You've been ELFED!

It’s that time of year again, the time when every parent’s good behavior bargaining chip rejoins the house aka the Elf on the Shelf. If you don’t have one, chances are you have probably see the recognizable figure dressed in red. Whether you are an EOTS veteran or rookie one thing is true, there can never be enough creative ideas for your elf. Whether you love or hate your elf, the fictional character will bring holiday cheer and spark creativity in your household. The elf can arrive at any time, some may choose after Thanksgiving, December 1st or Saint Nicks Day. Whatever your timeline may be this is your friendly reminder not to drink too much wine and forget to move your elf!!

In case your not familiar, here are the deets…The Elf on the Shelf tradition started in 2005 with the published book called The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The book included a special box that held a small scout elf inside. Families do not purchase, they adopt the scout elf. The family elf watches during the day and flies back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa. The point of the elf is to encourage good behavior throughout the month of December. Before children wake up, the elf flies back from the North Pole only to be found in a new location of the house the house. I guess you could say this is the holiday version of hide and seek. The golden rule is the elf cannot be touched or they lose their magic.

Sonny's elf is Hank. He reported to duty a few days before St. Nicks Day due to an overeager husband agreeing to run the show. Obviously we couldn't pass up that opportunity! The name choice was between Car and Hank so you can see what happens when you have your two-year old name the elf, we couldn't do Car! The name Hank is part of a special ongoing family joke that will bring an extra piece of holiday magic and memories back for years to come. Remi's elf will report to duty on St. Nick's Day. Our name is still TBD so we will report back but anticipating cone, cupcake or popsicle such as our favorite food items at the current moment.

We loved some of these unofficial ELF tips!

NAME - Your elf will receive their magic once they are named by the family. If you anticipate your kids arguing over this, save yourself the trouble and "adopt two" so each child will have the honor or naming their own. If you are lacking in the creativity area, there are tons of name ideas online. You can now purchase a female or male elf with similar features making it more personal.

FORGOT TO MOVE - In the case you forgot to move your elf, don't worry! This is a great opportunity to say the North Pole had bad weather or the elf didn't want to fly back and tell Santa about bad behavior.

RESOURCES - Use what you have on hand for new scenarios! Monday morning can call for positioning your elf with school supplies or wrap them up in a tortilla for taco Tuesday! Position them in a doll house drinking coffee with Barbie or near a potty training toilet to encourage positive activity.

INJURED ELF - If you family pet gets ahold of the elf and it now is missing extremities and requires surgery, have no fear. Bandages and stickers can buy you time in the event you need to order a new one or sowed/glue your elf back together.

POSITIONING YOUR ELF - If you want to enhance the positioning of your elf, you can do so with glue dots, magnets, string and other props.

TOUCHING THE ELF - If your child touches the elf, encourage your kid to tell Santa by writing a letter to send back with your elf. We also read that you can put some sprinkles or cinnamon around the elf before bed. These items act as "vitamins" the elf and will help them fly back to the North Pole. Quick version - sing a Christmas carol to recharge the magic!

GOING AWAY PARTY - When the holiday season has concluded kick off your reign of freedom by throwing a going away party for your elf!

We are lucky to live in a time with numerous Instagram accounts that will encourage your creativity and provide endless staging opportunities. You can also enhance your elf's wardrobe with numerous accessories and clothing options. We posted some of our favorites on our LTK! We chose to start this year although the The Elf on the Shelf tradition can be started at any age! Most parents recommend waiting until your child is between 2 and 3 like Sonny and Remi. This time is the "sweet spot" for children to appreciate and understand the elves' magic. Remi was introduced to EOTS by watching the Netflix specials this year. This is a great way for your kids to see what happens to the elves each night when they leave your house!

Kids help bring the holiday magic out and even though this tradition can be a total chore for parents, it all becomes worth it when you see their faces light up. Nobody ever complained about a month of backup enforcement on veggie eating, room cleaning and good behavior because "Santa always knows" with a little help from your family ELF!

X0 - Hiccups and Heels