A Letter From Elf

This year has been our first year with our very own Elf on the Shelf. Charlie and Liv decided, very creatively, to name him Elf. :) Well, we have had so much fun with Elf this Christmas season, and today, being Christmas Eve, is his last day with us until Thanksgiving next year. Every night, Elf travels back to the North Pole to give a report to Santa on the children's behavior that day. Then when he arrives back at our house the next morning, he is somewhere different in our home. Charlie and Liv have enjoyed finding him every morning, and seeing some of the mischievous and kind things he does. Here are a few of those things...

Today, Elf wrote the children a special letter and left a few goodies to enjoy today, along with a couple presents they can open this evening. Here is what Elf wrote:

Dear Olivia, Charlie, Jack, Luke, and Wendy,

This has been the BEST Christmas I have ever had. I have loved every minute of being with you in your home. You are all so very loving and kind. The babies are still so young, but I’ve been able to tell Santa that they are some of the best babies I’ve ever seen! Crying is rare and they are just so happy. I can’t wait to see how they will have grown when I arrive on Thanksgiving next year.

Olivia, you are so much fun! You are silly and oh so loving. I have seen you with your baby brothers and sister, and I can tell how much you love them. I can also tell how much you love Charlie and your Mommy and Daddy. I have also seen how quick you are to help your parents when you can. You can be sure that I have told Santa about every kind and helpful thing you have done. He is so proud of you, and so are your parents and I.

Charlie, you are so smart and funny! You have learned how to dress yourself while I’ve been here, and when I see you do that in the morning without making a fuss, it makes me feel so good. It is so helpful for your Mommy and Daddy. I also know how much you love the babies, Olivia, and your parents. There are times when you are so tender and gentle, and I have shared these moments with Santa.

I can promise you that Santa is very pleased with the choices all of you have made this year to be loving and helpful. It’s not always easy to do, but you are certainly doing your best, and that is what counts. I love you all so much, and I will miss you terribly while I am up at the North Pole this year. I can’t wait for next Thanksgiving when I can return to your home and see how you have grown! While I am away, remember that Santa is always watching. Remember that, even more importantly, Jesus and Heavenly Father are watching too. They know all that you do, and they want you to make good choices. Listen to your parents and treat each other with love and gentleness.

Here are a few goodies for you to enjoy through the day. Use them wisely! There is no need to eat them all at once! Also, your parents and I have a couple presents that you can open tonight when it is time to get ready for bed. I hope you like them!

Love,

Elf

We will miss you this year Elf, but we have loved having you in our home. We can't wait for your return Christmas!