Quick note: This is NOT meant to cause a debate about whether families should participate in the Elf on the Shelf tradition-- each family gets to make that decision for themselves! Rather, it is meant to be a resource for those who would like to evolve their tradition :) Find the free printable arrival letter, wish lists and note cards here: www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2018/10/17/transition-elf-on-the-shelf-new-tradition/ THANKS FOR WATCHING!!!!
This is just an awesome idea! I was planning on just having my daughter leave some toys under the tree for Santa on xmas eve and then they would be replaced by new presents xmas morning, but this idea is way cooler. Definitely doing this! And the encouragement cards! I'll probably do it all by hand on paper. She doesn't recognize my handwriting yet. This is just too great! I'm so excited now.
We may not use the Elf but I will certainly be sharing this with others!!!! Great idea!!!!! There are also these cute angels that people use to do kind things for people throughout the year.
Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I will share this video with my daughter, for my grandson. They practice the Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read method, but, he loves the toys he has and has a hard time blessing others. Maybe this will encourage him.
Wow Dawn! You are a genius! My respect for you has grown even more! We don’t do elf on a shelf (we’re not American) but this is such a good idea and would definitely make me consider it. And requesting specific toys you would actually want the kids to get rid of or know they have duplicates or never play with- genius! 👏👏👏
Day one Elf aka Batman at our house asked for 5 toys to donate bc there is a toy shortage this year. Then today, day 3. Elf asked for 3 broken toys in exchange for $3.00 bc Santa 🎅 and elves can repair them!!! He was so excited and eager to help. It was great. I've got a few more ideas 💡 up my sleeve.
I watched this video last year and loved the idea but I didn't see it until after our elf's had already came for the year. So I just rewatched it again today and printed off the free printables and we will be ready when the elf's come this Friday morning. We have a boy elf and a girl elf, they are brother and sister, named chippy and snowflake 🙂
I’m new to the elf game, only thing I wish was the printable had an option of a first time arrival elf as well as the Im back elf. Other than that this is amazing! I usually have my kiddos donate anyways but i believe they will love this/look more forward to it this way!
This is an awesome idea, we have never done elf on the shelf. But this is a good reason to start! I'm also definitely sharing this with my sister who is always grumbling about dealing with her elf! lol
You have just saved my life this year! I truly love you! Not only for this, but thanks to your help in our decluttering, we may get to have the fun of sneaking off to the $tree to get a new toy to put a bow on a couple of times this year! (I will pretend we can't let the elf know! Lol!l) You honestly are touching lives and making a huge difference!
This was a wonderful idea! I’m going to be using this! I just found you through your blog about getting rid of kids toys! I love your content and the way you arrange your videos! 🌹Nikki
Hi Dawn. My daughter and I follow you and love your advice! Have you written any articles or done any videos on how to approach gifts from Santa? My daughter feels like a scrooge with her minimalism mentality and has a 3 1/2 and 20 mo. old who will soon be hearing all about Santa. Any advice would be welcome!
How does this work on the backend? Good thing the elf has magic! I know for me it’s hard to make one trip let alone multiple trips to donate items, and when they involve toys I know it’s best to keep them out of sight so they don’t get reclaimed. But in general, any tips or motivation for adults for getting donate items out in a timely way?
Hello from Switzerland. I have 5 kids at home. I am wondering if each child should give one toy away each day or do all the kids pick one toy together? How do you do it? Have a blessed day and thank you for this amazing idea. Christel
Good question: It is based on a children's book that came out in 2005. When you start the tradition you read the book and receive an Elf doll like the one in the video. This story describes how Santa's "scout elves" hide in people's homes to watch over events. Once everyone goes to bed, the scout elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa the activities, good and bad, that have taken place throughout the day. Before the family wakes up each morning, the scout elf flies back from the North Pole and hides. By hiding in a new spot each morning around the house, the scout elf plays an ongoing game of hide and seek with the family.The Elf on the Shelf explains that scout elves get their magic by being named and being loved by a child. In the back of each book, families have an opportunity to write their elf's name and the date that they adopted it. Once the elf is named, the scout elf receives its special Christmas magic, which allows it to fly to and from the North Pole.It started the Elf simply hid each morning when he came back but now has evolved into him pulling pranks and ALL kinds of mischief. So, what started as an easy tradition for parents and guardians, had now become a liability to find new things for him to do each night!
Good question: It is based on a children's book that came out in 2005. When you start the tradition you read the book and receive an Elf doll like the one in the video. This story describes how Santa's "scout elves" hide in people's homes to watch over events. Once everyone goes to bed, the scout elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa the activities, good and bad, that have taken place throughout the day. Before the family wakes up each morning, the scout elf flies back from the North Pole and hides. By hiding in a new spot each morning around the house, the scout elf plays an ongoing game of hide and seek with the family.The Elf on the Shelf explains that scout elves get their magic by being named and being loved by a child. In the back of each book, families have an opportunity to write their elf's name and the date that they adopted it. Once the elf is named, the scout elf receives its special Christmas magic, which allows it to fly to and from the North Pole.It started the Elf simply hid each morning when he came back but now has evolved into him pulling pranks and ALL kinds of mischief. So, what started as an easy tradition for parents and guardians, had now become a liability to find new things for him to do each night!
