

I learned about this tradition from some friends and thought I would start this tradition, this year in my home. Apparently this cute tradition began in one family when their children were very small and were always inquiring as to how Santa really knew who had been naughty or nice. This family came across a small elf in their Christmas boxes and this tradition was born.
This small elf would arrive around the holidays, usually at
Thanksgiving. His main responsibility was to watch the children's behavior and
report it to "Santa" each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they
discovered the elf had returned from the "North Pole" (with some parental
assistance) and was hiding in a different place. The children would race each
other out of bed to try and be the first to find him in his new position or
location.
Over the years, the tradition has been perfected and some rules have been
introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children are not
allowed to touch him; however, they were allowed to talk to him and even write
them letters. For obvious reasons, he was not allowed to reply verbally, but on
occasion would write them letters back. Eventually, the children even gave him a
name - officially adopting him into the family.
Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to
better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf was
watching" for errant behavior to be modified. The elf would write letters to
the children asking them to write up a ‘wish list’ for him to take to Santa,
thus providing the parents with a Christmas shopping list. The elves would also
encourage the children (via their letters) to do their homework, keep their
rooms clean, help with chores, or whatever might help the parents out during the
holidays.
It seems like this very simple tradition would lead to so many wonderful
Christmas memories for my family.
You can order some craft kits from Oriental Traditing Company to make up your own elves. Although I made up a couple of extra little elves, if you are interested in one for $5.00 each plus shipping, please drop me an email at debbie@debduzscrappin.com and I will get one out to you. I would prefer to have the funds via paypal, but would consider a check or money order. This price would be just for the elf. Depending on availability, if you really want a keepsake box to store the elf in, that would be an additional $10.00
Good luck and have fun!!
Debbie
Weller
DebDuzScrappin.com
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