Elfie's 1st visit!

A few years back I was talking to a coworker when we were discussing the joys of parenting a child during the holidays and reliving the magic of Christmas.  She mentioned how she purchased an Elf on the Shelf for her daughter the year prior and it was a blast.  I had never heard of Elf on the Shelf before, nor did any of my friends. . . I did some research and found out the story behind it and I couldn't wait to do this with Austin!  I mentally put it in my "To Do" for the following year. 

Fast forward to this year and I find out that more and more people are doing it and/or hearing about it. So at the beginning of October we ordered our Elf and eagerly awaited its arrival.  Yes, were weren't going to take him out until the day after Thanksgiving, but I couldn't wait!  It definitely was reliving that 'day before Christmas' excitement for me! 

The tradition of Elf on the Shelf begins when the Elf is brought home and introduced to the children. Each Elf comes with a book, that the parents and children read together to awaken the Elf's magical powers. The children then get the very special task of naming the Elf. Once the book is read, and the Elf is named-he or she becomes the main correspondent for Santa. Each night, when the children are in bed-the elf uses his magical powers to fly up to the North Pole to give Santa the full report on the children's behavior, or requests from the children such as what they would like for Christmas. When the Elf returns from his or her nightly trip to the North Pole, he or she finds a spot to sit and "wait" for the children to awaken the next morning. And so it goes, every night the Elf takes a trip to the North Pole- he or she finds a different spot to sit upon return.

So today, November 25th, 2011, marks the first visit from our elf, Elfie!!

We woke up to this little guy hanging out.  He was so sweet to bring us some snow-covered donuts and melted ice all the way from the North Pole along with his book.  What a thoughtful and considerate elf! 

When Scott asked Austin, "What is that!?!" (Austin was in the living room and Scott in the kitchen), Austin spotted it, put a H-U-G-E grin on his face then got all bashful.  It really was funny!  Austin would keep peeking through his hands, looking at the elf and getting shy.  LOL  Once he spotted the donuts however, it was over!  Elfie, the name that Austin chose, won him over! 

Together, Scott, Austin and I read the book, picked out a name (that was tough!), and enjoyed the donuts.  We watched Elfie as we ate and throughout the days festivities of putting our Christmas decorations up.  He was watching everything! 

Elfie's craftsmanship was amazing!!!! 

At one point, he'd tell Carolyn (who was over helping decorate our tree -- our tradition!) to "not touch Elfie!"  LOL  He was so worried about Elfie reporting back to Santa Claus that he made sure he was good.  Yes, there were a few moments in the day that he was acting out, but when we reminded him that Elfie was watching he would behave properly :-)

We will keep you updated daily on Elfie's where abouts!  We wish you a blessed and beautiful holiday season!