Elf on the Shelf

Today we brought home Zooey's elf. She is a girl, and Zooey named her Chocolate (love my girl!). I told her to hide the skirt for Chocolate to find and put on before she goes to see Santa tonight, and she'd be wearing the skirt tomorrow when she comes back. Zooey wanted to hold the skirt and kind of got mad about having to let it go, but then I "hid" it on the tree, which she thought was funny.

Tomorrow we start the Elf on the Shelf tradition. As I mentioned in the Santa post, I don't really like the idea of using the Elf or Santa to try to get good behavior out of Zooey. I know many parents do that, and if you're one of them, that's fine. We've just decided not to do that (for several reasons, but the simplest one? What would we "use" for behavior once Christmas was over? Threats? I already feel like I bribe my kid enough with gum for good behavior). I want Chocolate to be a silly little thing for Zooey to find every morning during the Christmas season who brings her giggles and joy. I want her to remember laughing and thinking it was fun.

This year we're starting Elf a little late; next year I'd like to start December 1. That being said, this year I don't have to sustain creativity for as long, so I'm going to have Chocolate bring a fun Christmas craft for Zooey to do each day.

Day 1