Do You Elf?

Do you Elf? We sure do! This whole elf thing usually elicits three responses:

1. We do the Elf and love it!

2. We don't choose to do it.

3. That thing creeps me out.

I must confess, I was once determined our family would never do it. I really didn't know what it was all about and didn't understand what all the excitement was about. When I finally started entertaining the idea, Madison was 6. Knowing how her brain works I didn't expect her to really believe the elf was real or could pull off the shenanigans we created for the elf. Was it even worth starting up? Would she even care by the time she was 8? What drew me in was the idea of starting a family tradition, and the $5 gift card Target was giving with it if you bought it Black Friday/Thursday night. 

This is "Little Rose's" third holiday season visiting us...and yes, it was definitely worth starting up. This Thanksgiving Day I did not even mention Little Rose should be appearing the next day. I wanted it to be a total surprise. As I was trying to sleep in the morning after Thanksgiving, Madison jumped beside me in bed and said, "I wonder if the elf came?!? "

That definitely answered the question would she still care at 8 years old. I'm pretty sure deep down she knows it is Jason and I doing the Elf, but she goes right along with the whole charade. 

If you are still on the fence about this elf thing, here are 4reasons to do it or, if not the elf, some sort of tradition.

1. IT CREATES LASTING MEMORIES. I can't remember half of what I got for Christmas as a child and I'm pretty sure Madison can't either. But ask her what the elf has gotten into?  She remembers that. And hopefully when she is older she will appreciate the lengths Mommy and Daddy went to to make it work. 

2. IT IS A BONDING EXPERIENCE FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND. Seriously, it is! IT is absolutely adorable when Jason runs up to me excited about an idea he has for the elf to carry out. We have so much fun coming up with and researching ideas. 

3. IT PUTS A FOCUS ON THE FAMILY. While this might be the " most wonderful time of the year", it can be a very busy time of year. With school and work schedules along with juggling all your holiday to do lists, it is easy to overlook your family. the elf ensures you carve out daily time for your family. 

4. IT MAKES YOU APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS. There is a wonderful feeling you get when you see your child's excitement over discovering the Elf's latest adventure. There is also a sense of pride in knowing you created the experience, especially when you woke up at 3 in the morning in a cold sweat because you forgot to move that lovely elf. 

Need some ideas to get started?

Click on the picture above of the elf in the fridge and it will take you to my Pinterest board!