10 Ways to Prepare for your Elf on the Shelf's Departure!

First, let me start by saying, NO...I’m not joking.  I’ll be the first to admit that I’m already feeling pangs of separation anxiety at the mere thought of saying goodbye to our Elves on Christmas Eve. 

Elves have invaded thousands (if not millions) of homes around the world.  Along the way they’ve even stolen a few hearts. It was over for me a long time ago...really...I never stood a chance. I look forward to the time our Elves spend with us ALL year long. I plot and plan and eagerly await their return each year with an unreasonable amount of excitement. 

I know that not everyone feels this way. Maybe you’re one of those who will actually be happy to send your Elf packin’. The pressure of hosting an Elf over the holidays really gets to some people. It’s a BIG responsibility…trust me, I know. I get it.

 I totally understand that my personal attachment to these magical creatures borders on, shall we say, unhealthy. However, I have also come to the realization that I’m NOT alone! There are plenty of other people out there Elf-in it up over the holidays and that knowledge gives me immense comfort. I feel like a little less of a lunatic knowing that others share this crazy ELF OBSESSION!

Regardless of whether you have grown to love or despise your Elf, chances are your kiddos are going to be sad to see them go. Last year, actual tears were shed when mine realized that our Elves were really (REALLY) gone on Christmas afternoon.  I have to admit, it even took me a few days to get over their departure….and by “a few days” I really mean 330 days, until we were reunited again. 

 Making magic is fun. Going back to folding laundry and washing dishes during naptime just doesn’t bring me the same amount of joy.

I am curious to see if things are different this year. My 4 year old has really been testing the Elves and questioning the depths of their magical abilities. He’s also mentioned a couple of times that even though he loves our Elves, it isn’t nice to tattle. So who knows, maybe the kids will be relieved when the pressure of all those tiny eyes watching their every move has been lifted.

For now, I’m going to move forward by emotionally preparing my family (i.e. myself) for our Elves’ inevitable desertion. If you’ve been fostering a borderline obsessive attachment toward the Elves in your life, this compilation of coping mechanisms might help.

{10 Ideas to Help you Prepare for your Elf on the Shelf's Departure}

1.       Help your Elf prepare for his journey home.  Last year we gave Mack his own tiny little suitcase (made out of a vintage jewelry box with a pipe cleaner added as a handle). It was packed with a few goodies and treats to comfort him and help him get back to the North Pole safely. The kids liked doing something nice for their Elf, and it was a gentle reminder that he wasn’t going to be around the next day.

2.       Write your Elf a goodbye letter. Let the kiddos dictate exactly what they’d like to say and then leave it out overnight. We did this a couple of days early last year, that way our Elf posse had time to respond before they left for the North Pole. If you want to write your own…just from you…that’s okay too. Clearly, I’m not here to judge.

3.       Start planning for next year! See a cute Elf idea, PIN IT! Find a perfect mini-sized whatever, stash it away! I have an entire box of Elf props that I add to throughout the year. Then, when our Elves come home for the holidays we have our own bag of tricks to entertain them with!

4.       Have your Elf make a surprise visit once or twice throughout the year! Last summer our Elves visited us twice. Each time, Santa sent a letter along excusing them from their duties at the North Pole and giving them permission to take the day off. The kids were BEYOND excited! Oh and…it’s also the PERFECT way to keep the kids on their toes. Nothing like a little reminder that Santa is watching….always, always…watching.

Elf-sized popsicles made out of Mike & Ikes...the perfect poolside treat!

5.       Ask your Elf to be your family’s Pen-pal while they are away! Our Elves have been known to send an occasional email or even a teeny-tiny handwritten letter. It’s nice to stay in touch J This is also another great opportunity to remind your kids to walk the line.

We've had TONS of fun with this! It's The World's Smallest Post Service and comes with everything you need to write teeny-tiny letters and make itsy-bitsy packages!

6.       Make some special mini-sized treats, or an entire meal, for your Elf and leave them out with Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve. The kids have SO much fun with this. It’s a sweet way for them to say goodbye and thank-you at the same time.

