Christmas Eve is my very favorite day of the year! For me, Christmas Day is often anticlimactic. The holiday is basically over as soon as my kiddos see what Santa brought them. I’ve always been an anticipation girl…and today is the ultimate anticipation holiday! That being said, make sure you come back tomorrow for my most important Shade of Shay.
Since it’s Christmas Eve, I thought I’d show you all of my Elf on the Shelf ideas this season.
Here’s how we handle the elf in our house…we don’t make him some all-knowing mighty god that can see my kids 24/7. No. My kids believe in only one God that sees them all the time…all 365 days of the year, so we don’t cloud that. We pretty much just use this elf as a little hide-and-seek game. They love finding him first thing in the morning and laughing at what antics he’s up to but after that, we rarely mention him throughout the day. For me, I don’t want to use him as leverage for their behavior (like saying, “don’t do that or I’m going to tell Buddy”) because that only works until December 25. I really try and keep our elf fun and silly and not place too much emphasis on him.
I hope you had fun following me on Instagram #whereourelfistoday because I had so much fun posting!
Here’s a look back at our elf Buddy and what he did over the last month…
Buddy made his grand entrance with donuts and a gift for each kid. I love spreading their Christmas gifts out throughout the season because I feel like they appreciate them more than opening them all on Christmas Day. These were just two gifts we pulled from under the tree for Buddy to “give” them.
Buddy was putting a puzzle together. Throughout the day, I would add pieces to the puzzle when they weren’t looking as if Buddy were putting it together.
I love using salt instead of flour because it’s heavier and doesn’t blow around throughout the day.
I would color a little throughout the day when the kids weren’t looking…and they thought the elf was doing it :).
I moved him from stocking to stocking (sometimes, feet up!) throughout the day as if were moving around.
Andrew was super proud of this one. He even created an ab roller and workout plan for them…
We built our house later that day! The kids really loved this idea!
And on our last day, Christmas Eve, our elf reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Anonymous says
So cute! Love that you keep him fun! Just wondering can you give some Xmas eve outfit ideas PLEASE!!!
Tamara @ The Workout Mama says
Love these! My favorite is the weight lifting! So cute! Merry Christmas Shull family!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Can't wait to read tomorrow!
Lynn {A Taste of Country} says
Love that you're remembering the true meaning of Christmas with your kids! Great ideas!
P.S. Days 10 & 23 are the same..
Angela Ellingson says
That is the same approach we are taking with Santa. Merry Christmas!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Loved seeing all your elf antics every morning this season… and I totally agree… Santa and the elf come and go… Jesus is around YEAR round. Sooooooo not confusing for kiddos 🙂 Merry Christmas Eve, Sweet Friend!!!
Jenna E. S says
I just forwarded this post to myself to use next year. I love your hide and seek idea vs the elf watching you. And my favorite was where the elf was reading the Bible on the last day! Merry Christmas!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ha! I just noticed that 10 and 23 are the same! I will go in and correct that later. Merry Christmas!!
Anonymous says
Hm I've never thought of using the elf that way, maybe I'll try that next year… I've always thought the "elf is watching you" idea was a little… Ummm… Creepy :). Merry Christmas!
– Melissa
JenniferW says
I love what you said about Elf on the Shelf (and how you don't use him for leverage or put to much emphasis on him), you just make it fun while sticking to the real reason for the season. We don't have an Elf, but if we did, I would do it the same way. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!
Peyton says
My girls loved it when their elves drove mommy's car and had it pulled up in the front yard with them sitting on steering wheel.
ryann says
Is that a Donald Roller painting of the monkey?!?!?! Where did you find that?!?!? lucky!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I bought it in New Orleans!