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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!
lorri
Elf is going to leave a letter where Elf is going to allow my toddler to hug and kiss and say good bye on the 24th before he leaves. I must say I hated elf on the shelf but since I got her she sure has brought fun to our life…
Mimi
We have a pesky penguin just as fun love the ideas!
Jessica @ Pretty Providence
Soooo fun!!
kim
SO funny! I don’t have children but I can’t wait to do this each day for my boyfriend. He will get such a kick out of this!
Fyrefly1
I made an elf for us using an old doll and some felt to make an elf outfit. It’s original and cute and my kids love him. Even my preteen thinks it’s fun :)
Erin
We’ve had our elf Desi for around 3 or 4 yrs now….the kids love it, but it can be one more thing to remember in an already busy season…not to mention the preteen likes to torment the younger siblings that he’s going touch it and kill the magic power! We’ve dealt with some meltdowns over it!! Its funny that now that we’ve started this tradition, it won’t stop. My husband wants to drown him in the fishtank!! LOL
prettyprovidence
Haha that is hillarious!! I have a feeling my husband will be the same way! Haha awesome!
Steph
I decided the Elf on the shelf was way to expensive. I found a cute stuffed Gingerbread man and we called him The Naughty Gingerbread. But I like the ideas you posted as well. The Naughty gingerbread toilet papered my sons whole room while he was sleeping. Sealed off his bedroom door with paper on Christmas eve, took the remote and taped it to the ceiling and the list goes on. My son was excited to get up each morning to see what the gingerbread man had done that night. Needless to say the rest of our house had fun pulling these little pranks as well.
prettyprovidence
Such a fun idea! Haha. I also like that if he is going to be called naughty he’s not directly tied to Santa!! Such fun ideas!! Thanks for sharing :)
Terri
Wish there was some way to send you a picture. We have one of our elf, Dingle, kneeling next to baby Jesus and praying.
prettyprovidence
Aww really! I love that so much! Do you have a pic of it on Instagram?
Elizabeth Matherne
Our family has an Elf Magic elf. They are cuter (IMO), don’t have the stipulation of no touching, and the letter they come with mentions spreading the joy of the true meaning of Christmas. My six year old is eagerly awaiting the return of her elf Hazel, to see what sorts of fun she’ll bring to our home this year! She has decorated the tree with toilet paper, had cotton snowball fights with the other stuffed animals, flown on the ceiling fan, done gymnastics on the kitchen chandelier, read the bible, and played with the nativity, in addition to many things you listed.
You can find them at elf-magic.com
prettyprovidence
No way! That is so much fun! Thanks for sharing, ill for sure have to look those ones up!
Vivian
Wow! we have never had this tradition but I think I’ll give it a try this year. Thanks for the suggestions! I invite you to link this to my link party and blog hop
http://www.thefamilyfunspot.com/2013/11/bloggers-unidas-1.html Hope to see you there!
Carrie
We have our elf read the Christmas Story at our Nativity Scene to other animals….we too have also had an elf for years but lady year was the first time he came for a visit and the kids loved it.
prettyprovidence
Really?! Oh that is so great to know! Thanks for sharing your ideas too! I think I’m doing it
anastasia anezinis
Woow!So funy elfs!!!
Linda Nortje
What an adorable collection ! I love the one in the shower :-)
Sarah @DomesticFemme
Love these :) You’re more than welcome to use my image, where the elf is cradling baby Jesus, if you need.
prettyprovidence
Yes, I would love to! Will you leave a link?!
Sarah @DomesticFemme
http://domesticfemme.blogspot.com/2013/09/50-elf-on-shelf-ideas.html
Debmom
Love this post. Thx! I just bought this book for my grandkids and these ideas will add to the fun.
prettyprovidence
Yay!! What a sweet gift you are giving them! I’m glad you like it :)
Rachel Kathryn
I don’t know if I would do Elf on the Shelf for our (future) family, but I love the touches you’ve included to bring in your faith! Especially the kneeling by the manger. My favorite trinket at my mom’s house is a little ceramic Santa kneeling by the Nativity. :)
prettyprovidence
Thank you Rachel! That made my day. I LOVE Christmas, and love getting into the craze of the season, but I try hard to never lose sight of what it’s really all about, so that means a lot :).
Hilary Smith
My son is 2 and we’re going to do Elf on the Shelf for the first time this year. I am really excited about it and I think it will be something really fun.
prettyprovidence
Ah my son is two also! I know he would just love it, I just need to join the club I guess