This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.
The other day, in a group full of moms, the subject of the Elf on the Shelf came up. If your a mom of kids, I’m sure you’ve heard about him, set an elaborate scene with him, or vowed to never have one enter your house. Feelings are strong with this one. Either you love it or hate it. Our elf Buddy came to visit a few years ago. My kiddos loved him. Most of the kids in school didn’t have one, so my boys never came home and told me, “Jimmy’s elf baked him cookies last night” or “Emma’s elf brings her a gift every morning!”. It seems like the more kids that got the elf, and the more pinterest exploded, the more my Holiday evenings got more stressful. Because suddenly my boys were coming home telling me these things. Forgetting to move the elf resulted in a disaster that would require much assurance that the elf was not dysfunctional or even worse—dead.
Last year, after a late night of baking cookies and doing regular mommy duties, my then 13 year old told me the elf needed to be moved. I did what all respectable moms would do. I told him to move it.
A little supervision is required. I did remove the soldier from Buddy's head after taking a picture. |
And it was if a whole new world opened up for the both of us.
My teen suddenly got to get his creativity going.
He would get so excited and spend hours that day, just dreaming up what Buddy would be up to next.
He didn’t seem to worry if things were “perfect”. He only worried that it was fun!
There were a few times (especially at the end was drawing near), where he realized it was a bit of work.
He’s already asked if he has permission to do it again, and me being the lazy awesome mom that I am, I am once again giving him control.
He learns all about spreading anonymous cheer —isn’t that the best lesson of Christmas? And an added bonus- I don’t have to worry about remembering to move the elf!
MrsMajor Hoff says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tracey Hilborn says
My grandsons love their elf. His name is Tommy Tom Tom
Anonymous says
Love this. Our elf would only remember to fly home to the North Pole to do his report every other night! Maybe this year our 14 year old can take charge. (Just popping by from The Weekend Re-Treat blog party)
MrsMajor Hoff says
Cute! We had a neighbor boy in Kansas named Thomas and Joe always called him "Tommy Tom Tom". He's college bound now. LOL Hope your grandsons continue to love their elf and that he doesn't stress Mama out! LOL
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks for popping in! I was the worst, somehoe the older kids seem to remember better than me! LOL. Have a Merry Christmas!