Elf On The Shelf

Our kiddos are the perfect age to start annual traditions and this year we are adding a few.  I've heard about Elf On The Shelf for a few years now but didn't want to start it when they were too young.  We think that four is the perfect age and I purchased this adorable little elf with the book at Nordstrom a few weeks ago.   We opened up the day after Thanksgiving while we were decorating for Christmas.

 The premise is the little elf watches over everyone during the day and then flies back to the north pole each night to report back to Santa.  He "returns" each morning to a different location in the house.  You're supposed to personalize the elf and give him a name.  The girls wanted to name our elf Cottie.  I'm not even sure how to spell it.  They pronounce it Kah-tee.  Not the name I would have chosen but it's pretty cute to hear them call out his name.  They've also decided our elf is a boy.  It's so fun to wake up each morning and see the excitement in the girls' eyes, wondering where our little elf will be waiting for us.  So far, he's been in a few interesting places throughout the house.  Here are a few of his spots where he likes to hang out:

On the lampshade

In the palm tree

On the drape rod

I'm going to try to record some video of the girls talking to him.  They go up to him and say what they want for Christmas.  It's a riot.  Reese has asked for a kitchen and Ryan asked for a mermaid.  I love Christmastime with our children.