how we use elf on a shelf

some of the above ideas are from pinterest (syrup,snow angel)

meet turtle the elf. we bought turtle...um ahem...i mean turtle came to us??...when harper was one.

we found turtle at a junior league event in tyler texas. it was a random very small booth and kind of a weird looking elf, but we thought it would be a fun tradition for our family to hide him every day and have harper look for him.

at that time we certainly didn't know we'd have four kiddos. haah!

we read the book to miss h and she promptly named him "turtle". or TUTTLE!!! this was her favorite word at one and a half.

here's harper looking for turtle the first christmas we started the tradition:

 

how cute was she? and how heavily was i breathing? hahah! can you tell i was big time pregnant with miss sadie? :)

turtle is a tradition that our family has so enjoyed over the years.

i've seen a lot of weird comments re: elf on a shelf on the internet lately.

things like:

people that do it are lame !??!

people that don't do it aren't creating a fun childhood for their children ?!?!?!

people that do it need to get a life

it's stupid to get creative with your elf

why is the elf being naughty if he is supposed to be used to make your children behave

if i use this elf it's defeating the true purpose of christmas.(this one? i don't get AT ALL. I'm pretty sure i'm not telling them to worship turtle)

the elf is too popular right now, why would you want to do it

your children are missing out on something if you don't do this.

 

here are my thoughts on the subject. and btw, who know an elf could be so controversial??? i've never seen such a thing!

DO WHATEVER MAKES YOUR FAMILY HAPPY.

if the elf creeps you out (he is kind of creepy) and you don't want one, go for it.

if you want to put your elf in intricate settings, go for it. if you want to forget to move him and make up strange stories about a snowstorm making it impossible for him to get back to the north pole (i may have done this) then go for it.

if your baby (lucy??) eats his hat and you have to let the babysitter move him for his safety, go for it.

it's just a fun tradition for us. we don't use it to threaten, we don't use it for behavior. that wouldn't work here anyway.

but...sometimes if the girls are throwing fits and being ridiculous they will look at turtle and get embarrased that he's watching. HEEEE!

it has turn into a competition of sorts between jimmy+stephanie to see who can put him in the funniest place.

last year j put him in the oven, staring out the door in a creepy way. it FREAKED the girls out. it made me VERY HAPPY b/c i didn't have to cook! haaaaaaaa!

exhibit a:

i may or may not have had a nightmare starring turtle that night.

the girls wake up wanting to look for him every single day.

gosh, this post is rambling and random.

i just think the elf is fun. and i don't think my kids are going to know that the internet was saturated with him in 2011.

just like they won't know that butterflies and doilies were the big trend in scrapbooking, and that everyone used them on their pages just like i do.

just like they won't know that i don't use visual triangles and design principles when scrapbooking.

just like they wouldn't know if we DIDN'T have him.

they don't care. they just want to have fun. and the elf brings joy to our home.

bottom line. :)

hope today is joyful for YOU.

xoxo

s

Comments

[gabby]

i love you. xoxo.

[joanna]

My friends daughter just asked for one 3 days ago. She could not find this little red on so she found a bigger crocheted elf and used it. We have had the best time coming up with stuff to get this elf into. He got into the cereal box the other day (my idea lol). Her daughter loves it.
I am thinking of doing it next year! LOL

Merry Christmas

[nicole @ I am a Honey Bee]

that video is too cute! just to cute. I love how she was saying turtle.

I completely agree with you that you need to do what makes you and your family happy. It's funny to see/read about elf on the shelf. I had never heard of it until this year so it's so new to me.

[Elfhousedelight]

Tyler, Tx?? I live about an hour away in Pittsburg! I love the Elf on the Shelf. However, my step-kids are all older. Too old to start this with. So, hopefully, I will have one of my own some day to start this tradition with! Too cute!

[Stephanie Howell]

yes!! jimmys aunts and cousins live in tyler!

[Sky]

that video was precious!

[Linda E]

I think it's a great tradition, Stephanie! I only wish I had known about it when my kids were small. Thanks to your past blog posts (I seem to recall seeing that adorable video of Harper once before!) I bought each of my great nephews an elf last year for Christmas. They are 2 1/2 this year and according to their parents, having a lot of fun looking for him each and every day. So thank YOU for saturating the internet and bringing this fun tradition to my family. Merry Christmas!

[lisa Young]

awesome!!

[Leigh Erin]

OMG - Anything that elicits that type of response from a baby that FREAKIN ADORABLE is A-OK!

[Stephanie Hackneu]

I love the idea. It adds magic to this time of year and I would bet any kid who grows up with this tradition will have fond memories of it as they grow older.

