Monday, November 7, 2011

The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2011


Welcome to the third year of hosting my Christmas reading challenge! This is the second year that I'm hosting the challenge here at The Christmas Spirit.  I've added some fun levels to The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge this year, including additional levels for watching Christmas movies and for reading childrens books for those of you who like to read with your kids.  I hope you like the new additions!

Now, on to the details and sign up:
  • challenge will run from Monday, November 21, 2011 through Friday, January 6, 2011 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany).
  • cross over with other challenges is totally permitted AND encouraged!
  • These must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, and for the first time...a childrens Christmas books level!
  • visit this POST for a list of new Christmas books for 2011.  Two books I highly recommend for this season that I have read and reviewed...The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin and The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward (click the titles to read my reviews).
  • Levels:
            --Candy Cane:  read 1 book
            --Mistletoe:  read 2-4 books
            --Christmas Tree:  read 5 or 6 books (this is the fanatic level...LOL!)
          Additional levels:
            --Fa La La La Films:  watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies...it's up to you!
            --Visions of Sugar Plums:  read books with your children this season and share what you read
          *the additional levels are optional, you still must complete one of the main reading levels above

  • the most important rule?  Have fun!!!
  • I will have a review linky posted as a page the day the challenge starts.  You will find it at the top of the right sidebar.
  • Sign up in the linky below (link to your post with your reading list...you can change up your list during the challenge...I just want to be able to stop by to welcome you and see what you plan to read).


GIVEAWAY!
All challenge participants in the U.S. will be entered to win a mystery box of Christmas titles handpicked by me (these will be gently used books).  I will pick an additional winner from any International participants and I will purchase a book or eBook of your choice under $5.00 (U.S.) from Book Depository or Better World Books and have it shipped to you.  I will verify that these retailers do indeed ship free to your country.  If they do not, you will have to choose an eBook or I will choose another winner.  All challenge participants will be asked to complete a wrap-up post, share it in the wrap-up linky, and include your country of residence with your name to be eligible for the giveaway.  If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below.


Grab a button:


The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge



The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

Sign Up Linky:


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68 comments:

  1. Book DragonNovember 7, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor would also be a good one for this...too bad I read it last month. Same with Christmas at Timberwoods.

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  2. Book DragonNovember 7, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Thanks for stopping by, I edited my post to add: A Highlander for Christmas

    I'll read Christmas stories any time of year :) sound familiar?

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  3. UnknownNovember 7, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    I can't wait for this Christmas! does the harbour have any Christmas Markets? As i bet that it would be a great location!

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  4. Sally@threeblondeboyzNovember 7, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    This is perfect for me as I started reading Christmas books a couple of weeks ago and am now totally in the spirit! I have a stack to work through. Great idea, Thanks so much, Sally @ Enlightenment for the Sleepy xx

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  5. Tales of WhimsyNovember 7, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    I'm in :)

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  6. Aisha @The Bewitching BibliophileNovember 7, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    Im so excited i will be doing both the Fa LALAla and Christmas tree levels YAYYAYAYAY i cna't wait for Yuletide cheer to be here!!

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  7. Melissa WiebeNovember 7, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    I have been looking forward to this for some time. I am going to be doing both Fa La La La and Christmas tree levels.

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  8. raidergirl3November 7, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    I've joined up.

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  9. AlleluiaLuNovember 7, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    I've been waiting and waiting for this challenge to be posted! Thank you so much for all your Christmas Spirit and for hosting this challenge!

    I can't wait to get started...

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  10. SongNovember 8, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    I'm still debating on whether or not to take part in this challenge. I'd slotted Dickens in for my Christmas reading, but I've just made the decision to keep reading on hold while studying for an exam. This is so tempting though! And I don't want to wait another year before I read the Christmas Carol! Ahhhhhh!

    I think I might sign-up, Michelle. I guess, the fact that this running on till after Christmas makes it easier for me. :D I should have a sign-up post up in a day or two!

