Kindness Elves

Our kindness elf, Evan made his appearance this week. We don't do Santa at our house. I made this decision before my daughter was born because I didn't want her to be distracted from the true meaning of Christmas only. Many of her friends, our friends, still celebrate Santa and that's okay. Some of them have an Elf on the Shelf. The Princess asked if we could have one too. I struggled with this because elves are part of Santa's story. I looked for a way to do something fun with her without bringing Santa into our celebration. The kindness elf was the answer. 

DAY 1:

Evan's purpose is stated in this first letter (typed in tiny font): 

"Hello. I am a kindness elf, a special kind of elf.

It’s my job to spread Christmas love and joy. I need your help. Make a list of all the nicest words you know and post it on the refrigerator for everyone to see."

DAY 2:

"Let’s spread some kindness together.  Make a card for someone you love. Call someone and brighten up their day. Do a good job and we might do something fun tomorrow.

<3 Evan" 


DAY 3: 

"Help your mom with chores today and have a good attitude doing it. Think about the Fruits of the Spirit as you go about your day. Something fun will come later 

<3 Evan"

DAY 4:

"Let’s have a good time baking some brownies for Christmas Eve! Maybe we can even bake a cake for Jesus’s birthday! Be a good helper and get ready to celebrate Jesus!

<3 Evan"

Jesus's birthday cake is our Christmas tradition. We've been doing this since the Princess was little. To keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas we bake a cake. On Christmas day we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus! 

DAY 5:

Evan wanted The Princess to help with Mom's workout playlist. The Princess loves YouTube so she was great at this job! 

DAY 6:

"Happy Christmas Eve!  Make something nice for Great Nana and get ready to celebrate Jesus!

<3, Evan"

(Snowman project for her great grandmother)

DAY 7:

"Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Jesus! Remember to think about the real reason for the season. Be thankful for everything that you are blessed with today.  See you next year!

<3, Evan"

Evan was purchased at Hobby Lobby, but here are some of the alternatives to the Elf on the Shelf I've found at Amazon: