in a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze and roasted to perfection in just 25 minutes. These Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts from Swirls of Flavor are an easy recipe for a vegetable side dish!
• My mom would have loved this Hasselback Butternut Squash from The Healthy Epicurian.
• Looking for a Holiday Salad ? Try this one from Flavor the Moments.
• Two Pink Peonies shared this Sour Cream Green Bean Casserole recipe.
• Aubrey’s Kitchen says her recipe is the Best Roasted Asparagus!

9 Potato Recipes

• Yum! I love these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes. They are easy to make and don’t take up space on the stove top.
• Perfect for holiday dining, this Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole from Planted in Arkansas is a recipe from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
• These creamy Redskin Mashed Potatoes with cream Cheese from Sugar and Snap Peas only take about 25 minutes to make!
• Did you there were white sweet potatoes? I didn’t! Try these Mashed White Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Honey Butter from Midwexican.
• This Sweet Potato Soufflé from The Blond Cook has a crunchy coconut and pecan streusel topping and is an easy and delicious Thanksgiving side dish or dessert.
• Nourish Plate shares her Instant Pot Vegan Mashed Potatoes that are dairy and gluten free.
• Are you Whole 30? Aubrey’s Kitchen shares her Whole 30 Mashed Potatoes.
• These Slow Cooker Candied Yams from Cooked by Julie are tossed in brown sugar, butter, and spices then cooked to perfection.
• I can’t wait to try these Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes from the Sassy Foodie.

7 Bread and Stuffing Recipes

• Stuffing is an important part of a turkey dinner. My mom’s recipe is the best simple turkey stuffing recipe ever.
• I love super moist cornbread! My Cornbread recipe is my favorite, it’s sweet, and doesn’t have corn kernels or jalapenos in it.
• I am very intrigued by this recipe for Everything Bagel Stuffing from Marley’s Menu, I may have to give this a try!
• These Cinnamon Sweet Potato Biscuits would be a unique addition to your Thanksgiving table.
• How brilliant are these Apple Sage Stuffing Muffins from Swirls of Flavor? I need to try this with my stuffing recipe!
• I may have to venture outside of my mom’s stuffing recipe. This Crockpot Sausage, Apple, Sage Stuffing recipe from The Six Figure Dish sounds delicious!
• This old fashioned Southern cornbread dressing recipe from Dinner at the Zoo is a classic that’s a must-have for every Thanksgiving table. 

4 More Thanksgiving Sides

• Add freshness to your holiday table with this cranberry relish! This easy cranberry recipe from Finding Zest uses a blender and requires no cooking at all.  In fact, it can be made in just 5 minutes.
• Dan from Platter Talk says, “Knowing how to make giblet gravy will magically make an ordinary dinner a special one.”
• This Five Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese from Sense & Edibility would be a creamy, delicious Thanksgiving side dish.
• This Cranberry Sauce recipe from Season and Thyme is classic with fresh, tart cranberries, orange zest and juice, and just a hint of brown sugar for sweetness.

You may also want to check out 24 Delectable Thanksgiving Desserts.

I hope you enjoy these 33 Thanksgiving Side Dishes and all of the easy recipes I share here on The Mom Maven. Please share them on your social networks. I just ask that you not copy and share the entire recipe with photos. Please use the sharing buttons below and share the link to this post. Thanks!

The post 33 Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes appeared first on The Mom Maven.

The first 15 years of my life Thanksgiving was hosted by my Auntie Evie and she did the turkey. The next 40+ years my mom cooked the turkey, except for 2. Thanksgiving 2015 was 1 week after my dad passed away and we ordered a premade turkey meal from Publix, it was ok. Thanksgiving 2020 was the first Thanksgiving after my mom passed. My sister ordered a turkey from the Honey Baked Ham company but we made all the sides. It was better than 2015 but still not right.

This year my sister’s family is traveling to my niece’s boyfriends family across the state. Aaron and his family are making their annual trek to Tennessee, and Jordan and Savannah are hosting Thanksgiving on Saturday. My problem is I love turkey and I love Thanksgiving. It may just be Ron and I together on Thursday, so far the friends I’ve reached out to all have big family plans, but I want at least a mini Thanksgiving dinner then too. We talked about just doing a turkey breast but, I’m thinking maybe cooking a small turkey so that is what led me to search my friend’s blogs for turkey recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to cook your turkey or maybe you’ve never cooked one before, I hope you find a new idea or two below.

10 Ways to Cook a Turkey for Thanksgiving

• This Butter Basted Turkey from The Sassy Foodie is packed with spices. This turkey is of the moist-est you have ever tried. The best part is that there is no brining required.

• If you want a juicy turkey that’s evenly cooked with the crispiest skin ever, this Spatchcock Turkey from Flavor the Moments is the recipe for you! It comes out perfect every time and cooks up in under an hour and a half!  

• Diana from Little Sunny Kitchen says, “Cooking a roast turkey is easier than you think! Follow my super simple recipe for a perfectly juicy and tender roast turkey that your whole family will enjoy! No brining or basting is required.”

• This Perfect Dry Brined Roasted Turkey recipe from Emily Fabulous will result in a beautifully browned, moist, and delicious turkey every time. Although it takes a few days, it’s easy, inexpensive, and full of flavor. You will never have to worry again if your turkey will be moist, flavorful, or brown.

• If you’re cooking for a smaller number of people this Thanksgiving or Christmas, then this roasted turkey breast from Nourish Plate is so easy to cook and takes just 60-90 minutes to be ready!

• According to Midwexican, “You can easily cook a bone-in turkey breast for a smaller crowd – and quickly! when you get your Instant Pot involved. The results are moist, juicy turkey that you don’t have to fret over for hours.”

•  This Butter Herb Turkey from Season and Thyme has classic flavors like sage and thyme, along with a generous amount of sea salt and lemon zest.

• This simple slow cooker turkey recipe from Mimosas and Motherhood is perfect if you don’t want to stress about roasting one in the oven. With just a little bit of prep, this delicious whole turkey cooks all day with no brining or basting. 

• This Smoked Turkey Breast from Out Grilling is brined and grilled with hardwood smoke for a tender, juicy and flavorful main dish to serve for any holiday or family dinner. 

• This turkey roulade from Everyday Delicious is made from turkey breast and stuffed with roasted butternut squash, cremini mushrooms, and dried cranberries, then wrapped in Parma ham. It’s so flavorful and perfect for an autumn Sunday dinner or for a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

You may also want to check out 33 Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes and 24 Delectable Thanksgiving Desserts.

I hope you enjoy these 10 Ways to Cook a Turkey and all of the easy recipes I share here on The Mom Maven. Keep checking back, over the next week I’ll be sharing Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts as well. Please share this on your social networks. I just ask that you not copy and share the entire recipe with photos. Please use the sharing buttons below and share the link to this post. Thanks!

The post 10 Ways to Cook a Turkey appeared first on The Mom Maven.