Thriving Holiday Traditions: Your Ultimate Guide to thriving all the traditions this Christmas season. Stop here for ideas for Elf on the Shelf, Christmas Luminaries, Baking Cookies for Santa, Christmas Cards, Christmas Eve Box, opening stockings first, yule lads, Irish red candle...
Social media can feel like "Keeping up the Jones" during Christmas, but it does not have to be. The best advice is to pick traditions that feel special to your family and is manageable in your life. Your kids are not going to remember the 12 elaborate things your elf did every year, they might remember one or two that really identified with them. Kids also like to be included in the traditions, so depending on age and interests different traditions might feel much more special in your home. Let's Thrive on traditions.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Poll - Elf on The Shelf - Love or Loathe?
Love
Loathe
SH*T - The Elf did not move. Do you find that you didn't move the elf because you are lacking an idea and then you just well, forgot? Give yourself a break. The most important thing is that he/she/they, just move. Over the years I have switched between elaborate elf ideas and simple ones. There really is no right way. I know of multiple parents that won't even allow the elf in their home because they do not want the added stress. Eventually, though, your child will break you down and you will be scanning Pinterest for ideas just like the rest of us. Just getting started? Buy here for a boy elf, and here for a girl elf.
Always keep in mind your audience. If you have smaller kids that don't know/follow the elf rules, floor locations probably are not the best place. The last thing you need is the sibling meltdown about the Elf losing its magic because little brother touched it. (Queue the cinnamon). Below are some easy Elf on the Shelf locations, ideas that require some effort, and the option to purchase. Mix up the less creative days with the more creative days, so it feels exciting. Planning a movie night. or attending a Christmas event? Incorporate where you can to have one less idea
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Stocking | Card Garland |
Wine Glass | Train |
Any Decor | Kleenex/Napkin Holder |
Utensil Drawer/Holder | Rear-view mirror (giggles on the school drive) |
Elf on the Shelf Ideas w/ some effort
Movie night - grab your popcorn, candy, and soda and settle on the couch for a Christmas movie favorite. Perfect to arrive on Friday and or Saturday to watch as a family.
Caffeinated Elf - Travel to and from the North Pole is tiring. Elf arrives home sipping on your favorite caffeinated beverage.
Santa Charcuitere - Ketchup, chocolate sauce, and ranch make for hilarious holiday art.
Potty Elf - squirt some red/green food coloring in the potty and have the elf leave a note. Incredible to encourage potty training kiddos.
ELF DONATION - giving is just as great as receiving. The elf arrives with a laundry basket asking for donations for those in need. This helps clear out clutter for those on the nice list and teaches about helping those in need.
Game night - Elf, Barbie, Dino, or whatever friends are available settle in for a game of Candyland, etc.
YUCK, not so tasty!!! - Elf takes a bite out of the house's furry friend's treat (dog or cat treat). Leave a funny note about how you need to work on your recipe for Santa.
Many ways to hang - Elf can zipline on candy cane and string from the tree. Or you can keep it easier and the elf can hang around in one of the kid's underwear.
Let's Hunt - Hide 12 candy canes for the kids to find around the house.
Dizzy Elf - Elf takes a ride on your mixer. Hilarious if you can turn it on and have him or her spinning when they come down for breakfast.
Cold Elf/Toasty Elf - Wrap the elf in a mini blanket (dish towel/wash cloth) and have them chilling in the fridge. The elf could also be toasty and popping out of the toaster and even wearing a piece of bread.
Donut forget to be good. Elf brings some tasty treats for breakfast.
Tik-Tak-Toe - If you have two elves they can enjoy a friendly game together.
Merry Chipmas - Elf brings chips and snacks for all to enjoy!
Snow Angel - get out that flour and make a snow angel.
Peppermint Poop - Elf takes a Christmas poo.
Gone Fishing - Elf is fishing for goldfish in the sink.
Toilet Paper Art - Elf cuts some decor in a roll of toilet paper.
