Pebbles...Our Family Elf

Does your family have an "Elf on the Shelf?"  How come I never thought of this?  I could be making millions!!  What a behavior modification tool!!!  All I have to say is, "Pebbles is watching you" and my kids fall in line like soldiers!


For those who aren't aware of this magical little tool, Elf on the Shelf is a book written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell.  Along with the book, comes an adorable little elf.  Each elf looks differently, so you have to choose one that will be part of your family.



HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
The kit comes with an elf doll and a book. The book explains that Santa has sent an elf to watch over the children and the elf reports back to Santa each night. The kids get to decide the name for the elf together - this is a tough decision! You read through the book with your child, it explains all the rules, then each night you move the elf to a new spot. One of the rules is that the children cannot touch him - this is a great rule because although he's a sturdy doll, I think he might get loved too much too quickly if they were allowed! The author was so thoughtful to think of all these helpful rules.

Rules:
* The children cannot touch the elf or he will lose his magic
* The elf can listen to what the children tell him, but cannot talk back, that's Santa's law.
* The elf flies back to the North Pole each night and tells Santa what he has seen - when he comes back he goes to a new spot in the house.

The kids start searching for the elf immediately when they wake up! Knowing Santa is watching has definitely motivated them to be a behave a bit better! This cute little tradition makes the Christmas season more fun. It's a very special tradition in our house.


 

Our elf, Pebbles (don't know why that's his name...) leaves notes from time to time around the house, along with some type of mess or mischief.

"The Nag" was EXTREMELY naggy one night and got in trouble.     Pebbles was watching!!

You never know where Pebbles will turn up next!

For more ideas for your family elf, visit Blossom Bunkhouse.  Here you can find 101 ideas for your Elf on the Shelf.  

You can also visit the official Elf on the Shelf website!




Alexis