subject: Elf On The Shelf Ideas [print this page] The Elf on the Shelf became popular in 2005The Elf on the Shelf became popular in 2005. Many families have their yearly activities that they do for the Christmas season. Every once in a while we hear about a family tradition that we like and we adapt these traditions as our own. Its healthy and fun. The Elf on the Shelf will be around for many generations.
I wanted to share my favorite ideas.
My favorite activity that the children do thanks to elf is the writing. They all have their little book that they can use to send a message to elf. The next day they usually get their response. These journals are very important to the children today. This is one item that they dont seem to misplace. Im sure that when they are adults they will enjoy sharing their journals with their children.
On Thanksgiving Day the children write a note to elf to greet and to welcome him back into our home. I ask each child to make a list. Not a list of what they want for Christmas. They have to make a list for each one of their brothers and sisters. This list is: What are the 5 best things about each child. Its truly amazing what comes out of this little exercise. Im sure that you can imagine. This is very helpful, no matter how many children you have.
We have on occasion traveled during the holiday season. Its very important that elf comes along. There are so many things that happen on these excursions. The kids bring their journals and some how elf pops in and out to check up on things. Now these trips will be documented by the children, and in their own handwriting. Its a lot of fun.
Obviously the journals are a very important part of our Elf on the Shelf experiences. Elf leaves the day after Christmas. However the kids on occasion will write a note to elf. It takes a little longer for a response however elf will respond.
Elf is at school too. The teachers have an elf reporting the activities to Santa as well. Hes a different elf of course. He has a different name.
The most touching of all that I have seen is the day that I was at the hospital. My daughter Ava, the 2nd oldest was very sick. (Shes fine now) The hospital had many different elves. They were involved in a lot of different activities. I especially noticed in the cancer ward. The elves were very busy cheering up a lot of children. I believe that it truly made a difference, even if only a small one.
On many occasions elf has made life interesting during this season. There are so many things that elf gets into. A few helpful, and sometime he gets into mischief. One idea that was funny was the day my wife decided to pay them back for writing on the walls with a sharpie. While they were asleep she colored their noses green. Just a small dot, and she didnt use the sharpie of course. It was washable marker. Elf was sitting there the next morning with the marker in hand looking very guilty.
There are many Elf on the Shelf Ideas that you can use. We always try to set a good example and share the love that the season genuinely inspires. Thank you for reading my ideas. I hope that they help.
