To elf or not to elf? A modern Christmas question and one I gave a lot of thought to before our elf, Noah, was adopted into our home. I knew I would mostly be in charge of taking care of our elf and that Husband, while very good at many other things, would not be. (Christmas Elf handling is not a reason I married him.) As moms, we take on a lot and seldom have any idea how all of the things will get done, so I wanted—and needed—an elf that would support my position as CEO of all household operations. Our elf was born of my exhaustion and overwhelming calendars and, like most irreplaceable assistants, she’s been a lifesaver.
I got a message the other day from a mom-friend who, having just caved and adopted her own elf that her child had been wanting, was second-guessing her decision. “Is this another thing I’m going to have to do???” She wallowed. My short answer… Yes. But like I had sold it to myself so many years ago, your elf doesn’t have to give you more work—they can be part of the team and part of what helps you get it all done.
From that conversation, this blog post was born. If you do decide to answer your modern Christmas question with “TO ELF” I hope this list will not only help but inspire your own list. I’ve broken the list into Big Activities and Small Activities—big activities are things that require a bit more work and time—though not much—and most is stuff you might be doing anyway.
big ways your elf can help you
Build a Gingerbread House
Our kids love Gingerbread House day! They know we buy it but we put it away until Noah says it’s time. They even asked her this year if they could wait until their grandparents arrive to decorate it.
Bake cookies or peppermint brownies
My new favorite dessert is adding a drop of peppermint oil into brownies so if you haven’t tried it, you need to!
Go through toys and donate
Most kids won’t volunteer to clean their room and get rid of toys so Noah and Harry (our Hanukkah elf) remind our kids how fortunate they are and that donating lightly used toys is a great way to think of others who have less.
Make decorations
Why should moms get all the fun (and stress) of decorating? Make Let the kids help. Last year, we started making coffee filter snowflakes to hang from our ceiling and it is currently battling our tree for favorite decoration—which says a lot because I love that damn tree. The kids have a blast and have become Master Snowflake Makers and. Who knows?!—Maybe they’ll be future Snowflake Maker Entrepreneurs.
Lego Christmas Village
New tradition alert! We have started collecting the LEGO Christmas Village and Noah and Harry will bring this Christmas activity on a weekend when we have more time to devote to it.
Wrap teachers’ presents
They are, after all, the kids’ teachers. Just remember, Parents, the wrapping will not look good so if you’re looking for a professionally wrapped present, do it yourself.
Nudge to wear matching outfits and take (smiling) family pictures
Holiday pictures can be a battle. Someone is always looking away, making bunny ears, or crying. To be honest, those are my favorite Christmas pictures but let your elf nudge in the direction of a nice family picture if that’s your thing.
small ways your elf can help you
Promote good manners
Noah usually brings a little gift to kick off December but the instructions are just as important. This year she brought a LEGO ornament and in her note, she made sure to mention two things: First, that she brought one ornament for them to share and work on building… together. Second, that this was their parent’s idea and they should thank them for it and for everything they do.
Play outside
Why not remind the kids to get off technology and get outside without being the bad guy?
Call someone who lives far away
Snuggle and Read
Because elves know this is important.
Listen to (or, of course, read) “Twas the Night Before Christmas”
Here’s my favorite audio by Perry Como
Dance to your favorite Christmas song
Watch a Christmas movie
You could use this one multiple times and the kids love it!
Make hot chocolate and walk around your neighborhood seeing everyone’s lights
Rest
The holidays are crazy for everyone, kids included so maybe elves could get them to take a nap? (Yes… our daughter made them a hotel this year; it was named the HotELF.)
Send a message from Santa
Your elf can send a free video message to your child. My favorite app/site is Portable North Pole! I’m Noah and Harry are currently researching others so both kids get something different.
Take a picture with your favorite ornament
Leave a note with an elf joke
What is the first thing that elves learn at school? The Elf-abet!
Make thank you cards
We make cards for our landlord and security guards where we live. Maybe for you, this is your school crossing guard or babysitter.
Have Alexa relay a message
Noah left a note for the kids, referencing Alexa, and they got such a kick out of saying “Good morning, Alexa” (her cue to give them the day’s message, weather, and daily song) and having her repeat a message from Noah and playing a Christmas song!
Write a kind note to someone
Reminder of blessings
Last week, Noah modeled her own gratitude list for the kids and asked that they think about their own list. The kids rushed home that afternoon, sat at their art stations and not only made a list but took their time decorating them.
and, of course, please please please (!!) share your ideas of ways your elf can help so I can share them next year!
tips for making your list
- Not everything has to be a big deal. Some days Noah and Harry leave something big thing to do (like build a gingerbread house). But somedays, she just tells them a joke. And other days she isn’t around because it’s Christmas and elves are busy at the North Pole. As long as she leaves a note, the kids don’t mind at all.
- The most important thing to remember is that your elf is here to help YOU and all the magic you pour into making Christmas special. Think about your week, what works for you, and what activities you already have planned and then how your elf can be of service. (Yesterday we had our school Xmas Gathering and Noah told them to wear something festive.)
P.S. See last year’s post for more information