This is the meal we created to welcome our Elves home on Thanksgiving. The "turkey" was made using small bone-shaped sprinkles, topped with a piece of caramel. "Green bean" sprinkles and tiny rolls finished off the plates.

7.       Have your Elf leave a special present, just from him, for the kiddos to unwrap on Christmas Day. Last year Mack wrote a very sweet goodbye letter to the kids and sent them on a hunt through the house to find the gift he left! 

8.       Throw your Elf a Going Away Party! You could use any of the ideas from our Elf Party…but really, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Make a few elf-sized treats and a farewell card and call it good. The kids will love spending a little time creating something for their Elf to enjoy!

 9.       Go BIG or go HOME! If you have been waiting all month to execute the cutest little Elf scheme…NOW is the time! Just do it…who cares if it seems over-the-top or silly. It might be extra work, and require you to do a little cleaning up (or whatev)…but it could also be one of the best memories you make this year! Going all out can be as much fun for you as the kiddos. My son still talks about some of the shenanigans our Elves got into LAST Christmas…and it just melts my Elf-lovin’ heart!

10.   This one is gonna rock your world: let the kids TOUCH the ELF! Wh-What!?!? I know this goes against the number one rule of hosting an Elf…no touching! Well…we’re gonna go rogue this year and try something new. The kids are going to receive a letter from Santa that gives them permission to give each of our Elves ONE goodbye hug on Christmas Eve, before they go to bed for the night. I think this will be a huge hit, and very special…we’ll see ;)

Want to make a letter from Santa super legit? Pop on over to Three Little Monkeys Studio to snag this adorable Santa letterhead for FREE!

I really could go on and on with this list…that’s how DEEP my Elf-love runs. This time is SO short and the window of opportunity doesn’t stay open long. I’m going to keep making this magic for as long as my kids go along with it. Maybe at some point they’ll be doing it for me instead.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go spend some quality time with the Elves in my life…while I still can!

If you want to keep up (or catch-up) with our Elf Family check these links:

~ Details from our Magical Elf Party HERE!

~ 2011 Highlights HERE.

~ 2012 Highlights HERE.

~ My Elf Idea Pinboard HERE.

~ My facebook page HERE.

~ Feature at Elfshaming.com HERE.

That's it...feel free to stalk them...what goes around comes around right!??!?

~Audrey

I'm LINKING UP!
You can find TONS of inspiration by visiting these WEEKLY LINK PARTIES!
I always do...and I'm sharing this project with them NOW!

Monday
Making Mondays Marvelous hosted by C.R.A.F.T.

Made by you Monday hosted by Skip to My Lou
Monday Link Up Party hosted by Making the World Cute
Just Something I Whipped Up hosted by The Girl Creative
Market Yourself Monday hosted by Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Creative Me hosted by The Southern Institute

Tuesday
Get your Craft On Tuesday hosted by Today's Creative Blog
Take-A-Look Tuesday hosted by Sugar Bee Crafts
Show Me What Ya Got hosted by Not JUST a Housewife
Lil' Luna Link Party hosted by Lil' Luna

Wednesday

We’re Organized Wednesday @ Organize and decorate Everything
Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home 
We Did It @ Sew Much Ado 
Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Show off your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Show and Share @ Southern Lovely

Thursday
Strut your stuff @ Somewhat Simple
100 Ideas under $100 @ Beyond the Picket Fence
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage 
Tablescape Thursday @ BNOTP 
Hooking up with HoH @ House of Hepworths
 
Friday
Feature Yourself Friday hosted by Fingerprints on the Fridge
Friday Flair hosted by Whipperberry
Catch as Catch Can hosted by My Repurposed Life
Pin Me Linky Party @ Diana Rambles

Saturday
Saturday night special @ Funky Junk
Check me out Saturday @ A vision to remember
Saturday Is crafty day @ Along for the Ride
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Show and Tell @ Be Different Act Normal 
Your Great Idea Saturdays @ Or so she says 

Sunday
The Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Sundae Scoop at I {heart} naptime
Link Party on OINK! at Piggy Bank Parties
 
On-going

{Shenanigans} Elf on the Shelf: Part 2

Is it just me or are ELVES taking over the WORLD this Christmas!?!? Personally, I'm loving seeing all the shenanigans these little cuties are getting into! Plus...I feel like I have a built-in support group every time I get online...it's nice to know that I'm not alone in my ELF OBSESSION.

