So the Elf on the Shelf really gets a bad rap sometimes. I’ve heard “Oh, we don’t have enough time for that!” Or “I’m not creative enough!” Or things I’m sure people think like, “Isn’t that tricking your kids?” Or “Doesn’t that take away from the true meaning of Christmas?”
Well, we are an elf family and let me shed a little light on why we do it, still.
First of all, we focus heavily on the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus. But that’s all year in our home. Jesus is a part of our life on a daily basis. He isn’t getting the short end of the stick in our house to an elf, ever. I promise. And I am the least creative person I know. Moving this little guy around doesn’t take creativity or more than 30 seconds. Oh, and it’s free once you initially buy him, hey there’s not even a subscription fee or annual cost to playing along. I don’t even “plan” anymore. I’m as surprised where he will end up tomorrow as my kids.
Although, I did actually hop on the bandwagon because I saw it on Facebook and it looked fun without putting much thought behind it. Oops…guilty! However, it has brought a ton of fun to our mornings and add a new tradition for our little family of 4.
Sure, we’ve forgotten to move him from time to time and trust me, not every morning is social media worthy and that is ok. He just sits in boring, simple places most days. He does help make a super busy month a tad easier for wake-up time with my two kids though. I’ll take it!
I’ve always taken pictures of his hiding places and it’s fun to look back over the years. I keep meaning to make a mini memory book of his spots but haven’t gotten around to it. For now, I have the pictures on my phone.
Sure I’ll have to break the news someday that it’s been us moving him and that scares me a little. But honestly, we all know kids aren’t little long enough. So, if a few fibs make some fun and light memories then sign me up.
Most importantly I noticed something super cool about this mini-spy in red. He actually brings giggles and a few secrets to my marriage. It’s like we finally get one up on these kids. Some mornings my hubby moves him and tortures, I mean lets me join in on the “hunt!” The days he has time to move him it becomes a challenge between him and me. 
We have secret code words like “The eagle has landed!” And sometimes a whole day of hustle and bustle happens and the most exciting thing in our day is our secret lingo or nudging eyes to gives clues to Huddle’s landing place. I especially enjoy the winks I get from my hubby because of our elf. I’ll take what we can get.
No, it’s not that our life is this “boring or “that busy!” But we make the most out of it and have a little fun. Some days more than others. But don’t judge the elf moms. It’s kind of fun for us too. And sometimes you do what ya gotta do to make your mornings a little easier.
What little things in your life bring you together with your spouse, unexpectedly? Do you have an elf on the shelf?
Happy “elfing”!