I agree: Do what makes YOU and YOUR FAMILY happy.

[Jenni Hufford]

this is awesome- love your thoughts . it seems like it's everywhere this year and everyone has an opinion, huh??? we too have had one since jonah was one or two (no one knew about them then!) and have had ALOT of fun with our elf. this year however i can't find the dang thing to save my life-- not in his box in the storage room! (creepy!). the kids haven't said anything and i started feeling REALLY guilty when all the fun pics pop up. but it's just for fun so why stress!?!? i am sure i will find him Dec 26 (that's how it works huh). no harm done taking a year off. christmas will still come on sunday whether we used the elf or not :)

[Kathy R]

We just discovered Elf on a Shelf this year. Missed this with my children but the grandkids love it. I had 2 elves from my childhood (at least 50 years old!) so 1 went to my daughters house and 1 stayed at my house (I babysit the youngest while my daughter works). They move around each day but they haven't gotten into any mischief. My grandson who's 3 1/2 named them: Wipeout (for his favorite TV show) and Poopy Head. (Couldn't talk him out of the name.)He loves looking for them first thing each morning. We'll definitely do this again next year.

[kristen cox]

we love elf too! we don't crazy creative but it's just b/c i am not very creative. merry christmas!! have a safe flight home turtle!! =) btw...some of those elf "haters" cracke me up in tears. the sarcasm is hilarious. the real haters...well screwge em!

[Amy Zwemer]

We started this tradition this year with our Elfy! (one of the boys named him)....it has been fun but soon ran out of fun places that the boys could not reach....they still want to touch him... I hope you gals & guy and a WONDERFUL Christmas!

[Stacey]

Love it! The picture of your elf in the oven - I think Jimmy wins for that one. I also like him with Barbie! And the snow angel. CUTE!! I wish they had him when my 14 yr. old was a baby. I never heard of it until last year. Didn't know what it was until this December. Do you think my kids are too old for it? They are 8, 12 and 14. Maybe I will have to get one next year.

[Stephanie Howell]

i think that it can be a fun/outrageous family tradition and joke no matter their ages. j+i would probably do it even if it was just us. HAHAH!

[Stephanie Howell]

i thought it was tremendously funny too ...until she named and linked the other lady. then i just thought it was kind of bully-ish. it would have been the funniest post ever if she didnt name names.

[Amy tan]

How precious is that video?! Love to pieces.

[Michelle]

Oh Steph, you are ahead of the times because you have had yours for years!!! :) You are the reason I knew about him, seeing your video of Harper. This is the first year I have seen him plastered all over the stores. BTW, my sweet boy LOVES watching that video of Harper looking for Turtle. We bought one this year. He has had fun looking for him every morning. Greg really got into hiding him too. The oven... that was good. Ben saw it and was like uh-oh!! My 13.5 yr old daughter doesn't really get into it. But Ben sure does. I think it is fun and we have lost a few holiday traditions, so it was great to find another. Ben named his Jack. Jack has been pretty good until last night. Last night, he decided to play in the flour. I have taken photos of him in every place he's been hiding and plan to scrap them. Poo on the negative people that have to be a bunch of scrooges. I say whatever floats your boat.

[krys72599]

I wish Elf on a Shelf had been around when my niece and nephew were young; my own kids are 33 and 31 so they missed out, too. Is he sort of creepy and unattractive? Sure, but no one ever said elves are all cute and warm and cuddly...
I think it's a great tradition that I'll most definitely start for my grandchildren, if I ever have any... Hint, hint, DD...
My great niece's elf is named Piper...

[Elizabeth *E*]

Christopher Robinson (Jordan refuses to call him Pop-in-kins) came to us 3 years ago when he was 3. He has brought Our family some good times/memories! I sent one to my nieces and nephew a couple of years ago and they love him! People hate just to hate. It's really so sad...for them. I know it's much more popular now thanks to the internet! Like with most things in our lives these days...duh! I for one am grateful to see all the different ideas for ol' Christopher!

[jen]

we do it for fun and to put a little more "magic" back in our house since the kids are getting older. we use it more as a creative "joke" to elicit some chuckles ;)
i never would have dreamed that my girls would even care, but it's fun. as for the haters...they just hate cuz that is what they make time to do...whatever!

[Linnea]

loved the video of little Harper! And glad that you stick to your guns about doing things that bring joy to your family. Merry Christmas!

[Cornelia Kennedy]

We have Emily the elf, she is a very friendly looking cuddly elf! My 5 year old loves waking up to see what she has done (his fave was when she drew Santa on the etch a sketch!)

