I see it every year, and trust me I was that mom stressed trying to think of new hiding spots for our Elf on The Shelf. I was that mom that had to set a reminder on my phone to move it, I was on Pinterest trying to find cute and funny ideas what to have our elf get into. I see the posts on social media of moms cursing the arrival of these little things, the new ideas of the mischief their elves gets into.
But now I am on the other end and as the holiday season rolls around, our household embraces a this mischievous little tradition still. You might think this is best suited for wide-eyed youngsters, but here’s a little secret: our home even with two teenagers, we still participate in this festive ritual.
You might wonder, why keep up with this tradition in a household of teens? Let me share with you the magic it still brings to our family.
1. Preserving Childhood Innocence:
In a world where kids grow up way too fast, the Elf on the Shelf is a gentle reminder of the innocence and wonder of childhood. For my teens, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, back to when they believed in the magic without question. It’s a reminder that no matter how grown-up they get, there’s still a place for childhood joys in their lives.
2. Family Bonding and Shared Laughter:
Our elf, named Emory, still brings laughter and togetherness in our family.
3. Encouraging Creativity and Storytelling:
One of the most beautiful aspects of this tradition is how it sparks creativity. For myself now it doesn’t feel like a choir but more of being cretive. An idea is to now have your teens get creative and take turns hiding the elf, they can create elaborate scenarios for the elf. It’s become more than just positioning a doll; it’s storytelling.
4. A Stress Reliever During Exam Season:
December often brings the stress of exams and end-of-semester projects for teenagers. Emory’s antics provide a much-needed light-hearted break. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to take a moment to laugh and de-stress, even amid the busiest times.
5. Building Lasting Memories:
Years from now, when my teenagers are in college and have their own families, I hope they’ll look back at our Elf on the Shelf tradition with fondness. It’s not just about the elf; it’s about the memories we create together during these precious years.
6. Teaching the Spirit of Giving:
You can start a radition of acts of kidness. Have your elf leave notes suggesting small deeds of generosity or kindness – a reminder of the true spirit of the season. It’s a valuable lesson for teenagers, who are at a formative stage of developing their values and understanding the impact of their actions.
7. Embracing the Child Within:
Teenagers may be on the cusp of adulthood, but the joy and wonder of childhood should never be completely abandoned. Elf on the Shelf allows both parents and teenagers to tap into their inner child, reveling in the enchantment of the holiday season without the weight of adulthood’s responsibilities.
8. Adaptability and Personalization:
One of the reasons Elf on the Shelf remains relevant is its adaptability. The tradition can be tailored to suit the evolving interests and personalities of teenagers. Whether it’s incorporating pop culture references or aligning the elf’s antics with newfound hobbies, the possibilities are endless.
So, why do we still do Elf on the Shelf with two teenagers in the house? Simply put, it brings us joy, laughter, and a wonderful opportunity to bond. It’s a reminder that no matter your age, the spirit of Christmas and the joy of family traditions can always play a meaningful role in your life.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