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  11. Sam @ The Little Munchkin ReaderNovember 8, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Thank you for the challenge!

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  12. Felicity Grace TerryNovember 8, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    I'm so excited to find this challenge, many thanks for hosting it. I'm planning on reaching Christmas Tree level with the added extra of some childrens books.

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  13. Melissas Eclectic BookshelfNovember 8, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    This sounds like fun!!


    ♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

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  14. JulieNovember 8, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Sounds like a fun challenge! I'll sign up later when I have time to write a post! I'm going to be reading Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett. It's available on NetGalley in case anyone else is interested in it. Also, I have to say thank you for having Baby, It's Cold Outside playing. I love that song!

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  15. SilsbeeNovember 8, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    This is a wonderful idea! I'm very excited to be along for the read. :)

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  16. Melissa Ann GoodwinNovember 9, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    I'm joining! I always re-read Dickens' A Christmas Carol, so I'll put that down for now, and all of Louise Penny's cozy mysteries take place at Christmas, so I'll add them - I have to go find the names. :-)

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  17. Leah @ Flying MonkeysNovember 9, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    I wasn't going to join any challenges until 2012 but yours was too good to resist. Especially when I'd already planned to read A Christmas Carol and we have a Christmas movie marathon every December :) Thank you for hosting!

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  18. EricaNovember 9, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    This is such a great idea! I am signing up for the "Mistletoe" level, as well as the "Fa La La La Films." I'm so excited!

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  19. Suzie @nowrigglingNovember 9, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Great idea! Shall write a quick blog post to put some ideas for titles down on virtual paper! Always re-read A Christmas Carol and have 'Santa - a Life' by Jeremy Seal from the library.Shall be getting the Christmas movies out from the 1st Dec too :-) Suzie (@keatsbabe on twitter)

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  20. RyanNovember 9, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    You know I couldn't resist this one. Can't wait!

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  21. brizmusNovember 9, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    yay! I don't know if I'll participate this year or not - it depends on whether or not I can get my hands on some Christmas books here in Japan, but I'll definitely be watching lots of Christmas movies!
    Any movie recommendations?

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  22. CherylNovember 10, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    Love your blog, Michelle and I look forward to participating.

    Cheryl

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  23. CherylNovember 10, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    Proving I should never do anything this late at night, I didn't use the link to my post in the Linky. Here it is:

    http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/the-christmas-spirit-reading-challenge-2011/

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  24. UnknownNovember 10, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I'm in too!

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  25. DarleneNovember 10, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    I love all the beautiful Christmas scenes on this blog, Michelle! It is definitely getting me into the Christmas spirit!

    I'm aiming to read just one book for myself, but I know I'll be reading a ton of Christmas books with the kids.

    Thanks for hosting this seasonal reading challenge!

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  26. Wall-to-wall booksNovember 10, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    I'll post about this in a couple days.
    Please come join mine - http://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-in-july-in-december.html

    What fun we are all having!
    I am going to do the Christmas Tree: read 5 or 6 books

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  27. BeverlyNovember 11, 2011 at 2:05 AM

    Can't wait! Thanks for hosting! I am hoping to at least make Mistletoe - bevsharp@desch.org

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  28. SongNovember 11, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    I seem to be having trouble submitting my link through the linky. So I'm posting it here as well...just in case.:)

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  29. NanNovember 12, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    I've just signed up! The post is here:

    http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2011/11/not-weekend-cooking-but-weekend-booking.html

    You have to scroll down just a bit because I combined the announcement with some 'book notes.' I've tried the Mr Linky twice now, with no luck. But I can't see any links past number 22 because the sidebar blocks them. I tried reducing the font but it didn't work. Just want you to know I'm in! And I thank you for offering such a wonderful challenge.

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  30. Sharon Galligar ChanceNovember 12, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Woohoo! Can't wait to start!

