We have a family elf, his name is Milton, and he periodically brings us little treats and prizes throughout the Christmas season (think socks, a Christmas book, a treat, etc.) You never see Milton but he always leaves a note so you know it’s him. I love Milton and his magic and seeing a special gift out of nowhere. Also, he takes our wishlists to Santa and keeps an eye on things at our house.
So, for years I have been hearing about the trendy phenomenon known as Elf on the Shelf. I have gone back and forth on this. I love Milton, exactly how he is. But, I do think my little one would love to search for the elf each morning and be able to put a “face to a name.” However, it also seems like it could be a lot of work! In short, I go back and forth and back and forth on whether I want to give it a try or not.
If you don’t know what Elf on the Shelf is all about, I liked this Elf on the Shelf Overview. Anyway, I decided to round up an Elf on the Shelf schedule for myself in case I decide to go ahead with it this year, and I thought I would share with all of you, this way at least someone will get use out of it no matter what! Haha.
1. North Pole Breakfast and a Note from Santa: Breakfast is my kids favorite meal, and setting up this breakfast with a note from Santa to kick off the season
2. Elf on the Shelf on a light fixture: I thought this would be a good first day since it will be fun and exciting to find him, but up out of the way so that I don’t have to distract Luke all day long! Haha.
3. Elf on the Shelf makes snowflakes: The one thing that I forsee being hard about the elf on the shelf is that the kids aren’t supposed to touch the elf, so, I love the idea of having the elf near things the kids can play with, like some pretty snowflakes.
4. Napping in the tissue box: Umm.. How cute is this?
5. Elf on the Shelf brings candy canes: Who doesn’t love a little sweet surprise?
6. Elf on the Shelf takes a shower: Fun and easy!
7. Elf goes fishing: Made with whatever I have on hand, of course!
8. Elf on the Shelf watches a movie: I know this would get Luke and Nor excited to cuddle up and watch a Christmas movie with me. Popcorn too, of course.
9. Elf on the Shelf dyes the milk red: I know it’s green in the picture, haha but I like red better!
10. Elf on the Shelf goes ziplining: I love how this is up high and out of the way!
11. Elf tangled in the toilet paper: I know Luke will think the toilet paper thing is funny, so I like this one because there is minimal time and mess involved!
12. Elf on the Shelf worships baby Jesus: I couldn’t find an image for this one, but I’d like to do a day where our elf kneels by baby Jesus in our Nativity.
13. Elf on the Shelf gets tangled up: Ah.. I already can’t wait to be doing all these! I can just hear Luke saying, “Mom, he’s stuck!”
14. Elf on the Shelf makes a Snow Angel: Simple and sweet, all you need is sugar!
15. Elf on the Shelf reads a Christmas book: We LOVE reading over here, so this one is a must.
16. Elf on the Shelf swings from a doorway: Fun and too high to reach! Win, win.
17. Elf on the Shelf warns us to be good: We all know there will be a day when everybody needs a “be good” reminder.
18. Elf on the Shelf Marshmallow Bath: I love how this is in a bowl. I don’t want to fill a whole sink or tub full or marshmallows, because call me crazy, I hate wasting stuff. This gets the same cute idea across and makes more sense!
19. Elf on the Shelf makes party hats: Nora turns ONE on the 19th!! So crazy how time flies. Anyway, of course the elf has to bring something to help us celebrate her, so this free party hat printable is perfect!
20. Elf on the Shelf has his own Christmas tree: I love trees of all shapes and sizes. even a pine bough would be cute, no?
21. Elf Planking: I have no words for this.
22. Piano playing Elf on the shelf: My kiddos love banging on the piano together, so this would be a real hit. It totally looks like something they would do to get up there, haha.
23. Elf eats treats: Of course we’d all share the treats. P.S. Why is there not a Trader Joes near me? I need to try these.
24. Elf makes a Paper Airplane: I couldn’t find a picture of this either, but we’re pretty airplane obsessed over here, so I thought it would be fun to have some airplanes we could play with all day.
25. Elf on a Shelf Exercises: One time when we were going on a walk Luke said, “why??” and I said, “cuz, mama needs exercise.” So now, when he wants to go for a walk he says, “Let’s go exercising!” Love him.
26. Elf on the shelf says goodbye: I like the concept of having a letter prepping the kids for the excitement of Christmas and the departure of the elf. I’d also like the letter to include a paragraph about the real meaning of Christmas and some of my favorite things about my kids… I’ll add it all in somehow!
So, what is your vote? Do you love Elf on the Shelf or think it is ridiculous? Super fun or too commercial? If you decide you want to buy one, I haven’t found it any cheaper than here! Let me hear it in the comments!
