I'm probably somewhere in the middle. I certainly don't hate him. He's fun! I love the idea of an elf coming to stay for the holiday season. It seemed like it would be so much fun for the kids to wake up each morning and search for their elf friend, finding him in the funniest places. We have never taught our children that Santa was real, so the part about an elf watching them to see if they were naughty or nice didn't fit with our family. I wanted to tweak our elf to incorporate our family traditions.
We have always taught the kids about Santa Claus, the truth. He's a fun pretend character who magically delivers presents on Christmas Eve. We love watching Santa movies. The kids always get a present in their stocking from Santa, which they know comes from their mom and dad. At our house, Santa is the one who gives the ornaments for the tree each year. Every Christmas Eve they leave a plate of cookies with milk for Santa. They know their father and me eat the cookies; sometimes we take pictures to show them. It's fun to pretend. It's good for a child's imagination.
I didn't want to pay the money for the famous Elf on the Shelf so I purchased my own at Hobby Lobby. He was much cheaper, and I believe he's adorable. His arms have a wire running through them so you can position him how you would like, and he has a weight in his bottom so he can sit up. He is a little larger than the normal "elf" but I liked him that way.
Meet Elvis, The Advent Elf. On December 1st our kids woke to find Elvis sitting on our dining room table. In his hand was an envelope and next to him laid a letter from Santa. The letter was quite long and detailed the tradition of celebrating the Advent season.
In the envelope Elvis held was the first Bible verses for our Advent celebration. We daily would get scriptures to read, and we would all discuss a question to reflect upon. It would be our evening devotions. The discussion was lively and interesting. I believe it was an excellent tradition to add to our family celebration. I don't know that Elvis will return with his daily activities next year (it was a ton of work), but I do believe we will read through his Advent envelopes again.
1 John 1:1-5
Question for Reflection: How can we "walk in the light"?
Isaiah 9:6-7
Question for Reflection: What name or characteristic of Jesus can you most relate to?
Philippians 2:5-8
Question for Reflection: Why do you think Jesus came in such a humble way?
Isaiah 40:3-5
Question for Reflection: How can we prepare for God's arrival?
Luke 1:5-12
Question for Reflection: What does it mean to live honorably before God?
Luke 1:13-17
Question for Reflection: John the Baptist was the first person filled with the Holy Spirit. What do you think life was like without the Holy Spirit?
Luke 1:18-25
Question for Reflection: Why do we often doubt God's blessings in our own lives?
Luke 1:26-38
Question for Reflection: What "impossible" thing do you need to trust God for?
Matthew 1:18-19
Question for Reflection: How do we deal with conflict? Do we do it quietly, or do we make a big scene?
Matthew 1:20-25
Question for Reflection: What does "God with us" mean to you personally?
Luke 1:39-45
Question for Reflection: Why do you think Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus?
Luke 1:46-56
Question for Reflection: How do you feel about being a "chosen child" of God?
Luke 2:1-5
Question for Reflection: Caesar Augustus was a documented historical figure, do you ever wonder if Jesus was real too?
Luke 2:6-7
Question for Reflection: Why do you think God allowed His son to be born in a stable?
Luke 2:8-12
Question for Reflection: Why do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds instead of someone more "important"?
Luke 2:13-14
Question for Reflection: What does it mean peace to those "who please him"?
Luke 2:15-18
Question for Reflection: What things have you "seen" that have made you "believe"?
Luke 2:19-20
Question for Reflection: Have you been "glorifying and praising" God for all that He has done in your life?
Micah 5:2-4
Question for Reflection: Micah prophesied about Jesus' birth hundreds of years before it happened. Do you believe God planned for your birth that far in advance?
Matthew 2:1-2
Question for Reflection: A pilgrimage is a long journey made to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion. What pilgrimage have you been on lately?
Matthew 2:3-6
Question for Reflection: Why do you think Herod feared Jesus' coming?
Matthew 2:7-8
Question for Reflection: Herod pretended to be devoted to get what he wanted. Do you ever pretend, hoping God will give you whatever you ask for?
Matthew 2:9-12
Question for Reflection: Have you ever been in the right place at the right time to experience God's presence?
John 1:14
Question for Reflection: What does it look like when "flesh and blood moves into your neighborhood"?
John 3:16-18
Question for Reflection: Have you accepted God's gift of His son, Jesus?
I put a book together of Elvis: The Advent Elf and his adventures. I wanted to share it with you!
"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17
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Thanks for sharing! I loved this idea and especially loved the pictures!
ReplyDeleteThis is so great! I have always sort of liked the idea of the Elf on the Shelf, but I love how you've put a religious spin on it. I may actually try this version this year. And I love Elvis. I make dolls and stuffed animals and often create my own patterns. I may just have to make an elf for this very reason. Thank you for all of the great inspiration! Glad I found your blog!
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