A Special Guest

Christmas has to be my favourite time of year. I just love everything about it. The music, the lights, the decorations, the food, the magic, and the traditions. And speaking of traditions, we started a new one this year, one that we have all had fun with! Let me tell you about our very own "Elf on the Shelf", named Starry. She arrived at our house direct from the North Pole on the first of December. Her job was to observe the girls' behaviour throughout the day, fly back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa, then be back before the girls woke up each morning. There were rules that came along with our elf. We were not to touch her as that would make her magic go away and she wouldn't be able to get back to the North Pole each night. And she wasn't allowed to move or talk to us. That was Santa's rule that Starry had to follow. If you only could have seen Marissa searching for 'Starry' each morning, it was priceless. Lots of giggles and "Mommy, you will NOT believe where Starry is this morning!" I will say that our Elf on the Shelf was one of my favourite things this Christmas. Here's a little collage of all the shenanigans that Starry was up to while she was here!

If you don't have an Elf of your own, here's some important information you should know. Every Elf on the Shelf comes from Santa Claus. Some come direct from the North Pole to your house, and some come from special adoption centers that Santa has approved. The adoption centers are often located inside certain stores (like Chapters). Much like you would go to the store to adopt a pet, your Elf on the Shelf can be adopted, too. The important thing to remember is that no matter how an elf gets to his or her family, they are all on the same special mission: to be Santa's eyes and ears during the holiday season.

Here's the story...

Have you ever wondered how Santa could know

if you're naughty or nice each year as you grow?

For hundreds of years it's been a big secret.

It now can be shared if you promise to keep it.

At holiday time Santa sends me to you.

I watch and report on all that you do.

My job's an assignment from Santa himself.

I am his helper, a friendly scout elf.

The first time I come to the place you call home

you quickly must give me a name of my own.

Once you are finished my mission can start.

What will you call me - Markle or Zart?

Will it be Foddle, Criddle, or Clyde?

Fisbee's cute, too, but you must decide.

Each night while you're sleeping to Santa I'll fly

to the North Pole right through the dark sky.

Of course Christmas magic helps me to be quick.

I laugh with my friends and report to Saint Nick.

I tell him if you have been good or been bad.

The news of the day makes him happy or sad.

A push or a shove I'll report to "the Boss,"

but small acts of kindness will not be a loss.

In the car, at the park, or even at school,

the word will get out if you broke a rule.

I'll be back at your home before you awake,

and then you must find the new spot I will take.

You'll jump out of bed and come running to see:

who'll be the first to spy little old me?

Maybe the kitchen, the bathroom, or den

is where you will find me, your special elf friend.

I can hide on a plant, a shelf, or a frame.

Where will I be? Let's make it a game.

There's only one rule that you have to follow

so I will come back and be here tomorrow:

Please do not touch me. My magic might go,

and Santa won't hear all I've seen or I know.

I won't get to tell him that you've said your prayers,

or helped to bake cookies, or cleaned off the stairs.

How will he know how good you have been?

He might start to think you forgot about him.

I can't speak to you, so says Santa Claus.

All of us elves have to follow his laws.

I'll listen to you. Tell me your wishes.

Would you like a game or some tiny toy dishes?

The gleam in my eye and my bright little smile

shows you I'm listening and noting your file.

The final decision with Santa now rests.

What do you think? Will you get your request?

The night before Christmas my job's at an end.

The rest of the year with Santa I'll spend.

So blow me a kiss and bid me farewell.

I'll fly away when I hear Santa's bell.

Of course I will miss you, but wait 'til next year.

When the holidays come I'll again reappear.