My kids searched and saw your video touching the elves a lot of times. They felt shattered, frustrated and don’t like to play the elves anymore. They said it’s fake and pure business this Christmas. Please edit your videos for next kids not to feel commercialized.
Quick note: This is NOT meant to cause a debate about whether families should participate in the Elf on the Shelf tradition-- each family gets to make that decision for themselves! Rather, it is meant to be a resource for those who would like to evolve their tradition :) Find the free printable arrival letter, wish lists and note cards here: www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2018/10/17/transition-elf-on-the-shelf-new-tradition/ THANKS FOR WATCHING!!!!
This is just an awesome idea! I was planning on just having my daughter leave some toys under the tree for Santa on xmas eve and then they would be replaced by new presents xmas morning, but this idea is way cooler. Definitely doing this! And the encouragement cards! I'll probably do it all by hand on paper. She doesn't recognize my handwriting yet. This is just too great! I'm so excited now.
YAY! I'm glad to hear this!!!
That's a great idea! Even without Elf on the Shelf! It might become a tradition in my household in the future.
We may not use the Elf but I will certainly be sharing this with others!!!! Great idea!!!!! There are also these cute angels that people use to do kind things for people throughout the year.
I really enjoy your videos!!!
Thank YOU and thank you for sharing! I haven't heard of the angels, I will have to check that out!!!
I love this idea. I've have everything printed and ready to go for tomorrow. You're the best!
Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I will share this video with my daughter, for my grandson. They practice the Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read method, but, he loves the toys he has and has a hard time blessing others. Maybe this will encourage him.
Thank you! I love that tradition of the something you want/need/read/wear...I'm glad it is becoming more popular!!
So clever! We don't personally participate in this tradition, but if I did you can bet I would be buying my bags of bows asap.
Wow Dawn! You are a genius! My respect for you has grown even more! We don’t do elf on a shelf (we’re not American) but this is such a good idea and would definitely make me consider it. And requesting specific toys you would actually want the kids to get rid of or know they have duplicates or never play with- genius! 👏👏👏
Day one Elf aka Batman at our house asked for 5 toys to donate bc there is a toy shortage this year. Then today, day 3. Elf asked for 3 broken toys in exchange for $3.00 bc Santa 🎅 and elves can repair them!!! He was so excited and eager to help. It was great. I've got a few more ideas 💡 up my sleeve.
I watched this video last year and loved the idea but I didn't see it until after our elf's had already came for the year. So I just rewatched it again today and printed off the free printables and we will be ready when the elf's come this Friday morning. We have a boy elf and a girl elf, they are brother and sister, named chippy and snowflake 🙂
I’m new to the elf game, only thing I wish was the printable had an option of a first time arrival elf as well as the Im back elf. Other than that this is amazing! I usually have my kiddos donate anyways but i believe they will love this/look more forward to it this way!
This is an awesome idea, we have never done elf on the shelf. But this is a good reason to start! I'm also definitely sharing this with my sister who is always grumbling about dealing with her elf! lol
Thank YOU!!!
@@TheMinimalMomyou ruined my Christmas
Oh! My! Goodness! This is AWESOME!!
This is our first year with EOTS so Thank You! I didn't even think of this use for the Elf!
You have just saved my life this year! I truly love you! Not only for this, but thanks to your help in our decluttering, we may get to have the fun of sneaking off to the $tree to get a new toy to put a bow on a couple of times this year! (I will pretend we can't let the elf know! Lol!l) You honestly are touching lives and making a huge difference!
The elf is one of my favorite Xmas traditions (I'm weird). I'm loving the index - so many unique and fun ideas. Thank you! Loving your channel!
This was a wonderful idea! I’m going to be using this! I just found you through your blog about getting rid of kids toys! I love your content and the way you arrange your videos! 🌹Nikki
Thank YOU Nikki, I greatly appreciate this!!!
So good!
GENIUS!!!! Sharing now!!!
Thank YOU!!!
Hi Dawn this is brilliant just brilliant. this is just so easy and so thoughtful thank you for sharing
Ummm...well I was not Supposed see this Bc I now know that my parents move my elf..........
Ooop😂
That don't don't belive everything on the internet
Only some are moved 😅 btw
I know I'm late to the game but...WOW! GAME CHANGER! Love this! Thank you!!
Amazing
I love this idea and will be doing it for sure 💕
Thank you!!! 💕
That is such a sweet idea Dawn😍😍😍
I LOVE this - thank you!
Thank YOU!!
