Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Emme: Disney's Out of Character
masalamommas: How To Give Your Teen Dating Advice When You've Never…
Santa's little secret: an elf on the shelf
Filed under: Activities: Babies, Celeb Parents, Gadgets
The holidays have a way of making all kids a little crazier, but there's a simple way to help them remember to use their indoor voices, pick up their toys, and to not throw the cat into the Christmas tree ever again: an elf on the shelf.
Based on the tradition a mother began with her family in the 1970s, The Elf on the Shelf tradition explained just how Santa knew the behavior of children all over the world, he sent out elves who reported back to the Big Man himself.
An Elf on the Shelf kit is now available and would make a great gift for new parents. The kit consists of a vintage looking toy elf, a rhyming storybook that tells the story of the elf all contained within a decorative box that will house the elf in style during the off season. Celebrity momma Jennifer Garner was recently sighted carrying her own kit.
Of course, you don't need the official Shelf Elf to make this tradition your own. Our house has a couple of small elf toys that have served the same purpose and my oldest is still convinced they can actually fly. He happened to look over at the exact moment one of them fell out of the curtains when he was about four years old and it made quite an impression on him!
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Elf On The Shelf Mania
Full Segment: Elf On The Shelf is a phenomenon, but nothing divides moms more at Christmas. Some swear by them and others loathe the way moms manipulate their kids with them.
-
RCMP Puppy Visits Kids in Hospital
A 10-week-old RCMP German Shepherd puppy named Elf is bringing cheer to sick children at a rehabilitation centre in Regina. RCMP Cpl. Sean Cleary says the version of pet therapy is a lot of fun.
-
Bristol Palin: I'm Not a Little Kid Anymore
After finishing in third place during her first Dancing with the Stars competition, Bristol Palin is back two years later to take another shot at the Mirrorball Trophy. With the many events that have transpired in her fast-paced life since her last time around, she says she's a different person. "I think I've just grown up a lot in the last two years," Palin said when asked to compare her two experiences on the dancing show. "I'm not just like a little a kid anymore....I think that's just going
-
Watch a Scientist Explain Feathers to a Little Kid
Experts may have all the answers; but, let's face it, kids have all the best questions. Today, 7-year-old Edden wonders why birds have different types of feathers.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
11-26-2007 @ 2:41PM
Amanda said...OH my gosh, I am crying I'm laughing so hard. I could just see my daughter thinking the same thing! Good Idea, I may just try that this year with my almost 3yo
thanks for the laugh:D
Reply
11-26-2007 @ 3:36PM
LS said...My mom has had one of those elves for as long as I can remember... this year, I asked her if he could come and stay with us for a while, to watch over my little guy!
Reply
11-26-2007 @ 4:50PM
Eva said...A relative gave us this kit last year for Xmas and this year we are totally into it. I think the baby will be saying "elf" within days. It's really adorable. She keeps pointing it out and saying, "Hi!!!" Obviously you don't need the kit, but the book is sweet and the little elf that comes with it is cute.
Reply
11-26-2007 @ 5:30PM
Aunt Chriss said...We actually carry this in our gift shop (search on their site, look for the hospital in Iowa that carries them!) and we had a hard time keeping them in stock last year. I had one like it when I was little that sat on a mistletoe ball and I swore it was always watching us. The book explains the story very well for the kids (the elf flies back to Santa every night to tell him if you are good!).
If you want to buy it from us, I won't charge sales tax or shipping just becaue I am excited that Parent Dish is talking about it!! Ask for Chriss or Tara!
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 5:55PM
vernagailg said...hey aunt chriss i am so interested in this book can you tell me how to find your gift shop and maybe the hospital in iowa or anybody that may have it .
12-04-2007 @ 9:57AM
susan thomas said...I'am writing you to tell you that your book "elfonaself is very much like my mothers story.My mother did put this together in the 70"s. She has passed on now but we copywrighted our story in 2001.You made some changes,but we will have see who is right.
Reply
12-19-2007 @ 3:12PM
sopie said...so elf on the shelf doesnt really fly, i am a mom and want to know if i really must move it, Please reply
Reply