Santa and Elf on the Shelf?

Last year, I wrote a post about our take on Santa so I won't get into all of that in this post.  Click HERE to read it.  We put a lot of thought into how we are to tackle the whole "Santa thing" with our kids.   I've posted this article before, but check out Santa, Strategically by Jen Wilkin--wonderful read that really solidified our thoughts on the matter.  I couldn't have said it better if I had tried.   If you are interested in our take on it,  contact me on FB or email me and I'd be happy to share.  Basically, we keep "Santa" on our own terms.

I delved into all of that Santa stuff as a segue into our latest fun holiday tradition.  We gave into the pressure purchased an Elf on the Shelf.  Last night, we read the story and let the kids name the elf.  With a little help from us, they lovingly named him Bernard.  I cannot stress how much AG loves make-believe, but she understands the difference between what's real and what's play.   She loves the "idea" of Bernard and his crazy antics while she's sleeping.  When she found him this morning, she laughed SO hard.  She said, "I bet Dad had fun doing that!"--although it was totally ME!  Again, I'm guessing we don't do the whole "elf on the shelf thing" like most, but it works for us--on our terms.  It's fun, it's family-oriented, it's make-believe, and it's not taking away from our kids' understanding of Jesus, his birth, the Cross, etc.

Throughout the month, I'll post Bernard's escapades.  Here's his first prank:

I need more Elf on the Shelf ideas.  Help!?!