Come December.

I would be lying if I didn't say that the month of December scares the crap out of me. This is a big month for my family and I. We have about 5 birthday's and Christmas, plus all the holiday events in between. But I will put on my big girl panties suck it up and throw back some spark to give me the energy I will need to survive.

I started the elf on a shelf tradition with my kids last year, but I was terrible at it, stupid lazy elf didn't do anything fun for the kids, get into mischief or anything. But this year he has been kicking it up a notch.

So far he has left the boys their first Christmas present of the season! (Their Christmas PJ's), he has taken up reading...and a lot of it, he drew glasses and  mustache on the glass of Rylan's new school picture and he has been soaking it up in a nice marshmallow bath.

When Rylan (my oldest, he is 5) saw what the elf did to his picture, he was furious, it really made me rethink this whole elf thing, he said he wanted to punch the elf in the face for doing that to his picture. Let me give you a bit of background information on my 5 year old. He is the sweetest little boy you will ever meet. He is so kind to others, always includes everyone, he is smart, he is sensitive and he is an old soul. So to hear him say that was a huge shock. 

Needless to say, I don't think our elf will be pulling very many more antics.......if he wants to survive this holiday season in the Hoyt house.

What are your idea's for elf on a shelf? Below I have made a list of my 10 personal favorite elf on a shelf ideas.

1. Hang your kids unmentionables from the stocking holders.
2. Marshmallow fight with your kids other toys.
3. Sitting up reading kid books or playing a game with other toys.
4. Drinking your syrup through a straw.
5. Use crepe paper and tape it in a zig zag shape back and forth across your kids bedroom door.
6. Create a zip line and have your elf going down the line.
7. Leave candy covered sunflower seeds and have your kids "plant" them in a bowl to grow a special treat.(Candy Canes, Christmas cookie pops, etc).
8. Have your elf leave the ingredients and directions to make some yummy Christmas trees. (sugar cones, frosting, and candies to decorate.)
9. Have him watching elf eating popcorn on the couch.
10. Have the elf use a paintbrush with red paint to dab on your kids nose while they sleep, and leave the elf with the paintbrush in hand and a note to tell your children to look in the mirror.

So far this year I have done pretty good at having our elf moved every night, but there are times when I forget. But hey, I am doing better then last year! 

I love having fun family traditions, even if it means extra work on my part! 

Ciao, 

Nicole