[Shannon Shurtleff]

Girlfriend. My teenager is scared of it. BAHAHA! She is 14 and says it watches her. She is killing me. Ava is so little, she doesn't get it, but maybe next year.

I think it is sweet that you do the creative things with it, like a little surprise each day for your girlies.

Side note: I just got my Scrapbooks Etc. Magazine... guess whose layouts I saw??? YOURS! They rock, I was so excited, I showed my husband and my teenager! They agreed you have gorgeous kiddos!! Have a great Christmas! XOXO

[Lisa Dickinson]

ok, the oven shot is classic! totally ties in the story of Hansel & Gretel, no? :)

[tara pollard pakosta]

I wanted to get one this year, but didn't want to pay the 35. , waiting for it to go on sale, because I think adults and older children (mine are 10 and on saturday 12)so I think they will love it just as much! I think it's such a fun tradition! so so cute!
LOVE all of your ideas too!
tara

[Katherine]

wow I cannot believe that people have time to post about this? Who cares? Honestly I agree with you if it makes your family happy and brings joy to their day then who cares what people think. It's a great tradition and I will definitely be doing it with my daughter next year when she's older and doesn't find Fabric sheets more interesting than her toys! Thanks for the post! I love seeing how people hide their elves!

[Tina]

OMG...little Harper!! I can't believe how much she's grown! haha...this just made my day. :)

[MonicaMcNeill]

OK so first how cute was Harper, that little voice kills me :)

Thanks so much for this post. First I'm stuck at the office for the first time right before Christmas and had a stressful visit to Santa this morning with the boys before I came into work. Seeing Harper and her joy of Christmas has reminded me to step back, take a deep breath and let go of the stress of work these last few precious days before Christmas with my boys (the youngest being 18mths).

Second, there is so much opinion about the Elf this year and some of it is very rude. Even though we've had Snitch for awhile I have felt like I'm constantly defending him being in our home. Which really ruins the joy that my oldest (7yrs) gets out of looking for him every morning. There are only so many more years of his belief in the unseen and I want to soak it all in. Like you said, not that we worship Snitch, my son knows that the season is truly about the birth of our Savior, but it is just fun for our family.

Thank you for putting a smile on my face & reminding me to enjoy the joy of the season. Merry Christmas.

[jackie]

we use elf on the shelf...and i think it is wonderful. this year his sister came too. i told the girls it is because there are twins in our home.

[jennifer Camplin]

That's fun thing to do daily.. to keep all exciting.. till Christmas!

[joann]

You have to admire the marketing genius/moxie of the women who wrote this ELF book and incorporated the words "A Christmas Tradition" into the title. This immediately made it "a tradition", when otherwise it might just have been yet another Christmas book!!!!

I think I will write an autobiography and do the same...."JoAnn, a year-round tradition". LOL LOL

[carol in seattle :)]

EXACTLY!!! We have had an elf and three gingerbread babies for five (?) years and it's been nothing but fun for me and my kids. Wishing you lots of love and peace this Christmas!

[Stephanie Howell]

Thats hilarious!! I dont think weve read the book but once. I dont even know where it is. Haaaa!

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[Stephanie Howell]

gingerbread babies!! how FUN!

[Stephanie Howell]

thanks so much for all of your encouragement and support this year, jennifer! merry christmas and happy new year!

[Stephanie Howell]

LOVE this idea!!!

[Stephanie Howell]

i know right? that will be tyler before you realize it!! hold on tight~ xoxo

[Stephanie Howell]

it seems that everyone has an opinion on everything lately i suppose! thanks for your comment! have a beautiful Christmas!

[Stephanie Howell]

i agree!! merry christmas tara!

[Stephanie Howell]

haaa! that.is.AWESOME!! and thanks for the sweet words about the magazine...i havent even seen it yet!!!

[Marlene]

We've never done the elf, but we will start (most likely next year) when big brother (who is almost 9) no longer 'believes' so that he won't be tempted to tell his little sister. I think if he has a hand in the magic it'll be easier to not tell :)

[JillT]

No votes on the elf. . .just wanted to say that I love the flick of H. You were mama of two when I "met" you so it's fun to see H that young.

[Deb]

Love that video, so cute! Loving the Elf idea too. Have a wonderful Christmas xx

[Alene]

You are the most "together" mommy. You're so right! Do what fits your family...

[NatashaW]

I have never heard of Elf on a shelf (it must be a US thing - I'm in Australia). It seems like a great thing to do to have some fun with the kids (my husband does a treasure hunt with a map at Easter time and the kids love it). Harper's voice is sooo cute in the video - I love how she said "up please" so polite even as a baby.

