Family Christmas Outing at The Empire Mall

The reason for this season of giving is about so much more than shopping. Yes, it’s fun to exchange gifts with loved ones, but I cherish the opportunities to make lasting memories during the holidays.

The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls does an outstanding job of making the holiday shopping experience more than just a race from store to store in pursuit of a checklist. My family and I spent last weekend exploring the Empire Mall and enjoying all of the amazing things they’re offering families this time of year.

Every child should make an annual trip to meet Santa! We had so much fun talking with Santa at the Empire Mall. If you know Carsten, he had MANY logistical questions for him. My favorite question was, “Do you have a car or do you only fly in your sleigh?” Santa was ready for anything and replied, “I do have a car for when I go out to eat. It’s easier to park.” 😉

Blakely just stared at him and seriously considered testing out his beard. She behaved herself and had Santa chuckling.

After the visit with Kris Kringle we headed over to Build-A-Bear for a little surprise. This was our first visit to Build-A-Bear and it was a blast. I’m not sure who had more fun: myself or my kids.

The staff made it so special for us and made sure our children were really involved throughout the ‘building’ process. They have so many great specials for holiday shopping including a deal on gift cards to the store which would be a great stocking stuffer idea!

While there are dozens of animals to choose from at Build-A-Bear, Carsten decided on ‘Stuart’ the Minion (we love Despicable Me at our house) and Blakely/I chose Glisten the Reindeer. These new additions to our family have gone nearly everywhere with us since.

We shared so many laughs and smiles during the visits to Santa and Build-A-Bear, but I think my favorite stop was the one we made at the Empire Mall’s Angel Tree. This Angel Tree for the Salvation Army helps provide gifts for kids in need; all the way from infancy up to 12 years old.

It’s sometimes hard to explain to our little ones, especially those around Carsten’s age, that not every kid is as blessed as they are; not all kids are guaranteed to wake up to presents on Christmas morning. Even as difficult as it is to try to explain, I always want to instill a giving heart in my children. It’s opportunities like participating in an Angel Tree that help demonstrate that spirit of giving for my kids. I am so grateful that the Empire Mall in partnership with the Salvation Army offers this to families as part of their shopping experience.

Overall we had so much fun exploring the Empire Mall! We were able to intermittently do some more Christmas shopping for those we still had on our list, but it was fun to make the trip about more than just purchases. We had a chance to make some lasting memories and we did it all in one place.

xo

-M

This post is sponsored by The Empire Mall. As always, all opinions are my own.

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