The Magic of Childhood :: Sending a Little Elf Love

It’s Almost Time

Halloween and Thanksgiving have had their days, so that means Christmas is right around the corner and in our house (and the houses of so many others) that means the return of The Elf on the Shelf. Let me get this out there, I love … yes, love …  our elves. Marty and Jingle are beloved members of our family and each year I cannot wait for their day after Thanksgiving arrival. Mistletoe Marty showed up on our mantle in December 2010 and returned the next year with Jingle Belle. Over the years they have brought their pets Sugar and Peppermint. Marty and Jingle help to make our holidays fun, we look forward to their elf antics and the joy they bring with them.

Adventures of Marty and Jingle

Marty and Jingle are fun little elves … they’ve been known to hide in the tree, bring cookies from Mrs. Clause, gift wrap the toilet, make underpants garland, and so much more. It’s always been exciting for my kids to wake up and see what the elves have done, where they’re hiding, or if they brought a little treat with them from Santa. Our elves have been found hiding in the car before road trips, and they even fashioned themselves a little carrying case so they could join us in Hawaii. When my youngest ended up in the hospital overnight following anaphylactic reaction, the elves showed up for a get well soon visit. Last Christmas, Santa permitted the kids to touch Marty and Jingle all day on Christmas Eve, so they came with us on our annual lobby hopping trip and saw the French Quarter.

Oh Those Elves

I know the elves are busy. You never know what they’re going to get into overnight, sometimes they aren’t great at cleaning up after themselves and leave more for us parents to take care of, but they are creating memories for your family. My kids are big now and the elves have taken a little step back as far as how extravagant their mischief is, although they do surprise us still, their presence is magical. All elves are different, some elves are over the top, some elves are cool moving spot to spot or sometimes they play a trick on the kids and don’t move at all. Our elves have even taken a special mission from Santa, they were gone for almost a week!

Thank You Elves

Thank you elves everywhere, thank you for adding magic to childhood. Childhood only lasts a little while and it seems to be magical for a shorter and shorter time these days. Kids are growing up too fast, and the magic is forgotten. In our house the magic will last, everyone believes, we will continue traditions, and our elves will come back every year (I hope). Even if they come and just sit and don’t move all season, I am glad they are here and so thankful for all the fun, magic, and memories they have brought with them over the years.

Nikki
Nikki was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she has lived in Seattle and Portland. After visiting New Orleans, she fell in love with the city, and she and her husband decided to take a chance and move from the PNW to NOLA. Nikki has two kids, Amaya (16) and Tyson (13), she and her husband Dave have been married for 16 years, they live on the Northshore. Nikki works full time as a NICU nurse. Nikki and her family have fully embraced the culture of New Orleans, while they live on the Northshore, they play in New Orleans as often as they can. As a member of New Orleans Mom, she hopes to bring the perspective of the veteran mom and life with big kids and teenagers.

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