The Elf On The Shelf

I think I started a family tradition for the whole family that we all enjoy and will create memories that'll last forever. There is this book called "The Elf On The Shelf" that includes a book and a pixie-elf. The purpose is the following: how does Santa Claus really know who is naughty or nice. I mean he is not God, right? And I was kind fo struggling with that, too. Because I didn't want to tell the kids that he can see everything because only God can do that. But for some reason Santa still knows who gets gifts and who doesn't. So how does he pull it of? He has a little helper that comes to the family, it's an elf. (The doll that was included inside the box at purchase.)

When the elf arrives for the first time at the house, the children are to name it. In our case, Coqui called it / him / her Olli. I have no idea where this name came from but I really like it. And I think it is a great fit for an elf. So the elf comes, stays during the day, but flies to the North Pole each night to report to Santa what happened that day and if the children were naughty or nice. In the morning, the elf will be found in a different spot, so when the kids wake up they never know where the elf might pop up. (I have to say, after a few days, a parent can run out of ideas where to put the elf!)


Of course there are rules to this 'game'. The kids are greatly encouraged to talk to the elf throughout the day. They can tell it all their wishes - hoping the elf will report those wishes back to Santa. On the other hand, they are not allowed to touch the elf! If they do the elf will lose it's magic and will not be able to fly back to the North Pole - I guess forever, but I am not sure on that one.

So the first day, Coqui talked to the elf alot, but not so much anymore. Some mornings, he forgets to look for the elf, but eventually he finds it and tells me where 'Olli' is.

It just adds more fun to the Season and is a fun way to support the whole Santa idea! I guess.

I have read all of the negative comments on Amazon, and decided for our family, that we will never forget about God and that there is nothing greater than our Lord and Savior. But that Santa still is in the picture and Santa has little helpers, the elves. It doesn't hurt and Coqui has fun. He is not afraid of the elf, and I am not making it ALL about the elf watching, like some people said! There are more movies out there that are scarier and support the whole watch-you attitude. This is just a fun game for the holidays. Those people are more paranoid than Coqui ever will be! A little imagination is healthy - so as adults we can still have dreams!

I dream. Do you?

Merry Christmas!
(And remember, Santa is watching!)