Every family has their holiday traditions. Some traditions are carried on generation after generation and some like to start new. Since 2011 has been the year of new, I think a new tradition for Christmas fits in perfectly. This year, my family and I are starting our new tradition, the Elf on the Shelf.
Our little one has no clue that our Elf is on its way! I cannot wait to for the UPS truck (i.e. the Big Brown truck according to Monkey) to stop at our house with our Elf. The night we get it, my husband and I will wait for Monkey to go to bed and then the Elf will come visit. We are both looking forward to seeing her face light up in the morning when she makes the discovery that we have a new visitor in our house. Each night when she goes to bed, the Elf will find a new spot to watch over her the next day. In the morning, she will have to find out where the Elf has moved to next. She will not be allowed to touch the Elf but she will be encouraged to talk to it since the Elf is Santa’s messenger.
Not only does Elf on the Shelf provide a game for the whole family, hopefully since the Elf is watching for Santa, this will help to keep Monkey in line (although she is a wonderful kiddo!). Each year on Thanksgiving day, the Elf will appear and will visit throughout the New Year (I’ve heard it’s bad luck to take down your decorations prior to the New Year). I am so excited to start this tradition and many more!
If you have never heard of the Elf on the Shelf, feel free to visit Barnes and Noble to read up on it.
I love the elf on the shelf. It helps keep my kids in check over the holiday season. My only complaint is that my oldest daughter found out he was not real because someone posted on Amazon's website a review and wrote that you have to remember to move the elf around every night. Really did this parent think the elf would move himself.
tenkids2dogs::
on Dec 09, 2011
As I have posted on another blog about Elf on the Shelf, I cant believe how I managed to get ten kids, the youngest who is 8, through the Holidays without ever hearing of this fella! Well, we have gotten one recently and let me tell you....our Elf is providing GREAT dinner conversations, hearty, tear producing laughter and wicked updates on my blog. I only wish I had him when my kids were little. But we are sure making up for it now! Enjoy him, we sure do!
smokley::
on Dec 09, 2011
I saw this once at a Cracker Barrel and loved it. I wish I could a get ahold of one.
Dana0517::
on Dec 09, 2011
We have one and each year he comes out and brings the kids letters and different surprises from Santa. The kids talk to him and ask them to tell Santa to bring them stuff. They really enjoy it and my youngest cannot wait for him to show up.
sageemily2005::
on Dec 09, 2011
i havent tried this yet but i would love to try this and add yet another tradition to our Christmas season
ibahowell::
on Dec 09, 2011
I am not sure who loves the Elf on the Shelf more me or my kids. I have so much fun with it. He has done all kinds of things... Best of all he took a can of silly string to all the nutcrackers... and has taken an overnight visit to grandma's (He has his own overnight bag with his name on it) I posted some photos on pinterest.com
sumahkie::
on Dec 09, 2011
this is a cut e idea. we do have one. my only complaint is the quality of the doll. it looks extremely creepy. like a bad 50s toy. and it never sits up properly. My neices are afraid of the elf they got as a gift. My kid seems weary but still has fun trying to find where he's hiding in the morning. if the doll were changed.. offered in different varieties (not just a change of plastic hair/skin/eye color) and in a higher quality, i would be happier. We paid $35 at khols for the book and elf set. I really wish we had skipped this 'tradition'.
cocoabella::
on Dec 09, 2011
sounds like a fun idea for those with young ones in the home. as to Sumahkie's comments, I kind of agree, the elf could use some 'cosmetic' upgrades. I couldn't imagine paying $35 for that doll. lol
Mikla_queen1::
on Dec 09, 2011
I think this is such a great thing! Alot of my friends love theirs!!!
tenkids2dogs::
on Dec 09, 2011
Target sells a "plushie" Elf on the Shelf for $12. No book but much less creepy looking! We prefer it to the very 70s looking original Elf on the Shelf.
