It so great to see all the blogs I follow sharing the antics of their visiting Elves this year. I love the fact that they have mini Elves living in their houses getting up to mischief in the night whilst everybody sleeps.
We too have an Elf, but he visits at night and likes to maintain his privacy, he doesn’t like to be seen and for this reason only comes at night.
His name is Peter; his official job is Family Elf. This is quite an important role in the North Pole, as it requires monitoring the Naughty and Nice list.
If a child is in danger of being put on the naughty list, their details get passed to the Family Elf department. It is their job to make the child aware of the situation and work alongside them to get them put back on the nice list.
We first became aware of Peter when Jack was just over 3; he was going through quite a naughty phase.
Throwing tantrums and not going to bed and night, we didn’t know quite what to do with him. Then one day a letter arrived from Peter. It explained that he was in danger of going on to the naughty list. But there was time to turn it around and stay on the good list if he could follow a few simple instructions. These included not screaming and shouting and going to bed on time.
Peter also left a chart that we could put stickers on when Jack did something kind, and promised Jack that for everyday he was good he would leave him a chocolate. And that if he got back on to the good list he would receive a brand new pair of PJ, s on Christmas Eve morning.
The weeks running up to Christmas were tense; we had a few moments when we were not sure if he had done enough to keep himself on the good list. On Christmas Eve morning he bounced out of bed and rushed downstairs to see if all his work had paid off and to his relief it had, in the lounge was a lovely box with PJ, s for the whole family and some chocolate reindeer droppings. Jack was thrilled, so so excited and incredibly proud of himself that he had done enough to get himself back on the good list.
The thing is with Elves once they have attached themselves to you via the Family Elf department they stick with you just in case your behaviour slips.
11 years later Peter is like part of the family and visits every night in December every year. Because of Jacks naughty year Joe has benefited of many years old Peter visits. And never took the gamble of being naughty in December. As Peter is always watching. And if I am honest I always look forwards to the Christmas Eve box that he leaves.
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Awwww I love this! Peter sounds wonderful. Peter might have to pay our house a visit too! Love the idea of making something more personal for Christmas – and that you’re still doing it!! Jess xx
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I know Jess I just love Peter and will miss him when he moves on to his next family, but he has real clout in the Christie Household, the boys never ever want to upset him ha ha. Joe has always sent him a Christmas card too bless x
Oh wow, Peter sounds brilliant! I’ve seeing these elves all over the internet and I think I will have to get one next year. My son is only 2 at the moment so a bit young to understand but next year he’d be a perfect age!
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Thanks Elaine, yes its so lovely to see their little faces when they get a letter from and Elf x
11 years is a long commitment to an elf! Well done! #Sundaystars
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Ha ha thanks Catherine and yes he like part of the family now x
love this loads. Stealing for when the girls are older! Genius! Xxx
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Thanks Kat, we love Peter so I am sure the girls will too x
How cute are you?! That is such a sweet post. We too have an Elf (the kind that sits on the shelf) and his name is Thomas. Not very christmasy but that’s what the kids wanted. Love this idea so much xx
#SundayStars
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ha ha thanks Heledd, yes Peter is cute isn’t he, will miss him when he moves on ! maybe we will still allow him to visit even as the boys get older.
OOooh! What a fab idea!! I may have to steal!!! xxx
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Steal Away xx
I love this idea. Peter sounds gorgeous and this is a fabulous idea to help with problem behaviour. I might have to do this with Little Miss H next year. Thanks for linking up to #SundaysStars. Hugs Mrs H xxxx PS Your Christmad social icons are AMAZING!
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Thank you Mrs H, yes Peter is lovely we have all grown to love him xxx