The Elf on the Shelf - A Christmas Tradition

As I said in my previous post, "Gingerbread House Fun", I'm big on family traditions, especially at Christmas time. If you and your family do not have many traditions or are looking to adopt a new family tradition this holiday season, be certain to READ this post. You still have plenty of time to introduce this fun event to your child.

It's called, "The Elf on the Shelf". For the first time, we chose to begin this charming tradition this year. Most children want to know how Santa really knows who's naughty and who's nice. The answer... "a pixie-elf".

Let me explain...

I purchased this fun tradition at the "stocked market", but you can get it most anywhere or at www.elfontheshelf.com. It arrives in a really nice and thick BOX and includes a storybook and a dainty little stuffed elf. The idea behind this tradition is to place the elf on the tree within days after it has been decorated. Surprise your child by making him aware of the sudden arrival of this elf. The elf's sole responsibility is to watch your child's behavior daily and to report it to Santa each night. Every morning, after the child wakes, they will discover that the elf has returned from the North Pole (with a little parental encouragement), but is now resting in a new and different place. You will have so much fun watching your child race out of bed to try and find his new position.

You can even become a bit more creative and clever with this tradition, by telling your child that the elf is not allowed to be touched, but that they are able to speak to him as much as they wish. The elf, on the other hand, is under strict orders, by Santa, not to speak back. And finally, all grown-ups are under no such rules or restrictions.

This is not only a FUN tradition, but is also a great way to get your child to better control themselves before the fews weeks leading up to Christmas Day! All it takes is a gentle reminder that the "elf is watching" for the unacceptable behavior to be modified.

This product even provides you with the opportunity to register your elf's name at www.elfontheshelf.com and recieve a special response from Santa.

This is just a temporary tradition, obviously, as children will not believe these stories for long, but it's certainly worth adopting just to see the look on their faces as the elf arrives each year!!!!!