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  31. JennNovember 13, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    So excited! Thanks for hosting. :)

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  32. UnknownNovember 15, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Finally got myself signed up! Things have been so crazy around here. I will probably be late in starting, as I am generally late at everything LOL. Here is the link to my reading list for The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge. http://tiffany-a-higgins-book-reviews-news.blogspot.com/2011/11/bag-of-bones-read-long-christmas-spirit.html Thanks for hosting Michelle. I am looking forward to it. :)

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  33. SusanNovember 15, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    I'm in...can't resist. Going for Christmas Tree level. Very glad the challenge extends beyond Christmas, since I plan to read the entire Christmas series by Anne Perry.

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  34. Stephanie BarkoNovember 16, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Hi Michelle-

    Looking forward to your challenge and just including your bright & shiny energy in my holidays.

    Would you do me a favor and send me a link to an edited version of your button? The button I want to post would have your graphics, but
    "Holiday" Reading Challenge instead of "Christmas". My following is eclectic and I don't want to leave anyone out.

    Thanks so much for all you do.

    Your loyal publicist/fan,
    Stephanie

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  35. The Lit BitchNovember 18, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    What a great idea for a challenge :). I was totally not going to do any more challenges this year but I want to read The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig this holiday season so this comes at a very opportune moment :)
    Thanks for hosting!!

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  36. joyh82November 18, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Hope I did that right.. am I supposed to let you know the books I plan to read ahead of time?

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  37. Carole Estby DaggNovember 18, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    If I can count books I read to my grandchildren as well as adult books, I should have no trouble reaching the Christmas Tree level!

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  38. Bev HankinsNovember 19, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    I'm in again this year! Really enjoyed it last time.

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  39. Sally@threeblondeboyzNovember 20, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Hi Michelle, I have now posted my reading list ready for tomorrow. Please recommend any other Books! Thanks for running this, I can't wait, Sally xxx

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  40. Erin Al-MehairiNovember 21, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    I look forward to doing a Christmas one, how fun and thanks for including being able to read with the kids. ;) Yay!! I'll get my pre-post up later this week.

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  41. *ೃ༄ JillianNovember 21, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting this!! It will be fun. :-)

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  42. UnknownNovember 21, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Hi Michelle! This is a great idea for a challenge. I almost started one myself! Had a name picked out and everything, but then I found yours!

    I want to run out and buy a bunch of Christmas books now!

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  43. AnonymousNovember 22, 2011 at 5:20 PM

    My first reading challenge - what a fun one this is going to be! Thank you for hosting, Michelle!!!
    Merry Christmas :)

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  44. MaryNovember 22, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Oops - forgot to put my name on the post - lol.

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  45. JaneNovember 22, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting this brilliant christmas challenge. I will do both the Fa La La La Films and Christmas tree level.
    I love Christmas and have already got a huge list of Christmas films to watch now I will make a list of Christmas books too.

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  46. UnknownNovember 22, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    You know Ill be in the Falalala category by default. LOL! Thanks for the suggestions on books. Also thanks for starting it early.

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  47. LianneNovember 25, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    If we celebrate a different winter holiday can we read books about that instead and still count them? If so I'll definitely participate! I'll go for the Christmas Tree level, only I'll call it the Yule Tree level. :P

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  48. Lisa PottsNovember 25, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    I love a challenge, especially a holiday challenge. I've just recently found your site and wanted to express how wonderful I think it is. I'm all signed up!

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  49. The BookwormNovember 25, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Sounds like fun, thanks for hosting ;)
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-spirit-reading-challenge.html

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  50. AnonymousNovember 26, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    I am too late to participate but I want to wish you all good luck with the challenge :D.

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  51. MargotNovember 28, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    I'm back for my second year of the challenge. Thanks so much for sponsoring it.

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  52. Maria BeharNovember 29, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    Hi, Michelle!

    I LOVE this blog, and am now a follower! Christmas is my favorite time of year; I just ADORE everything related to it!!

    I found you through Darlene, at Darlene's Book Nook (thanks, Darlene!!), and am so happy to be participating in this challenge!!!

