ELF ON THE SHELF + WHY I DO IT
Do you party with the Elf on the Shelf? I got an Elf to keep our Christmas home festive in 2010 or 2011. I wanted to do something that would allow me to connect with my grandkids during the holiday season and I figured I could do silly settings with my elf and then post on social media so my kids could show my grandkids. It was a great way to share each day of the holiday season with them.
How do you Elf? Our elf is named Jacob E. Elf (the E stands for Edward and he was named by my then middle school daughter who was fascinated with Twilight). The name stands to this day, and he is the same Elf (although he’s come close to being lost several times). Jacob comes to Nana’s house (my house) on December 1 and stays until Christmas Eve. He does silly things every day and always gets caught in the act. When I know that my grandkids are going to be at the house, I have special treats or fun activities from the elf. The rest of the time, I just post one pic a day on social media and tag an adult who can share with my grandkids.
As I mentioned before, the elf always shows up on December 1. This year, he came in the mail! Only one of my grandkids has access to the social media where this was displayed so I aimed it toward him and his other Nana shared the posts with him daily.
I’m here! 
arrival of Jacob E Elf
The special treats and activities this year were done over one weekend when my grandson was up for a visit. He got the biggest kick out of it! The day he came to my house, I had a Pez dispenser left out for him and a stocking crocheted by the elf…he thought it was great! I left the Hobby Lobby price tag on the Pez and he was convinced the elf had hidden in my purse and bought the candy at the store! On Saturday morning, Jacob had put google eyes on my grandson’s school picture and he left some starburst and a pop it game. Sunday morning Jacob his 12 candy canes in the house and left a Hidden Pictures book. Such a great success for a 6 year old.
Jacob made himself a stocking! 
google eyes! 
hidden candy canes
The rest of the days of the month, I shared the silly activity photos of Jacob Elf making his presence known around my house. There was always something fun going on! Let’s take a look at his antics.
having hot cocoa 
don’t give these cookies to Santa! 
I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus! 
hiding in the forest 
have a holly jolly Christmas 
how did I end up with chicken chores? 
the golden arches 
blowing bubbles 
climbing the bow wall
selling fertilizer 
time for a snowball fight 
checkers with Maxwell 
zipline! 
fishing the day away 
special cookies 
has Maxwell been naughty or nice? 
Donut you wanna build a snowman? 
Snow Angels 
Christmas Eve….time to report to Santa 
just hanging around
So there you have it. The 2021 Christmas season with Jacob E. Elf (Jacob Elf) that I shared with my grandkids on social media. I think this is such a fun way to connect with them all through the season, and my grandson Zane was delighted to see what the elf was up to, and when I saw him he would go on and on about it. I love that he looks forward to it and it’s something I can do. Can’t wait to see what my elf gets into next Christmas!
xoxo