If you want to keep up (or catch-up) with our Elf Family check these links:

~ Details from our Magical Elf Party HERE!

~ 2011 Highlights HERE.

~ My Elf Idea Pinboard HERE.

~ My facebook page HERE.

~ Feature at Elfshaming.com HERE.

That's it...feel free to stalk them...what goes around comes around right!??!?

Now, here is a glimpse of the lives OUR Elves are leading :)

Mack & Miss Bliss sledding on an elf-sized Radio Flyer....and yes...they have matching scarves :)

Mack is in trouble! Looks like this posse of Trolls wants to reclaim their "Creepiest Doll Around" title.

Mack and Trixie made a surprise visit this summer! They took a little vacay from the North Pole to go camping in our backyard...with Santa's permission of course!

Mack & Trixie chillin' by the pool with elf-sized popsicles.

Our Elves always arrive just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. This year the kids helped make an elf-sized Thanksgiving feast...it was the perfect way to welcome them home for the holidays!

Close-up of the elf-sized turkey dinner :)

 

This year we adopted a new vintage GIRL Elf to add to our family!

After a little makeover we introduced Miss Bliss to Mack. It was LOVE at first sight!

Things got personal...real quick...but who doesn't like snuggling in a Christmas tree?

Now here's some REAL Elf Magic...one morning we came out to find these three little cuties had arrived!  My 4 year old said, "Look Mom! Mack & Miss Bliss DID fall in love...they had babies!" LOL!

Just hangin out...with the kids :)

 

The Mr. & Mrs. sharing a cupcake!

A SIDENOTE ABOUT OUR ELVES

I’ve had several inquiries already, so thought I’d share a little bit more about our Elf Family and how they came to us. These little Christmas Elves have been around for decades, a lot of you may have even had some decorating your house when you were younger. The original vintage Elves were made mostly in Japan starting in the 50s.  My Grandma had some of the vintage Elves that we’ve used for years and years. We also have one Elf on the Shelf. This year, I added SEVERAL more vintage Elves to our family, through online “adoptions” (i.e. auctions). So...we have a LOT of elves around here. We have our faves...the "main" ones who make the mischief and report to Santa.

Those of you who would like to add another Elf (or several) Elves to your family, 

here are some good places to look:

EBay and Etsy: search for “Knee Hugger Elf or Elves”

Hobby Lobby: I found all of the Elves that were in our adoption center at Hobby Lobby 

(before Halloween mind-you) in the Christmas decoration aisle. 

We added scarves to some, and bows to give them a little extra personality.

 Hope you enjoy!

~Audrey

I'm sharing this post here:

{Cake Ball ART} Frosty the Snowglobe!

I love this time of year for a lot of different reasons. One of which is the fact that there are SO many fun ideas floating around the web-o-sphere! Seriously, EVERY time I get online I find more projects to add to my To-Do list. I've been pinning like a lunatic...just....can't....stop!

Recently there have been some AWWWwwww-inspiring projects using jars that have had me totally swooning. Anders Ruff created some adorable EDIBLE Snowglobes as part of her recent Wintry Wonderland Dessert display {featured on Amy Atlas HERE}. I had an instant NEED to make a spin-off. I could just SEE a happy, little Cake Ball Snowman staring out at me and knew I had to make it happen.

So here he is! FROSTY THE SNOWGLOBE! Not to pat myself on the back...but seriously...EEeek...he's just too cute to eat (almost!)

I added a few swirly Christmas Trees to help set the scene, and then sprinkled the ground with glistening snow.

 There are SO many ways you could vary this concept to make it your own! This little guy is going to be a sweet centerpiece at a holiday party we're attending.

I didn't take step-by-step photos...honestly...I just kinda snuck this project in while I was working on orders. I had everything I used to make this around the house...with the exception of the clear plastic tray I used under the "globe". I picked a couple of those up in the plant section a few days ago.

