New traditions.

Ever heard of Elf on the Shelf?



It’s this lil Christmas Tradition that has made its way into our home this year. Big Kiss is 3.5 and really getting into “Santa” and presents and such. We also tell him about Baby Jesus, but the guy doesn’t come with wrapping paper and toys, so he’s more into the whole Mr. Clause idea.

Anyway – each year around Thanksgiving, Santa sends one of his elves to your home to be Santa’s look out. He sits on a shelf and watches the kids and then when they are sleeping each night, he goes back to report to Santa. In the morning, the game is to find him again – and see where he decided to sit for that day. He can’t talk to you, but he listens really well and takes notes. And you can’t touch him, or he’ll lose his magic.

Well our Elf arrived in a “patritch” (“package”) last Thursday and I didn’t know what was inside, so I just let him help me open it. I had to work quick with shock and surprise and say “Look – a present from Santa!” So we opened it, read the book and Big Kiss was ALL ABOUT this Elf for the rest of the night. During teeth brushing and after book #1. And book #2. And the kiss good night: “Did the Elf go see Santa yet?” Then, the next morning as we had to wake him at 4.30am to get ready for his trip – his eyes were not even fully open and he said “Is the Elf back?” I think it’s going to be a fun month!

Oh, and per request of the book, you’re supposed to name your Elf the first time he visits. Big Kiss decided on Chink.

Yes, I said Chink.

Um, we’re going to work on this one – I can just see Big going to school and reporting “Chink is going to tell Santa I want tools for Christmas!” or “Chink watched me today and I wasn’t naughty!”

Perhaps we’ll rename him tomorrow night…And if not, hell – it’s a story for the kid’s baby book!