elves

Tim's family has a tradition that we decided to do with our family. The tradition is that the twelve days before Christmas, you put your shoes outside of your bedroom door and Santa's Elves leave a little present for you. Like this:


The kids really love doing this. Thanks to Payton, so do a couple of his friends as well. Last year, he told his friend, Chase, that you leave your shoes outside your door and you get a present from the elves. That night Chase's Mom found him opening the front door and leaving his shoes outside. She asked him what he was doing and he explained what Payton had told him, which followed with a phone call to me to ask about this tradition. I clarified that you put your shoes outside of your bedroom door instead of the front door. I also gave her some Elf pointers. Needless to say, it is now one of their family traditions. This year Payton shared this tradition with his friend, Caleb. I'm sure you can guess how the rest of the story goes. Caleb's family is now enjoying this tradition also. Pretty funny!

The elves are always a nice threat to have during the holidays (just like Santa, but more immediate.) I am constantly saying, "If you are not good the elves won't leave you anything." One "rough day" (as Payton put it) I used this threat more than a dozen times. So, that night this is what the elves left in the boys shoes:

Tim was appalled. His Mom said this only happened one time while her kids were growing up. I guess the elves at our house are mean! However, this note did not have the intended effect. The boys didn't care. Payton thought it was funny. Parker didn't think twice about it. Although, I must say, we did have a much better day.