[Linda L]

Well - here in Australia we have no elf and so it took me a while to even work out what you were talking about lol. How funny. Have a very Merry Christmas Steph. xL

[Stephanie Howell]

same to you, linda!

[Stephanie Howell]

i KNOW! that up pease? KILLS me!!!

[Stephanie Howell]

have a merry christmas alene!!

[Stephanie Howell]

thanks deb! merry christmas!!

[Stephanie Howell]

I  think thats a wonderful idea marlene!!

[Stephanie Howell]

thanks jill :)
merry christmas!!

[Whitney W.]

Ha!That video is too cute! I completely agree with you about people making a big deal about the elf. And the worst part about it is that it isn't a new idea! As a kid, I was stationed in Iceland with my family and the Icelandic people celebrate Christmas elves too. There is 13 of them and they all have their own personalities while creating chaos in your house during the night. Also part of the elf tradition is to put your shoes out every night during those 13 nights and if you were good the elves gave you candy, but if you were bad you received coal. My mom kept that tradition way longer than we were stationed in Iceland. Like you said, you got to do what your family enjoys! God's blessing to you and your family this holiday!

[Shannon]

I can't believe how critical people are of other people's traditions. My kids are 18, 16, and 9 and I wish we had a tradition like Elf on the Shelf. I think it just adds to all of the magic of the Christmas season. I've enjoyed seeing the daily Elf on the Shelf Facebook postings from a friend using it with her son and I love seeing all the creative ideas on the Internet. Even though my kids are older, we might get an elf next year because I think they will enjoy getting the elf in all sorts of mischief. Merry Christmas to your family and may you all enjoy the magic of the Christmas season!

[Kelly Cree]

OK-our boys are 9 & 14, but we are totally buying an Elf for next Christmas. This was the first year I'd ever heard of it. How'd I miss this? Thanks for posting.

By the way--I'm not a creeper, but had to tell you, we have the EXACT SAME RUG you have in front of the fire place in that video....ours came from Afghanistan!! Yours??

[Stephanie Howell]

DITTO!! Cracking up. What are the odds?!?!?! :)

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[Stephanie Howell]

Merry Christmas to you too!

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[Stephanie Howell]

Thats so interesting...thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas!!

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[kimberly]

I think it's hilarious that the little elf has caused quite a controversy (don't people have better things to do? like Christmas shopping?) I work in a store that sells Elf on a Shelf and we all think he's creepy (in fact, we call him "Creepy" when no one is around) but we DO move him around (it's fun for the kids to look for him when they come into the store) and we MAY or may not have made him a nametag...(his professional name is "Timmy").

[Stephanie Howell]

Thanks so much for your comment. Merry Christmas!!

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[louise]

haha I love Elf on the shelf we're from the uk and this is the 1st year my kids are 7 and 5 and think crackers is hilarious, especially this morning when they found him with pink nail varnish and daddy had lovely pink toes for work :) Merry Christmas to you and you're lovely family Steph xxxx

[Stephanie Howell]

I am SO stealing this idea!!!

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[Krista]

Well said! It's fun to do. And those that don't do it, fine. I'm sure they have other great traditions. I think the ones that are negative towards others that do it are feeling deficient in some ways. And that's certainly not why those of us with elves do it or post it. I love that others post. It sparks creativity.

[reyanna]

Hey Steph!

I haven't been able to read blogs in a while because I was busy, and then sick, and then busy again. AND... I like to maximize my Hattie-time... meaning less blog reading/commenting. ;-)

But just wanted you to know I just caught up, and I don't have time to comment on each post (have GOT to get to sleep now! LOL!), but wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and love you and your family dearly. :-)

Merry Christmas, Loveliness!

p.s. So glad you're having fun with the Elf on the Shelf! And *ahem*... *WHAT* is he doing in that photo with that doll?!?! LOL. And what is sitting next to them? Lotion? LOL. :-p

[Trisha Hamilton]

Such cute ideas! And how cute to see baby Harper!

[Stephanie Howell]

merry christmas

[Stephanie Howell]

EWWWW lotion?? NO! hes in the bathtub, thats bubble bath. hahhahahah

[Stephanie Howell]

thanks for your comment krista!!

[Leslee]

I love having a Christmas elf. My mom had one for my sister and I over 50 years ago. Then I continued the tradition with my girls--they are 25 and 21--wish I had had the patent on this idea. And now the tradition is continuing with my grand children, who are 4 & 3. It makes the month before Christmas very fun.
Leslee

[Jill Sprott]

This makes me laugh SO hard!