Criddle is The Taylor family Elf. I'm not really sure why they are called Elf on the shelf because they don't really sit on the shelf, right? Criddle joined us last year and Kennedy chose his name out of one of the options listed in the enclosed book - so original! Last year we were late to the elf on the shelf game and we half heartedly played the move the elf around each night game. This year I stepped up my game thanks to Pinterest. Honestly, peple get crazy with their elf's and if they have the energy, I say more power to them! I feel like it's one of those get wrapped around the axle kind of things - it's supposed to be
fun...not a performance...not a sinful lead your kid away from the reason for the season thing....not a take 2 hours each night creating an elaborate elf scene thing...FUN! My kids were really into it this year. Kennedy woke every morning wondering where Criddle had hidden and Avery would squeal with delight every morning when we found him and exclaim "look Mommy...up high!" Personally, I figure anything that can create wonder and delight is a good thing! We aren't super big Santa people...we don't talk about him much, we don't have specific presents from him (other than the stocking I suppose), we don't get pictures with him every year, and so we haven't really amped up the concept that Criddle reports back to Santa every day, etc. etc. I have friends who threaten their kids with the elf daily to enforce good behavior (again...not judging...whatever it takes and whatever works :) and although we mentioned it (because the book details that is why he's here)
we didn't really talk about it much more than that. We did have Criddle leave notes several times this year encouraging the girls on their good behavior and counting down until Jesus's birthday. I'd love to hear y'alls elf ideas...how do you use him and do you incorporate spirituality into it somehow? Tim and I really did enjoy hiding him this year. There were a few nights when we forgot and or a few nights where we were like "ugh...where are we going to put him {insert Pinterest} but for the most part we just had fun with it. Without further ado:
When I looked back over some of these pictures, I got tickled. I mean...I promise our elf is not a naughty elf who plays strip poker with Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake cards:
He is also not an elf who would intentionally put candy in inappropriate places:
as requested, we made a miniature, elf-sized cookie for Criddle (see bottom right of cooling rack)
Until next year Criddle!
Love all your Criddle pics!! We have Benji. And our poor little elf is so boring!! He never does anything fun or funny! I think the same as you...we don't do naughty things because his purpose here is to report to Santa if they have been good or bad and if he is bad then how can he judge them :) I try to add the spiritual aspect by telling him that he prays just like they do and so he has a special relationship with God too. And he also leaves notes to the kids that tells them to remember the real meaning of Christmas which is Jesus' birthday. We really play up Santa in our house (not saying it's right, just what Stew and I grew up with and I like to think we know the true meaning ;)) So, they know he goes to the North Pole. But again, we tell him they aren't being good for Benji or Santa even, they are being good for God, Jesus and us (the parents). I fully believe in letting the kids be little and having these years of carefree fun and wonder! Love you and miss you!
ReplyDeleteI love the name Benji - it's so cute and way more original than our poor little elf's name. That's cute that Benji prays - thats a good idea for me to incorporate next year. I love the way y'all did Santa with the presents and I love all teh wonder it creates - it's funny how we recreate what we're used to because my parents really didn't play up Santa and now I don't either. Yes - carefree is the best for kiddos, I agree! Love and miss you too!
DeleteWe have Buddy in our house and he has been with us several years. Even though Abby is 11, she still looks for him every morning. He reports back to Santa and he never does anything crazy, just "flies" around the house and landing in different spots. He does sometimes get too tired or forgets to fky back to the North Pole!!Santa is big in our house and we don't associate Buddy with Jesus' birthday. We talk and celebrate that separately. I love your pictures! So cute!! And that elf-sized cookie...precious!
ReplyDeleteAww...I hope my girls are still into it at that age becuase it's just fun...I want to keep them little as long as possible.
DeleteSo cute! We just started the Elf on the Shelf this year. Dylan named him "Silly." You are so creative with him! I'm with you on making it fun and not a 2 hour elaborate scene - how do people have time for that?! Hope you guys are doing well. Your little ones are growing up so fast - they are all precious!
ReplyDeleteSilly - that's cute...as it turns out they are pretty silly ;). I know right, time is something I have zero of anymore?!?!? I can't take much credit for Criddle's hiding places but blogs and pinterest are super helpful and make it fun.
DeleteVery cute! I have to admit it, the Elf on the Shelf really creep me out. ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S. See I read ... and now commenting
That's hilarious - it's like the clown phobia? Good think you don't have kiddos cause they LOVE it. =) All in due time, right? Yay for you commenting. =)
DeleteCharlie is our elf and he is quite lazy, really. He sat on the same toy tractor about 3 weeks. Keagan wasn't really interested this year and I let it go to the wayside.. maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteAnd I laughed at your elf's inappropriate behavior with Barbie! I've seen a few pics like that and it always tickles me! Especially the inappropriate candy placement! Ha! I guess I need a life... ;)
ReplyDeleteKeagan will probbaly be WAY into it next year. Charlie...I like that. I know...who knew Criddle got a little x-rated: ha! Next year you'll have to get your Elf on a Shelf game face on! You can do it!
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