Elf on the Shelf

This year we are starting a new tradition at our house, the elf on a shelf. We spend a lot of time reading to Mary-Kate about the birth of Jesus. We usually make a birthday cake for Jesus, since MK is really into birthdays with cake. It is something she can relate to. I want her to understand the true meaning of Christmas. She helps us decorate the tree. She has a tree in her room and she has a nativity. She loves this.

This is not to say that she doesn't get many presents at Christmas. It almost shameful. The grands are something else. We don't get her many presents through out the year due to this.

Everyone has a different take on Santa. We go and visit Santa at the mall, but it normally turns out bad. Her first Christmas, she took her picture with him. The 2nd year she was scared to death. Last year I had to be in the picture with her. She was practically crawling up my neck. I wasn't impressed with the Santa either. (It was a woman. Mary-Kate didn't know, but I did. I was in a long line and didn't realize until we got in the picture. That's just wrong.) It will be interesting to see what she does this year.

I do like the tradition of the Elf on a Shelf. You can bring your elf out around Thanksgiving. The kids aren't aloud to touch him, but they can talk to him. You just have to remember to put him in a different place everyday. He goes back and tells Santa how they have acted that day. I think it is cute. Sometimes children act the worst around the holidays, so this helps keep behavior in check. My mom got us this last year and we decided to give it a try this year. I think MK understands a little more this year.

Do you have any neat traditions?