Definitely my most favorite time of the year.
As with many of you, I am always trying to find some Christmas traditions for our family, that are not only fun, but that help me teach my kiddos about the true meaning of Christmas. We tried the Elf on the Shelf a few years back, but, while fun, didn't seem a good fit. Last year, because of the move out to the farm, we did only basic decorations, and didn't get to much more then just putting a tree up, and reading the Christmas story on Christmas day. But this year, I think I have found something that we all LOVE.
Meet the Kindness Elves!
Are they not the cutest!? I first saw them last year here The Kindness Elves while browsing ideas for our family, but as i said, didn't take the time to put them into action.
This year I took a much closer look at them, and decided they would be a good fit. Because the original ones are so popular and sold out within hours of becoming available this year, I simply purchased a bendable doll house family, and added felt hats. Nothing fancy, but the kids love them.
They are fun, not only because I can use them to make sure we get all the fun things in that I want to do for the holiday season (bake cookies, read Christmas books, give gifts to the neighbors), but because I can also have an elf for each kid, and have each one do some separate kindness (leave small notes under their siblings pillow, do brothers chores today to help him out...).
Here is a look into what we have done so far:
To start out, on the first of December, the kids received this in the mail..
Then, the next morning, they woke up to find a small elf door has appeared, along with their elves and their first kindness activity: Work together to build gingerbread houses. The Elves even brought the supplies!
The Kids were soo excited! They picked out which elf must be there for each of them, and couldn't wait to get started.
Next day, the elves showed up with new cookies cutters, and instructions to bake cookies that could be later shared with the neighbors.
Day 4, The elves found the craft drawers, and wanted the kids to make notes to go along with their cookies, and to deliver the cookies that afternoon.
Day 5- Our elves asked the kids to make sure the house chores got done quickly, so that they could then play quietly while mom prepared for the birthday party that was going to be the next day ;) They brought along some fun new seek and find books for the kids to use to stay out of the way...
Next day, we were actually celebrating #3 and #4 child's birthdays, so the Elves showed up with small gifts for the birthday kids, and another small package of gifts that the birthday kiddos were told to share with everyone. (I forgot to get a picture)
For day 7 - The Elves showed up with markers, and color pages. It was time to make some special cards for the mail lady, and package them up with some Christmas cookies to leave in the mailbox as a thank you surprise.
I believe I am having as much fun with them as the kids are! I made myself a calendar so that I could write in "elf ideas" as I though of them, and make sure they lined up with our schedules for that day...
Today, the Elves showed up twice! They came after naps, letting the kids know that they were going to be going to see some Christmas lights, and that they needed to be extra kind to each other while getting their hats and gloves gathered together before 5oclock tonight. :)
Can't wait to see how the rest of the month turns out!
If you want to start a similar tradition, check out this blog, it has fun ideas on kindness tasks for your elves to do each day.
How about you? What are some of your Christmas family traditions? I would love to hear!
Blessings,
#allmanfamilyfarm