    I'm going to be reading at the Mistletoe Level, but that might change, since I usually read a lot of Christmas-themed romances -- whether short stories or novels -- at this time of year. What a shame I didn't know about your challenge last year.... I read quite a few Christmas romances, and reviewed them on my blog...Oh, well...

    Now that I HAVE found out about your challenge, I will not fail to join in every year from now on!!

    Thanks for your gorgeous blog, and for this fantastic feature!! : )

    (BTW, I am also following your other blog, The True Book Addict, which is beautifully-designed as well!)

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  53. RaineNovember 30, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    My first time to enter a reading challenge. :D Thanks for hosting too. :D It was a good thing that I decided to add Christmas-themed books in my usual Christmas movies list too. I don't know yet what I'll watch. I usually depend on Hallmark and their specials. :D

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  54. BrookeNovember 30, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Count me in! Thanks for hosting!

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  55. shaunesayDecember 4, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  56. shaunesayDecember 4, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Checking in with updates for week 1 and week 2. A couple of books so far, and a few movies, one movie to definitely stay away from, unless you just like bad movies that is! ;)

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  57. Maria BeharDecember 7, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Hi, again, Michelle!

    Thank you so much for your very nice comment on my Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge post, in which you officially welcomed me to the challenge! I'm very happy to be participating~!!!

    Also, you're very welcome for my compliments on your blogs. They're very much deserved, because you've obviously put a lot of work into them, and they are so well designed! I don't enjoy blogs with boring, uninspired design, but yours are anything but!

    Here's to a GREAT month of Christmas reading!! And, of course, Merry Christmas!!

    (Oh, and thanks for the lovely Christmas music on this blog!)

    Maria @ http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com/

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  58. ElizabethDecember 10, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Oh, I wish I had found this challenge sooner. I've already ready several Christmas books this year. I would have loved participating in this!

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  59. ElizabethDecember 10, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    I'm late getting in on this challenge, but Michelle has been kind enough to let me participate even though December is almost half over! I've read a couple Christmas books already & am really enjoying them!

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  60. LindaDecember 11, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I've been planning to do this one for a while but forgot to link up. I plan to have my first review up this week.

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  61. ElizabethDecember 13, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Sorry, but I have to quit this challenge!

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  62. Michelle Stockard MillerDecember 13, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    So sorry to hear you have to quit. =O( Hope nothing is wrong.

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  63. joyh82December 15, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Well I have watched several movies now and also read three Christmas titles. I will keep going,Hallmark channel is free this month for us and I am off work right now due to back surgery...sigh..

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  64. A Hippie's BookshelfDecember 20, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I have listed 2 novels so I guess that puts me at the Mistletoe level :) and here to wish everyone a happy and joyful holiday season.

    Be well and Brightest Blessings,
    Cynthia

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  65. Maria BeharDecember 22, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    Hi, Michelle!

    I have just posted my second review for the challenge, and am currently in the middle of my third book. Oh, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this challenge!! That's because I ADORE Christmas!!!!

    I'm SO happy that you have this blog going all year long!! It will be my haven throughout the coming year, when life gets a little too tough, and my spirits plummet...

    THANK YOU FOR THIS BLOG!!!!! : )

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  66. joyh82January 5, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    Do we have a linky for posting tomorrow since the challenge ends then or should we just post our reading results whenever? Thanks for the fun challenge and contest.

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  67. Maria BeharJanuary 5, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    Hi, Michelle!

    I have really enjoyed this challenge, and am looking forward to participating again this year!! Now I have a question. When are we supposed to plubhish our wrap-up post, and where do we link it up?

    Guess that'll happen after the challenge is over...but I was just wondering!

    Happy New Year, and Merry Christmas all year 'round!!! YAY!!! : )

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  68. CharlaJanuary 6, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    Hi, I was not sure where to post the wrap up post, so I am posting it here:
    http://booktalkswithcharla.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-reading-challenge-2011-wrap.

    Thanks so much for hosting this challenge. I loved it!

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Your comments are welcome and appreciated. Blessed Be.

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