Christmas Elves

Start a new tradition with
Christmas Elves

I learned about this tradition from some friends and thought I would start this tradition, this year in my home. Apparently this cute tradition began in one family when their children were very small and were always inquiring as to how Santa really knew who had been naughty or nice. This family came across a small elf in their Christmas boxes and this tradition was born.

This small elf would arrive around the holidays, usually at Thanksgiving. His main responsibility was to watch the children's behavior and report it to "Santa" each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the "North Pole" (with some parental assistance) and was hiding in a different place. The children would race each other out of bed to try and be the first to find him in his new position or location.

Over the years, the tradition has been perfected and some rules have been introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children are not allowed to touch him; however, they were allowed to talk to him and even write them letters. For obvious reasons, he was not allowed to reply verbally, but on occasion would write them letters back. Eventually, the children even gave him a name - officially adopting him into the family.

Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf was watching" for errant behavior to be modified. The elf would write letters to the children asking them to write up a ‘wish list’ for him to take to Santa, thus providing the parents with a Christmas shopping list. The elves would also encourage the children (via their letters) to do their homework, keep their rooms clean, help with chores, or whatever might help the parents out during the holidays.

It seems like this very simple tradition would lead to so many wonderful Christmas memories for my family.

You can order some craft kits from Oriental Trading Company to make up your own elves. Although I made up a couple of extra little elves, if you are interested in one for $5.00 each plus shipping, please drop me an email at debbie@debduzscrappin.com and I will get one out to you. I would prefer to have the funds via paypal, but would consider a check or money order. This price would be just for the elf. Depending on availability, if you really want a keepsake box to store the elf in, that would be an additional $10.00

Good luck and have fun!!

Debbie Weller
DebDuzScrappin.com