A new Christmas Tradition...

I just stumbled upon a new Christmas Tradition for our family that I'm quite excited about. Ok, so it's probably not a new tradition for most Americans but it's new to us.

This tradition that I'm talking about is the story of "The Elf on the Shelf". Have you heard of it?

I hadn't heard of it before but kept seeing little elves popping up everywhere in the stores and online. Books, DVDs, figurines, plush dolls and Christmas ornaments everywhere. Even Pinterest boards devoted to Elf on the Shelf crafts! 

I was intrigued so after a little research online I purchased a box set with the book and our very own elf. Both Ava and Lola enjoy the book. They like looking for the elf on every page - not that he is always hiding, mind you! The elf that comes with the book has a cute vintage feel about him. Plastic moulded head and long, floppy felt body. He looks straight out of a 1950's toy store!

Our elf on the shelf  "Elfie Pokie Nokie"

Here's the story of the Elf on the Shelf in a nutshell...

Ever wondered how Santa can keep an eye on all the kids around the world? Seems like a big job for just one person. That's where the elf comes in. Every year at the start of the holiday season Santa sends an elf to your house to watch over the kids. The elf usually sits up on a shelf or some other spot up high where the kids can't touch him. Every night after the kids have gone to sleep the elf flies back to the North Pole to tell Santa if the kids have been good or bad. When the elf comes back he finds a new spot to sit and the kids have to try and find him in the morning. After Christmas the elf goes back to the North Pole to stay with Santa until next year.

There are a few rules to be followed... 

First up your kids have to give their elf a name. Ava, being as unimaginative as possible, decided that he should be called Elfie. Lola decided that he should be called Pokie Nokie (he looks a little like her Pinocchio toy from Italy). There were a few arguments but we settled on calling him Elfie Pokie Nokie. That's first name Elfie, last name Pokie Nokie incase you're wondering. 

While they are encouraged to talk to their elf, kids are not allowed to touch him. This might take away his magical powers. It might also result in him getting broken and we don't want that happening.

Are your kids wondering why their elf can talk to Santa but doesn't respond to them? Elves are under strict orders from Santa not to talk to kids. He can however talk to grown ups so if your kids are being naughty he just might tell you!

Where will you be tomorrow Elfie?

The Elf on the Shelf has become one of our favourite bedtime stories for the holiday season and I'm sure it will continue to be so for quite a few years to come. A new Christmas tradition for our family.

Lola reads The Elf on the Shelf before bedtime