The Elf That's Not On A Shelf

Long before there were elves on shelves, my family had a tradition that involved The Elf Box.  It was a simple little mailbox that had a dial spinner on it to countdown to Christmas.  In those final few weeks, the elves would periodically check in on us and IF we were being good (which is tough for four children to be doing at once), he would leave behind a small gift.  Some chocolates, gum or small dollar store type toys were the elf's favourite things to leave.  I never understood how that little dude could get in and out of the house so quickly with NONE of us seeing him.

And so, the tradition continues for my children.  I'm so thankful I don't have to come up with zany new antics for an elf each night for the next five or six years.  All I need to do is hit the dollar store and load up goofy little gifts.  I don't even wrap them.  That's how lazy I am the elf is...

The only drawback is that the elf is in the habit of coming during the night while Miss K is sleeping.  This means that as soon K wakes up, she checks the elf box and then she and her kitten breath are immediately beside my bed, showing me whatever treasure has been left for her.  Even if it's 3:00am. On more than one occasion, Miss K has then slipped into bed with Mike and I.  That doesn't leave much room in our bed so Mike usually ends up going and sleeping in K's bed.

But it's totally worth it to see the excitement in Miss K's eyes as she holds up whatever the gift of the day happens to be.  This morning, it was an Elmo crust cutter and you'd have thought it was the Barbie DreamHouse!  I suppose that's why so many people do Elf On A Shelf...because of the excitement it brings to their kids.  Perhaps I should trademark the Elf Box and be the next big thing?!?  Lazy parents all over the world would jump on it!!