I. LOVE. THIS!
Dawn! I LOVE this idea!! ❤️
Great idea!
You are a GENIOUS!
thank you
Great idea!!
LOVE THIS!!!!
U TOUCHED DA ELF
Love
Hi Dawn. My daughter and I follow you and love your advice! Have you written any articles or done any videos on how to approach gifts from Santa? My daughter feels like a scrooge with her minimalism mentality and has a 3 1/2 and 20 mo. old who will soon be hearing all about Santa. Any advice would be welcome!
How does this work on the backend? Good thing the elf has magic! I know for me it’s hard to make one trip let alone multiple trips to donate items, and when they involve toys I know it’s best to keep them out of sight so they don’t get reclaimed. But in general, any tips or motivation for adults for getting donate items out in a timely way?
So now I know the secret behind the elf on the shelf. (Not real?)
I am curious at what age you would start this? I love it!
I think any age could work? But it probably depends on your kiddos!
💕
Hello from Switzerland.
I have 5 kids at home. I am wondering if each child should give one toy away each day or do all the kids pick one toy together? How do you do it? Have a blessed day and thank you for this amazing idea. Christel
Ok so we do move them? I am wondering why the kids elf on the shelf isn’t moving
Someone can explain me the elf tradition?? It's the first time I listen about it. So I can understand the context 😅. Thank you!!!!
Me too. Thanks
Good question: It is based on a children's book that came out in 2005. When you start the tradition you read the book and receive an Elf doll like the one in the video. This story describes how Santa's "scout elves" hide in people's homes to watch over events. Once everyone goes to bed, the scout elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa the activities, good and bad, that have taken place throughout the day. Before the family wakes up each morning, the scout elf flies back from the North Pole and hides. By hiding in a new spot each morning around the house, the scout elf plays an ongoing game of hide and seek with the family.The Elf on the Shelf explains that scout elves get their magic by being named and being loved by a child. In the back of each book, families have an opportunity to write their elf's name and the date that they adopted it. Once the elf is named, the scout elf receives its special Christmas magic, which allows it to fly to and from the North Pole.It started the Elf simply hid each morning when he came back but now has evolved into him pulling pranks and ALL kinds of mischief. So, what started as an easy tradition for parents and guardians, had now become a liability to find new things for him to do each night!
Good question: It is based on a children's book that came out in 2005. When you start the tradition you read the book and receive an Elf doll like the one in the video. This story describes how Santa's "scout elves" hide in people's homes to watch over events. Once everyone goes to bed, the scout elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa the activities, good and bad, that have taken place throughout the day. Before the family wakes up each morning, the scout elf flies back from the North Pole and hides. By hiding in a new spot each morning around the house, the scout elf plays an ongoing game of hide and seek with the family.The Elf on the Shelf explains that scout elves get their magic by being named and being loved by a child. In the back of each book, families have an opportunity to write their elf's name and the date that they adopted it. Once the elf is named, the scout elf receives its special Christmas magic, which allows it to fly to and from the North Pole.It started the Elf simply hid each morning when he came back but now has evolved into him pulling pranks and ALL kinds of mischief. So, what started as an easy tradition for parents and guardians, had now become a liability to find new things for him to do each night!
A few places to find the book and doll are Amazon, Walmart probably, and i know I've seen the doll with extra clothing and accessories at Kohl's.
Found much cuter elves at a craft fair. Handmaid so much nicer.
What if my kid se this video🏰🤔
I see a elf on the shelf is not real cry
Noemi awanda Elf on the Shelf giveaway for her😊
This thing is scary as hell mine specifically
I’m a nine year old
Im 11 😭
So are u
Wow so they can’t move
Why did you touch him??
I’m so shocked
This video honestly gave me crippling depression
Welp now I know it's fake 😩
OK you’re saying and the parents do all that and they write the notes and stuff I don’t like😢
My kids searched and saw your video touching the elves a lot of times. They felt shattered, frustrated and don’t like to play the elves anymore. They said it’s fake and pure business this Christmas. Please edit your videos for next kids not to feel commercialized.
I'm just saying I'm a kid who is whatcing this
Hi dear are you interested to work in my gander garden in saudi Arabia
im a long time fannn but your not sopost to touch it
Believe it or not Santa is fake the elf is fake I have searched and searched I found it on Pinterest to
I’m a kid that means my elf isn’t real ;((
It's real I am I kid too me and my family all left the house and there was big mess our elf made and my dad was pretty mad
Immma cry I’m speechless
Why r you touching the elf !!? Im so cunfuse
Either your house is fake or you really shouldn't be touching it if it's fake then your kids will probably catch you putting it somewhere else
Its fake the elfnis fack
That elf is dead thanks to you
Elf on the shelf are real you know that right and you don’t believe in Christmas you’re a hater
Elf are not real
Yes they are
No there not I have looked on google Pinterest and TH-cam sant and the elf are fake 😭😭