Let me back up a bit. I came across this fun family tradition last year, Elf on the Shelf. It's a cute book and idea... but had a horrible looking little elf. He was expensive and didn't think all the stuff in the book fit our family well. I loved the main idea and wanted to start it here for the girls. But, I ran out of time to get it started last year when I couldn't find an Elf. I needed a cute and friendly little Elf that could be kept for years. With luck my cute cousin Kay had made this adorable Elf in school when she was in Jr. High. I came across her Elf at my cousin home coming last year a couple weeks before Christmas. So...I kidnapped her Elf for the year to make a pattern from him. I measure and then cut out fabric and felt for our little guy. Then, my Mommy painstakingly sewed his little bits together. I'm so lucky she has some mad craft and sewing skills. He turned out PERFECT!
The one on the Right is my cousin Kay's Elf and on the Left is Beaker.
So, I set the scene. I decided that I wanted the whole "magic" of Christmas to be a big part of our Family Elf. The main idea is that this Elf comes to visit your family for the month of December and he or she reports back to Santa every night if the kids are being naughty or nice. But... did you know Elves are very mischievous? Well, We are learning the hard way. They get bored easy and tend to get into things.
A letter arrived from Santa Clause magically in the night. It was under a little Christmas tree that Grandma Launi had put up just days before. It was sitting under the tree with a bell tide to the bottom branch (See Polar Express!) The girls had watched Grandma Launi turn out the lights on the tree the night before when we were all going to bed. Well, in the morning the lights were all on and there was the letter waiting for them to find it.
It was PERFECT! Jorja found the bell first and Olivia read the letter to her. This is what the letter said:
Mr. S. Claus
Santa’s Workshop
North Pole
Season Greetings Nielsen Family,
I have a special treat for you this year. I have decided that you are qualified to adopt a Family Elf. This is a big responsibility on your part. Your Elf will arrive magically during the night on December 1st. You have been assigned an Elf by the name of Beaker Floppy-Feet. His job is to watch over Olivia and Jorja to see if you are being naughty or nice. Beaker will magically report back here to the North Pole every night while you sweet girls are sleeping. He will return each morning to continue his important duty as Family Elf. Beaker Floppy-Feet will be a member of your family until Christmas Eve when I come to visit you. I will pick Beaker up and escort him home to the North Pole after we finish delivering presents. Please make sure Beaker is left by the Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve for me to find him.
You should know a few things about Elves. Elves are magic and only come alive when you are sleeping. Elves tend to get bored easily and will find things to keep themselves busy. Please don’t be upset if Beaker gets into some mischief. He has the best of intentions. If you need to give me a message, feel free to give it to Beaker and he will deliver it to me when he reports back each night. I will do my best to answer you promptly.
I hope you enjoy having Beaker Floppy-Feet Elf in your home this year and know that you will treat each other well. If all goes well, I am sure Beaker will be back to see you next year.
Remember to be good girls and stay on the nice list!
Sincerely,
Santa
Our Elf arrived during the night on December 1st... in the same place the letter was. Magically the letter disappeared.
Every day our Elf Beaker is in a different place. He has to be after coming back from visiting Santa. So far it's been a GREAT thing. We have only had Beaker Floppy-Feet for a few days and already the girls can't wait to find him. Day number two Jorja found him onto of the grandfather clock. Olivia left a note for Beaker to take to Santa for her. Santa was very prompt in getting back to her and answering all her questions... all through Beaker. Day three Olivia found him with Santa's reply in a stocking on the mantle. Tonight Beaker is crashed in the big room after driving Jorja's car.
It's been fun to have the Magic in our house and I look forward to seeing how this all plays out in the future. It's going to be a very fun tradition for our family. I will keep you all updated on our Beaker Adventures! If I can, I'll scan Olivia's letter to Santa and post it. It was SO SWEET, almost made me cry. Yeah for Christmas family traditions and the magic of young children!
Oh, FYI. I found this silly website that converts your name into an Elf name. I put in Jorja and Olivia's name and Beaker Floppy-Feet came up. That's how I picked his name. Check it out @ http://www.jokesunlimited.com/christmas_elf_name.php
(sorry, when I try to link it, nothing happens.)
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