Day 19: Capture Memories that Last Forever!
Time flies, but great photos keep the memories alive. For Day 19, we’ve teamed up with Melanie Ann Photography to gift one lucky family a 45-minute photography session!
This prize is valid for up to 10 people (bring the grandparents!) and is valued at $275. It includes a personal online gallery plus 5 digital images of your choice.
Note: Winners have the option to upgrade their package (for an additional fee) to add more people, extend the time, or purchase extra photos if desired.
The best part? It’s valid all year long in 2026, so you can choose the perfect season for your shoot.
MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Melanie specializes in capturing authentic family connections - from the chaotic fun of little ones to beautiful multi-generational portraits. Her style is warm, relaxed, and timeless, making sure you feel comfortable in front of the lens so your true personalities shine through.
As our email subscribers, you are already halfway there... just click the link below to finish your entry!
Friday, December 19
Bilingual Babytime and Stay & Play (Series) at 11:15am 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
Miller’s Christmas Market Manotick (Series) at 12-6pm 📍Miller's Farm & Market
Join the club and get cool merch
Become a supporter and receive an exclusive Ottawa Parents T-Shirt, early access to giveaways, and special perks made just for our community.
❄️Winter Activities❄️
Winter Lights Across Canada Dec 8 - Jan 9, 2026 Pathway of lights Map
November 23, 2025 to March 29, 2026 (weather depending)
Weekdays: 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Weekends: 1:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Open daily, 7 am to 11 pm (weather permitting)
Rink of Dreams (opens Dec 6 at 3pm)
Open everyday from 9am to 11pm, except for Tue & Thur 7am to 11pm
4-7pm📍Sparks Street
5-10pm📍Lansdowne Park
Santa in Carlingwood! until December 24th 10:30am 📍Carlingwood Shopping Centre
Daily Light Show at 5:30pm & 7:30pm📍George Street Plaza
Christmas on Taffy Lane 📍Taffy Lane
🎉The Family Fridge
A little corner for jokes, hacks, and fun ideas to stick on your mental fridge.
🎉 The Official "School's Out" Ceremony Check these off the second they walk through the door today!
🔲 The Backpack Toss: Dump the backpack in the corner. (We will deal with the old lunch leftovers... tomorrow).
🔲 The Wardrobe Change: Immediate switch into pajamas or "comfy clothes." No zippers or buttons allowed until January.
🔲 The Victory Snack: Hot chocolate + cookies served immediately.
🔲 The "No Alarm" Ritual: March to Mom/Dad's phone and officially turn off the 6:30 AM alarm for two whole weeks.
🔲 The Declaration: Shout "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!" as loud as you can.
💡 Mood Setter: Have "School's Out" by Alice Cooper or "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" blasting the second they walk in!
🎄 Is your Elf departing earlier this year?
Don't worry, Ottawa Parents! Whether your Elf has a "North Pole Emergency" or Santa just needs an extra hand in the workshop, we’ve got you covered.
We just added Early Departure Ideas & Letters to our Elf Survival Kit! Use our "North Pole Help Needed" template to explain the early exit while leaving your little one with a sweet memory (and a treat on the tree!).
🎁 Reminder: Snap, Tag, and Win!
Even if your Elf leaves early, you can still enter our giveaway! Snap a photo of their final setup, tag @OttawaParents, and you’re entered to win the Marsjoy Musical Plush Pony!
✨ Exclusive Subscriber Perk: Free Coloring Pages!
As a special thank you for being an Ottawa Parents subscriber, we've included a festive Christmas Coloring Page PDF just for you.
Print it out and enjoy some quiet, creative time this holiday season!
"To the parents running on caffeine and pure determination this week: You are the real holiday magic. It's not about the perfectly wrapped gifts, but the love that holds the chaos together. You've got this, Ottawa Parents!"