Manger Elf - Let them cradle baby Jesus
Elf on the Shelf Ideas you can buy
Let's face it, you just don't have the time. Amazon has adorable options linked below to make it easy. I got our elf arrival kit from Amazon and use it every year. The elf just chooses a different spot to make home each year to keep it fresh. If worried about cost, arrange a share with neighbors/friends... After all, the elf does something new each night, and it's a way to keep you all remembering to move the elf.
A couple of favorites
Door and Wreath Set
Fashionable Accessories
Hammock & Robe Set
Elf the Soccer Player & Goal
Farewell to the Elf, YOU MADE IT!!! We love to have the Elf end his stay bringing our treats in our Christmas Eve box. Tradition below.
Christmas Eve Luminaries
Luminaries on Christmas Eve originated from The Roman Catholic thought that the glowing lights would guide Christ into your home. As far back as the 16th century luminaries would light the way to midnight mass. A more modern take is that the lights on driveways, sidewalks, windows, etc symbolize guiding holiday travelers to their destination. Even if you are not a religious person, luminaries are a beautiful tradition that adds SPARKLE to the holiday. Pro-Tip: If you have a wagon, assemble the Luminaries first inside and bring them out all at once. It will save cold fingers and wind during setup.
If you live in a windy state as I do, real luminaries might not be the best option this season. Click here or on the picture below for a great option for reusable luminaries. Comes with 50 paper bags and tea lights. We have river rocks around our house that we can use for weight, but depending on your landscape you might need sand to help weigh them down.
If you want to go with real candles, you will need flame-resistant bags, candles, and sand. Most candles should burn for about six hours but should not be left unattended. Setting up the luminaries is a great activity for keeping those boozy family members busy on Christmas Eve. Read: Thriving Family Dynamics. Click on the images below for all you will need for luminaries with candles.
Stocking's First
This tradition is great, especially if your kids are older. If you need a couple of extra minutes to sleep, get that breakfast casserole in, pour a mimosa/coffee, and for Dad to get ready with the big contractor bag, stockings are a great distraction. Fill your kid's stockings with fun little items to play with that buy you the extra 10-15 minutes. Place them outside their door for the morning and tell them they can come down after they have played with those items for 10 minutes. Think... fidget spinners, lip gloss, small coloring books, tiny lego sets, mini Rubix Cube. Whatever will keep your kid entertained. One of the things we like to do is also hide a small sample of wrapping paper that coordinates with their gifts. Highly suggest sugar.paper which can be found at target. Save yourself from trying to read Santa/Elves' handwriting. Younger kids especially love this because esthetically they know which gifts are theirs.
Yule Lads - An Icelandic Tradition
On the 12th of December, the 12 mischievous Yule Lads begin to arrive. Your child places their nicest shoe by the window in hopes that the next Yule Lad to descend from the mountain will bring them a tiny gift. WATCH OUT! If you have been naughty you might get a potato. Really naughty? A rotten potato. I find this a fun alternative to the elf on the shelf as children grow older. This is also great if you are traveling for Christmas, and will not be home on Christmas day to open presents. You can use the Yule Las tradition to spread presents out over different days. There is a whole history and this blog does a great job breaking it down for you. Happy reading.
Christmas Eve Box
The calm before the storm. Christmas Eve can be hard for young kids. The long-awaited arrival of Santa, and the nerves that they might not get that one gift they wanted this year. I've found that the Christmas Eve Box helps break up the anxiety about the next day. In our box, we usually put a pair of matching PJs, a hot cocoa bomb, a book to read, some sort of game/activity, food for Santa's reindeer, and lastly a letter from Santa stating that they are in fact on the nice list. After indulging in your Christmas Eve treats, settle in as a family and watch a holiday movie/show together before heading to bed. You can find great crafts in the dollar section at Target or shop at your local dollar store. Carter's always has an excellent selection of matching PJs.
What's your favorite Christmas Tradition?
Midnight Mass
Opening a gift Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve Box
Elf on the shelf
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