Elf on the Shelf

This year is the first year we are trying the Elf on the Shelf tradition. So far the kids seem to really like it and although we haven't really used it to threaten bad behavior much, we do use it as a reminder about going to bed nicely. This has helped Olivia because she uses major delay tactics when it comes to bed time.

We introduced our elf after Thanksgiving and it comes with a book we read to the kids. We had to pick a name, which was hard to decide on because Olivia was not happy with most of them. We finally agreed on Frank, and perhaps we'll rename him each year if the kids change their mind.

Each night Frank magically flies back to tell Santa if the kids have been naughty or nice. There has only been one night when the elf didn't move, but we just told the kids because Jack had accidentally touched him the day before that he 'lost his magic' and had to rest up to get it back. They are also able to tell the elf what they want from Santa each night.

Frank hasn't been too clever, being that it is his first year with us, but here are some of the places he's been...

sleeping on the kleenex box, shoe surfing from our lights, sliding on the banister and many other places like our Christmas tree, the dog treats, and on many shelves.