First, let me start by saying, NO...I’m not joking. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m already feeling pangs of separationanxiety at the mere thought of sayinggoodbye to our Elves on Christmas Eve.
Elves have invaded thousands (if not millions) of homes around the world. Along the way they’ve even stolen a fewhearts. It was over for me a long time ago...really...I never stood a chance. I look forward to the time ourElves spend with us ALL year long. I plot and plan and eagerly await theirreturn each year with an unreasonable amount of excitement.
I know that not everyone feels this way. Maybe you’re one ofthose who will actually be happy to send your Elf packin’. The pressure of hosting an Elfover the holidays really gets to some people. It’s a BIG responsibility…trustme, I know. I get it.
I totally understandthat my personal attachment to thesemagical creatures borders on, shall we say, unhealthy.However, I have also come to the realization that I’m NOT alone! There areplenty of other people out there Elf-init up over the holidays and that knowledge gives me immense comfort. I feellike a little less of a lunatic knowing that others share this crazy ELFOBSESSION!
Regardless of whether you have grown to love or despise your Elf,chances are your kiddos are going to be sad to see them go. Last year, actual tears were shed when mine realizedthat our Elves were really (REALLY) gone on Christmas afternoon. I have to admit, it even took me a fewdays to get over their departure….and by “a few days” I really mean 330 days, until we were reunited again.
Making magic is fun. Going back to folding laundry and washingdishes during naptime just doesn’t bring me the same amount of joy.
I am curious to see if things are different this year. My 4year old has really been testing the Elves and questioning the depths of theirmagical abilities. He’s also mentioned a couple of times that even though heloves our Elves, it isn’t nice to tattle. So who knows, maybe the kids will be relieved when the pressure of allthose tiny eyes watching their every move has been lifted.
For now, I’m going to move forward by emotionally preparingmy family (i.e. myself) for our Elves’inevitable desertion. If you’ve been fostering a borderline obsessive attachmenttoward the Elves in your life, this compilation of coping mechanisms mighthelp.
{10 Ideas to Help you Prepare for your Elf on the Shelf's Departure}
1. Help your Elf prepare for his journey home. Last year we gave Mack his own tiny littlesuitcase (made out of a vintage jewelry box with a pipe cleaner added as a handle).It was packed with a few goodies and treats to comfort him and help him getback to the North Pole safely. The kids liked doing something nice for theirElf, and it was a gentle reminder that he wasn’t going to be around the nextday.
2. Write your Elf a goodbye letter. Let the kiddosdictate exactly what they’d like to say and then leave it out overnight. We didthis a couple of days early last year, that way our Elf posse had time torespond before they left for the North Pole. If you want to write your own…just from you…that’s okay too. Clearly, I’mnot here to judge.
3. Start planning for next year! See a cute Elfidea, PIN IT! Find a perfect mini-sized whatever,stash it away! I have an entire box of Elf props that I add to throughout theyear. Then, when our Elves come home for the holidays we have our own bag oftricks to entertain them with!
4. Have your Elf make a surprise visit once ortwice throughout the year! Last summer our Elves visited us twice. Each time,Santa sent a letter along excusing them from their duties at the North Pole andgiving them permission to take the day off. The kids were BEYOND excited! Oh and…it’s also the PERFECT way to keepthe kids on their toes. Nothing like a little reminder that Santa is watching….always, always…watching.
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| Elf-sized popsicles made out of Mike & Ikes...the perfect poolside treat! |
5. Ask your Elf to be your family’s Pen-pal whilethey are away! Our Elves have been known to send an occasional email or even ateeny-tiny handwritten letter. It’s nice to stay in touch J This is also anothergreat opportunity to remind your kids to walkthe line.
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| We've had TONS of fun with this! It's The World's Smallest Post Service and comes with everything you need to write teeny-tiny letters and make itsy-bitsy packages! |
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| This is the meal we created to welcome our Elves home on Thanksgiving. The "turkey" was made using small bone-shaped sprinkles, topped with a piece of caramel. "Green bean" sprinkles and tiny rolls finished off the plates. |
8. Throw your Elf a Going Away Party! You could useany of the ideas from our Elf Party…but really, it doesn’t have to beelaborate. Make a few elf-sized treats and a farewell card and call it good.The kids will love spending a little time creating something for their Elf toenjoy!
9. Go BIG or go HOME! If you have been waiting allmonth to execute the cutest little Elf scheme…NOW is the time! Just do it…whocares if it seems over-the-top orsilly. It might be extra work, and require you to do a little cleaning up (orwhatev)…but it could also be one of the best memories you make this year! Goingall out can be as much fun for you as the kiddos. My son still talks about someof the shenanigans our Elves got into LASTChristmas…and it just melts my Elf-lovin’ heart!
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10. This one is gonna rock your world: let the kids TOUCH the ELF! Wh-What!?!? I know this goes against the number one rule of hostingan Elf…no touching! Well…we’re gonna go rogue this year and try something new. Thekids are going to receive a letter from Santa that gives them permission togive each of our Elves ONE goodbye hug on Christmas Eve, before they go to bedfor the night. I think this will be a huge hit, and very special…we’ll see ;)
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| Want to make a letter from Santa super legit? Pop on over to Three Little Monkeys Studio to snag this adorable Santa letterhead for FREE! |
I really could go on and on with this list…that’s how DEEPmy Elf-love runs. This time is SO short and the window of opportunity doesn’tstay open long. I’m going to keep making this magic for as long as my kids goalong with it. Maybe at some point they’ll be doing it for me instead.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go spend some qualitytime with the Elves in my life…while I still can!
If you want to keep up (or catch-up) with our Elf Family check these links:~ Details from our Magical Elf Party HERE!~ 2011 Highlights HERE.~ 2012 Highlights HERE. ~ My Elf Idea Pinboard HERE.~ My facebook page HERE.~ Feature at Elfshaming.com HERE. That's it...feel free to stalk them...what goes around comes around right!??!?
~Audrey
I'm LINKING UP!
You can find TONS of inspiration by visiting these WEEKLY LINK PARTIES!
I always do...and I'm sharing this project with them NOW!
Monday
Making Mondays Marvelous hosted by C.R.A.F.T. Made by you Monday hosted by Skip to My Lou
Monday Link Up Party hosted by Making the World Cute
Just Something I Whipped Up hosted by The Girl Creative
Market Yourself Monday hosted by Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Creative Me hosted by The Southern Institute
Tuesday
Get your Craft On Tuesday hosted by Today's Creative Blog
Take-A-Look Tuesday hosted by Sugar Bee Crafts
Show Me What Ya Got hosted by Not JUST a Housewife
Lil' Luna Link Party hosted by Lil' Luna
WednesdayWe’re Organized Wednesday @ Organize and decorate Everything
Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home
We Did It @ Sew Much Ado
Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Show off your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Show and Share @ Southern Lovely
Thursday
Strut your stuff @ Somewhat Simple
100 Ideas under $100 @ Beyond the Picket Fence
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
Tablescape Thursday @ BNOTP
Hooking up with HoH @ House of Hepworths
Friday
Feature Yourself Friday hosted by Fingerprints on the Fridge
Friday Flair hosted by Whipperberry
Catch as Catch Can hosted by My Repurposed Life
Pin Me Linky Party @ Diana Rambles
Saturday
Saturday night special @ Funky Junk
Check me out Saturday @ A vision to remember
Saturday Is crafty day @ Along for the Ride
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Show and Tell @ Be Different Act Normal
Your Great Idea Saturdays @ Or so she says
Sunday
The Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Sundae Scoop at I {heart} naptime
Link Party on OINK! at Piggy Bank Parties
On-going
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