I caved. Friends and family have been adopting an “Elf On The Shelf” for a few years now with glowing reviews. Chad and I seem to be very minimalist when it comes to encouraging emphasis on the-man-up-north and his helpers because:

1. After getting lots of presents as a child from Santa one year Chad questioned why his parents didn’t get him anything.
2. Childhood is confusing enough as it is without bringing in magic.
3. Parenthood is challenging enough as it is without having to remember to to help a little elf get back from Santa every night and perch in a new place. The commute is a real drag!
4. We do not want things to deemphasize the gift of the Savior to us from our Heavenly Father.

Nevertheless I get giddy to no end when I see Santa! So why not allow that magic to brighten our kids life?

So I have done some reconnaissance about Christmas Elf customs and habits. Many elves are mischievious and tricky–making little messes and pulling silly pranks.

Our Elf is a little different. She brought us “Snow Donuts” on her arrival. She has laid out clothes, cleaned up messes for us, read stories to toy animals, set up our Nativity scene, hung ornaments, etc. She even did the dishes for me once!!! Our little Elf finds little ways to serve our family. She is very kind and a great example to the kids of the little things they can do on their own to serve eachother. Every morning the kids have been tickled to see the nice things our little visitor has done for us and with out fail Alden chimes in a big “Thank you Elf!”

Our elf helps us be more focused on giving then getting. And even the days that are a little hectic and frustrating she returns with a glad heart and a helpful spirit. She never theatens our kids that they are going to get coal. Even if they were acting naughty they will always get gifts. We, the parents, just may not be as pleased about it. She answers the tough days with more helping and kindness and is unconditionally giving, She battles the bad with good instead of fueling it with negativity. I really like this gal!

Our little elf has been a welcomed addition by all!