Elf on the Shelf

I have overheard numerous conversations lately about the stupidity of the "Elf on the Shelf" and those crazy parents that get wrapped up in such nonsense. Well...I am one of them. I agree, there are some that take their elf responsibilities above and beyond (and seriously...does an elf really merit a status update and photo each morning?), but I commend them for creative, fun parenting. The placement of this holiday helper each night can get leave you wondering just how much innovative, imagination you are left with at the end of a busy day. However, our elf Tiny, has become a source of festive family fun.

Cajoling children out of the warmth of their beds in the morning to be welcomed by the cold, dark, snowy mornings is not always easy. I can spend 5 minutes trying to rouse my sleeping beauties, or...they can jump out of bed each morning full of excitement, followed up by a 5 minute game of hide and seek with our beloved Tiny elf. They come to the breakfast table awake, happy, and ready for a great day. Who doesn't want that for their children? I choose 5 minutes of fun. I choose imaginative play. I choose to start my morning with a reminder that magic is everywhere and I am blessed with 3 tiny people who let me be a part of it. What's so stupid about that?

Sometimes our mischievous Tiny comes back from the North Pole a little late and we catch him in the act trying to hide from us. He didn't quite make it to the ceiling fan before we woke up and spotted him! :)