If you want to make one here's what I used:
- a glass bowl us use as the globe (think fish or flower bowls...mine was about 6 inches in diameter)
-a tray to arrange the food scene on (I used a plant tray)
-a decorative platter or cake stand (or in my case both) to put the completed project on for display
-cake balls, rolled and ready to dip
-graham crackers (use these as the base for your snowman)
-ice cream cones (the "pointy" ones), dipped and sprinkled to create trees
-white chocolate for dipping
-black candy melt for the eyes/buttons/mouth
-brown edible marker for the arms
-crystal sanding sugar to decorate, assorted colors
-regular sugar to fill your base
-Skittles or M&Ms work great for the earmuffs :)

If you have any technical questions let me know! I hope this gives YOU some inspiration too!

Happy baking!
Audrey


I'm LINKING UP!
You can find TONS of inspiration by visiting these WEEKLY LINK PARTIES!
I always do...and I'm sharing this project with them NOW!

Monday
Making Mondays Marvelous hosted by C.R.A.F.T.
Made by you Monday hosted by Skip to My Lou
Monday Link Up Party hosted by Making the World Cute
Just Something I Whipped Up hosted by The Girl Creative
Market Yourself Monday hosted by Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Creative Me hosted by The Southern Institute

Tuesday
Get your Craft On Tuesday hosted by Today's Creative Blog
Take-A-Look Tuesday hosted by Sugar Bee Crafts
Show Me What Ya Got hosted by Not JUST a Housewife
Lil' Luna Link Party hosted by Lil' Luna

Wednesday

We’re Organized Wednesday @ Organize and decorate Everything
Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home 
We Did It @ Sew Much Ado 
Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Show off your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Show and Share @ Southern Lovely

Thursday
Strut your stuff @ Somewhat Simple
100 Ideas under $100 @ Beyond the Picket Fence
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage 

Tablescape Thursday @ BNOTP 
Hooking up with HoH @ House of Hepworths

Lovely Things Thursday @ Modern Modest Beauty 

Friday
Feature Yourself Friday hosted by Fingerprints on the Fridge
Friday Flair hosted by Whipperberry
Catch as Catch Can hosted by My Repurposed Life
Pin Me Linky Party @ Diana Rambles

Saturday
Saturday night special @ Funky Junk
Check me out Saturday @ A vision to remember
Saturday Is crafty day @ Along for the Ride
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Show and Tell @ Be Different Act Normal 
Your Great Idea Saturdays @ Or so she says

{GIVEAWAY} Magical Christmas Elf Party goodies!

Thank you ALL for the amazing feedback on our Magical Elf Party! Some of you think I’m nuts,
(I won’t argue there) but I also know a LOT of you enjoy your Elves as much as I do…well maybe not quite as much…but still, you can relate!

With that in-mind, I thought it would be fun to do a little GIVEAWAY featuring some of the GIFTS and GOODIES from our party!

  

Here’s what you’ll get:

Your very OWN Magical Christmas Elf (you provide the magic), if you already have one, I’m sure he/she needs a friend! I’m also including a felt Elf Scarf and a bow in case you want to give your Elf a little flair.

Mini Cake Pops and other goodies, created by Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats! 

An official Elf Adoption Certificate created by Anders Ruff Custom Designs.

A custom Ruffle Elf Stocking created by Puddin’ Pies.

Adorable miniatures, including a stocking, gingerbread man napkin and placement, from by Little Things By Anna.  Also included are these mini decorated sugar cookies, created by Emi’s Treats!

1 dz striped paper straws, assorted colors from Green Party Goods.

To ENTER  The DEADLINE to Enter this Giveaway is over :(

Mandatory: You’ll need to LIKE all the Facebook pages of the prize contributors! It’s the perfect way to get-to-know some amazing creators and support their businesses.

Extra Entry: Post a COMMENT on the party blog post HERE letting me know your favorite detail!

HERE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WINNER will be announced on Friday, December 7th, 2012!

The WINNER (selected by random.org) is Kimberley Allan Mulla! Congrats Kimberley and thank you ALL for playing :)

Good luck everyone and THANK-YOU !
~Audrey