Disclosure: This post is sponsored by #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. All opinions and thoughts are mine. #NorthpoleFun
Our elf doesn't stay on the shelf - and she isn't there to send behavior reports back to the big guy at the North Pole. Instead, she brings a small treat or activity each day. She offers suggestions on Christmas activities we can do as a family, with an emphasis on togetherness and memory-making, and even brings the supplies with her in a paper bag when necessary. (She is one cool elf!)
She came for the first time last year, when Kay was still home with me all day. The idea was that Ella would suggest making an ornament or decorating the Christmas tree and we'd have an activity that we could do together that day. (Somehow it's always more fun when someone other than mama suggests an idea!)
Turns out, all three of us liked Ella - there were tears went she had to go back. I hadn't been expecting that! - and a tradition was born.
Turns out, all three of us liked Ella - there were tears went she had to go back. I hadn't been expecting that! - and a tradition was born.
This year Ella will be bringing along some Hallmark Northpole products from Walmart. (Hey, even elves can't make everything you know!) I'm really excited about finding because they seem to issue straight from the North Pole.
Here are some of the stuff she'll be sharing with us this year (I think. I mean, it's not like she consulted me or anything. Yeah.) along with some of the notes she may (possibly...) leave.
* Ella and a movie! She brings the popcorn, Kay picks out our favorite Christmas movie (Elf!) and we cuddle up for a movie night.
* Plant some magic peppermint seeds. Plant these special seeds (round peppermint candies), cover them with North Pole snowflakes (white hole-punch circles), and leave it overnight, someplace chilly. Something special might just grow. (Last year it was a gigantic lollipop!)
* Snowman poop. Yes, it's gross, and that's just the way my 5 year old likes it! Mini powdered donuts with an explanation in the daily letter that they were snowman poop ("Eww! You humans actually eat this stuff?") were a big hit.
* Plant some magic peppermint seeds. Plant these special seeds (round peppermint candies), cover them with North Pole snowflakes (white hole-punch circles), and leave it overnight, someplace chilly. Something special might just grow. (Last year it was a gigantic lollipop!)
* Snowman poop. Yes, it's gross, and that's just the way my 5 year old likes it! Mini powdered donuts with an explanation in the daily letter that they were snowman poop ("Eww! You humans actually eat this stuff?") were a big hit.
* "I love when Mrs. Claus sits in front of the fireplace and reads us a story. Here's one of my favorites - just for you!" (Once Upon A Northpole storybook - and reading to some friends)
* Candy cane hunt. Oh, no! Ella was trying to bring a suprise treat of candy canes but they got so excited about the trip that they hopped right out of the bag. Kay will help her find them with a fun hunt.
* Let's make some Christmas cookies - and take a few to the neighbors! We can have a fun snack and make some people smile at the same time...that's the elf way!
* Sending cards is a way to let someone know you're thinking of them. Let's make a card for a friend we haven't seen in a while!
* "Hot cocoa is my favorite! I love to add crushed candy canes on mine - yum! Let's have a nice warm cup of cocoa after we play outside today."
* Candy cane hunt. Oh, no! Ella was trying to bring a suprise treat of candy canes but they got so excited about the trip that they hopped right out of the bag. Kay will help her find them with a fun hunt.
* Let's make some Christmas cookies - and take a few to the neighbors! We can have a fun snack and make some people smile at the same time...that's the elf way!
* Sending cards is a way to let someone know you're thinking of them. Let's make a card for a friend we haven't seen in a while!
* "Hot cocoa is my favorite! I love to add crushed candy canes on mine - yum! Let's have a nice warm cup of cocoa after we play outside today."
* "Your tree looks awesome - but now it needs some decorations! Here's one to get you started. It will help Santa know where you are on Christmas Eve too!" (The "Find Me Santa" snowflake glows so Santa can find you no matter where you are. I always used to worry about this!)
* "We are so busy at the North Pole, getting everything ready for Christmas Eve. I checked on your gifts last night. But you know what? Where will we put them? Let's pick 3 toys that you don't play with anymore and give them to someone who doesn't have as many toys!" (This one didn't go over well last year - I'm hoping for better results this year!)
* "I just love to DANCE! Hope you've got your dancing shoes one because I'm feeling in a mood to groove!" (Dance Like An Elf - and I'm sure we will be!)
* "We are so busy at the North Pole, getting everything ready for Christmas Eve. I checked on your gifts last night. But you know what? Where will we put them? Let's pick 3 toys that you don't play with anymore and give them to someone who doesn't have as many toys!" (This one didn't go over well last year - I'm hoping for better results this year!)
* "I just love to DANCE! Hope you've got your dancing shoes one because I'm feeling in a mood to groove!" (Dance Like An Elf - and I'm sure we will be!)
* "Did you know the reindeer like to get something special on Christmas Eve too? They do a lot of work! Let's make a treat we can leave out for them - I just hope it doesn't make Prancer gassy!"
* "We're working on a new toy at the workshop and I got one just for you! Ready to play Santa? Now YOU have to drop the toys down the chimney. Let's play!" (Rooftop Drop bean bag game...fresh from the workshop!)
* "We're working on a new toy at the workshop and I got one just for you! Ready to play Santa? Now YOU have to drop the toys down the chimney. Let's play!" (Rooftop Drop bean bag game...fresh from the workshop!)
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I just love the magic of childhood this time of year. We're creating fun memories and spending time together - and, to me, that's what the holidays are all about!
