I’ve Fallen in Love with an Elf

Truth be told I love our elf, almost as much as the kids do. Snowball, our family’s little pixie friend, has been with us for coming up on five years now. And let’s just say he’s the cat’s meow in our household during the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas! Snowball has been there to give my kids a laugh, teach a lesson, and make so many memories, countless times over. I have learned to value this little elf way more than I ever thought I would. So it is a shock to me when I hear so many friends and families who dread the big visit from their elf/elves. Here are some different tips and approaches I use that have helped me fall in love with having an Elf on the Shelf in our home.

Set Ground Rules and Use Him to Your Advantage

I’ll be honest, my motives are probably slightly different than a lot of other parents who have elves…I don’t use him as a threat that Santa is watching, but more as a motivator to get up and get ready in the morning. In our house, there is one main rule (besides the obvious rule of no touching the elf) there is no seeking out Snowball before you are dressed, teeth brushed and hair combed! Like their mama, my kids are not always morning people. And this shortcoming seems to be worse in the winter months when we don’t get to see the sunlight until it seems the morning is half over. The words “Wake up and get ready so we can go find Snowball.” are almost always sure to do the trick! #momwin

Incorporate A Fun Christmas Tradition

Each year, on Thanksgiving night, we read The Elf On The Shelf and prepare for Snowball’s arrival. The kids reminisce about past hiding places and silly things he’s done, before falling asleep. A couple years back, the kids were excited to see matching holiday pajamas that were a welcome back gift from their elf friend. This was such a great surprise, that we have turned it into an annual tradition (and now even mom and dad are treated to a pair as well!) They get such a kick out of everyone matching, plus it makes for a cute photo op!

Look at it Through Your Kids’ Eyes

Yes, having to hide the elf is just one more thing on your daily to-do list, but for a kid, having an elf at home is like waking up to a game of hide-and-seek each morning — for a month straight! Remember, it doesn’t have to be over the top to be meaningful. Sure, I lean on Pinterest for a little creative inspiration, what modern-day, elf-owning mama doesn’t? But there are many times I just scoot him to a different location in the house, I’ll hang him from a cupboard handle or literally sit him on a shelf! I also find it special to incorporate certain elements of each child’s life/personality/interests into our elf’s placement. A little something to make them smile and feel special in the morning is a great way to start the day!

Hopefully, after reading this, some of the elf skeptics out there will have a little different view of the elf, and maybe some of them will even jump on the Elf on the Shelf bandwagon and begin the tradition this year!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Elf on the Shelf. Do you have any tips or traditions involving your elf you would like to share? Drop them in the comments below!