But first… the elf needs an identity
I found THESE, a great (and super adorable) alternative to the typical Elf on the Shelf and if I’m gonna get Husband behind this, the elf has to look much more traditional and waaaay less commercial.
We also can’t call the elf – “Elf”; Elf will need a name. Since our kids, at the moment, speak more Spanish than English, I could go with a Spanish name like Don Miguel or Señor Gigante (irony). Or maybe I could use one of the baby names we liked but didn’t get to use like Penny. But let’s be real, we’re a family from Jersey, so this elf will be named Bruce or Tony Soprano. Let’s go classy NJ style… Frank Sinatra.
So to get you (possibly a skeptic) started, I searched Pinterest and Google and Facebook and blogs and every other social media you could imagine for far too many hours and I have narrowed down my favorite ideas. And with 13 days left til the big day, here’s a great place to start (or end). It’s never too late to believe…
The Introduction
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The Opening Act
When I was a kid, every year – on one special evening – a huge firetruck full of Santa’s helpers and the big guy himself buzzed drove passed our house blasting Christmas music. My grandmother, more excited than anyone, would yell at us that Santa was coming and we would leap out of the house forgetting coats and scarves inside to follow the firetruck around the streets of our neighborhood. I looked forward to it every year. Why not make this something your kids will look forward to? Stuff Frank Sinatra in your child’s snow boots with some Christmasy goodies for when they come home from school or have Frank Sinatra inflate balloons and fill their room while they sleep. Is your kid a light sleeper… no worries, Franky could streamer their door for when they wake up. Your kids will look forward to the arrival of Frank Sinatra every year so go Jersey Big (which means over the top).
The Leader of the Rat Pack
Frank Sinatra is there to fill your kids with imagination but also to promote helpfulness and good behavior – to be a leader – so use that little elf, man. “Kids… don’t you think Frank Sinatra would help me clean up.” Make this a way to get the kids in on the action by putting Franklin to work. He could help wrap presents, count down the days, and make breakfast. I especially love Home Stories A to Z mini pancakes!
The Ra(t)scal
I love a good hellion. And Frank Sinatra would not be very fun if he was all helpful and not a dash of hellion, so let him get into some trouble and give your kids a good laugh.
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But this has GOT TO BE my favorite, hellion! |
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The News Spreader
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The Honest Frank Reminder
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