You can find holiday outfits for cats and dogs at many a store, but it’s not so easy to find Christmas costumes for pet rodents. At La Marmota Café, you can find lots of dress up clothes for your hamster, guinea pig, or chinchilla! I’m especially partial to this little elf costume. 🙂
![Hamster Christmas Elf Costume ~ Etsy Seller: La Marmota Cafe](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/hamster-elf.jpg)
Happy Monday, everyone! Are you as excited as we are that there are only 17 days until Christmas? Start your week off on a cheery note by checking out the adorable videos below 🙂
Since I am thoroughly amused by clever puns and word plays, it is no surprise that this narwhal holiday card caught my eye. I really love this artist’s illustration style and her lighthearted designs. Make sure you check out all the other cute card designs in this shop to find the perfect holiday greeting for your loved ones!
![Narwhal Holiday Card ~ Etsy Seller: Nightly Doodles](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/narwhal-card.jpg)
IKEA stores all over the world are hosting several events this holiday season that will put you in the Christmas spirit. As you may know, IKEA was founded in Sweden, and therefore, many of their events are inspired by Swedish traditions. The whole family can enjoy a variety of activities, such as julbord, breakfast with Santa, gingerbread house decorating, and more!
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/IKEA-collage-web.jpg)
The julbord is an all-you-can-eat Swedish feast that includes traditional dishes like herring, smoked salmon, meatballs with lingonberries, and more. To finish off your delicious dinner, you’ll enjoy some sweets and glögg (mulled wine). In order to nosh at this spectacular smörgåsbord, you will need to purchase your ticket(s) in advance, so contact your local store.
Santa will be making public appearances at several IKEA stores this year! Children of all ages can meet Santa and even take a photo with him, so be sure to bring your camera. In some stores, Santa will be in the restaurant, so you and your children can even sit and eat breakfast with him.
Try your hand at piping icing and adorning a gingerbread house with candies at IKEA’s gingerbread decorating contest. If you win the prize for the best decorated house, you can brag to your family and friends!
One of the other events that you may be able to attend is the St. Lucia procession—a Swedish Christmas tradition where Lucia leads a procession of lights as Swedish Christmas carols are sung.
Please note that events vary from store to store, so you’ll want to check your local store for a list of events. Click here to find a store in the USA or here to find an international store.
- Gingerbread House Decorating Contest:
Friday, 12 December: 4–8:30pm
- Julbord:
Friday, 12 December: 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm
- Meet Santa:
Every weekend until 22 December: 10:30am–4:15pm
- Julbord & St. Lucia Celebration:
Thursday, 11 December: 6–8pm
- Gingerbread House Decorating Contest:
Friday, 12 December: 12pm, 2:30pm
Saturday, 20 December: 12pm, 2:30pm
- Julbord:
Friday, 12 December: Contact store for dining times.
- Julbord:
Every day until Christmas: 12–2pm
- Meet Santa:
Sunday, 7 December: 12–3pm
Sunday, 14 December: 12–3pm
Sunday, 21 December: 12–3pm
- St. Lucia Celebration:
Saturday, 13 December: 2–4pm
- Breakfast with Santa:
Sunday,14 December: 9:30–10:30am
Sunday, 21 December: 9:30–10:30am
- Julbord:
Friday, 12 December: 5pm, 7pm
- Breakfast with Santa:
Saturday, 13 December: 9:30–11am
Saturday, 20 December: 9:30–11am
- Julbord:
Friday, 12 December: 5:00pm, 7:00pm
- Julbord:
Thursday, 11 December: 4:30pm, 6:30pm
Friday, 12 December: 4:30pm, 6:30pm
- St. Lucia Celebration
Saturday, 13 December: 9:30am
Again, this is not a complete list of events at IKEA stores. To find events and activities at the store nearest you, check online. Click here to find a store in the USA or here to find an international store.
Whether you are from New York City or simply love the five boroughs, this NYC tree skirt would make a fun addition to your Christmas tree. Made with 100% cotton, the skirt’s bright design features Big Apple icons, such as the Statue of Liberty, taxi cabs, and the Empire State Building.
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/nyc-etsy.jpg)